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Advanced Manufacturing & Skilled Trades >> Mechatronics Fundamentals
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The term “mechatronics” is used in advanced manufacturing with regard to the electronic control of mechanical/hydraulic/pneumatic systems. We are excited to offer this new program to allow students to gain entry into this exciting and well-paying field. This new FastForward Mechatronics Fundamentals Program will serve as an integrated on-ramp for the VWCC Mechatronics AAS degree, a highly successful advanced manufacturing program in our region.

This program offers a series of 7 courses to prepare workers for an advanced manufacturing environment in entry level jobs such as Electromechanical Technician, Production Technician or Industrial Maintenance Technician.

Level I courses include: Electricity (AC/DC and Multimeters), Precision Measuring, Mechanical Systems, Torque, Fluid Power (Pneumatics and Hydraulics) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) & Sensors, and Robotics.

This skill set is highly sought after in our region, with 1,570 unique job postings and a median advertised salary of $47.7K, ranging from $20K to $120K (Source: EMSI, Jan 2019 – May 2020, including all experience levels).

Pre- and co-requisites: • Electricity is a prerequisite for Fluid Power, PLCs & Sensors and the Robotics classes. • For Robotics, you must take Electricity first; and Fluid Power, Torque, and PLCs & Sensors must be taken prior or as co-requisites.