Expanded options in Industrial Electronics
July 25, 2017
LBW Community College has new options in the industrial electronics program, enhancing learning opportunities for students and employment opportunities for graduates.
“In addition to a short certificate, this program is now offering two degree options,” said Tammye Merida, LBWCC associate dean of applied technologies. “Starting fall semester, students can choose the industrial systems option or the electromechanical option.”
In the industrial systems option, students will learn about electrical systems including PLCs, motor controls, and construction wiring. The electromechanical option will include courses for industrial equipment including environmental control systems, chain and belt drive systems, and pumps and piping systems.
“Both options include core studies of basic electrical theory and related hands-on lab activities, including new robotics courses,” she said. “Students will be trained and certified in robotics using the new robot we purchased through U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant funds.”
Also purchased for enhanced training are chain and belt drive trainers, shaft alignment trainers and tools, commercial fire alarms, and new lab stations for commercial and residential wiring labs, she added.
Job opportunities in these fields include industrial manufacturing technicians, service technicians, and industrial mechanics.
“The job opportunities cover a broad area of almost anything involved with electricity and communication systems to industrial mechanical operations. Students who choose to complete both options are in high demand as they are prepared for a range of skills in a short period of time. Many companies look for multi-skilled technicians to be more versatile for company needs.”
A short certificate is also available in the program, which is completely transferrable to the degree options, said Merida.
“The short certificate consists of basic electrical theory courses and hands-on activities to provide for students who need to go to work quickly. If the student decides to further their training at a later time, the classes in the short certificate transfer to the degree options.”
Short certificate earners qualify for employment as electrical or technician helpers, she said.
“The short certificate is also a career path for dual enrollment students to obtain a certificate, which will be valuable if they choose to enter the workforce immediately after graduating high school. Those earning the short certificate will have the opportunity to take the Electronics Technicians Association’s Direct Current and Alternating Current certification exams.”
The industrial electronics program is one of the career technical training programs offered at LBWCC in Opp. For more information on the expanded options, call Allen Teel, LBWCC advanced manufacturing division chair and industrial electronics instructor, at 334-493-5388.
