CLC launches mechatronics technician certificate classes in January 2013
Vivian Sandoval works on a robotics project, which is one part of the new certificate in Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics..
Want to learn about robotics and other cool stuff? In one year of full-time study, you can become a mechatronics technician, qualified to install, maintain, modify and repair automated, “intelligent” machinery used in manufacturing.
With funding from a U.S. Department of Labor grant, the College of Lake County has developed a new “mechatronics” technician certificate and will begin offering classes in the program in the Spring 2013 Semester. A series of information sessions will be held to explain this high-tech new career program. The following info sessions will take place on the Grayslake campus. Check this website for updates: http://www.clcillinois.edu/depts/egrdv/infoSessions.asp
CLC’s new program was developed with funding from a grant awarded to the National STEM Consortium (NSC) and 10 leading community colleges in nine states under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) grant program. The goal of the grant was to develop certificate-level programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that could be implemented nationwide to meet critical labor market needs.
As one of the 10 community colleges involved in the grant, CLC developed the mechatronics technician certificate. Initially, the program will be geared toward TAA-eligible students, but it is also open to others who want to upgrade their skills to work in high-tech automated industries. The certificate will prepare people for positions such as mechatronics technician, electrical and electronics repairer; commercial and industrial equipment, maintenance and repair workers; machinery maintenance workers; electronics engineering technicians; electro-mechanical technicians; robotics technicians; mechanical engineering technicians; and electrical and electronic equipment assemblers.
According to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, 30,000 production workers are needed per year in Illinois for the next ten years. CLC’s mechatronics certificate will help Illinois residents train for these high-tech jobs.
At the end of the year-long certificate, students will be eligible to take exams for the Siemens Level 1 certification, the MSSC Certified Production Technician certification, Work Keys certification and the Solid Works Associate certification.
For more information on the mechatronics program, contact Ted Stefaniak at tstefaniak@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2000 x31642. Or contact Margie Porter at margieporter@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2904.
In spring 2013, CLC will offer classes in intro to high tech manufacturing, mechanical systems, electrical systems and manufacturing processes. In summer 2013, hydraulics and pneumatics will be offered, and robotic design and construction, automation and the capstone course will be offered in fall 2013. CLC courses in the certificate program have an ARM (Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics) prefix.
Updated 2/18/2013
