Starting this fall at A-B Tech, a Mechatronics Engineering Technology program will prepare graduates for employment in work in automation, robotics, facility maintenance, and other advanced manufacturing jobs.
“This is a combination of mechanical and electrical skills,” said Kevin Kiser, Computer Integrated Machining Chair. “It is a broad technical degree where students have to use a variety of skills. They take classes in fluid power, instrumentation, motors and controls, automation, robotic programming, plant safety, welding, cad/cam, machining, and programmable logic controller programming.”
The students use basic engineering principles and technical skills in developing and testing automated, servo-mechanical, and other electromechanical systems. A-B Tech offers a two-year associate degree with shorter term diploma and certificate options.
Entry level positions in the field have been starting at upwards at $30 an hour in the region. “There are far more open positions in this area for this skill set than we have graduates from similar programs, it is a highly-sought after technical skill set that can launch a high-quality career,” Kiser said. In addition to electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians, positions can include industrial engineering technician, quality technicians, and productions technicians.
Fall classes start August 23. Students are eligible for the Trailblazer Promise that funds tuition, fees, and books. For more information on the degree, visit abtech.edu/mechatronics