Mechatronics Engineering Technology

The Certificate of Achievement in Mechatronics Engineering Technology prepares students to work in an engineering industry to design, create, build, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and enhance any electromechanical systems which use automation including robotics.  Students completing this program will be well versed in the principles of operation of integrated electronic, electrical, and mechanical components and systems through the use of computer controls.  This mastery will be accomplished by engaging the students in contextualized and experiential learning where the foundational principles in mechatronics engineering will be linked to concrete, real-world applications through practicums and industry internships.  To earn a Certificate of Achievement in Mechatronics Engineering Technology students must complete 26-29 specified units and will be encouraged to participate in a one semester paid or unpaid internship with a Moorpark College affiliated industry.

We are aiming towards offering a cohort type program of study as our proposed program is heavily focused on experiential and teamwork teaching and learning pedagogy. Due to this factor and the aforementioned narrative in regards to need and undersupply of qualified workers, we project to be able to recruit a cohort of 24 students every fall semester and have them complete the certificate requirements within 4 semesters.

Factors considered:

• Lack of similar programs in Moorpark College’s service area

• CA has one of the highest employment levels in this occupation according to BLS (see attachments 4 and 4a) a healthy job quotient of 1.27 and gainful employment of 1970, with an hourly mean wage of $32.13, and annual median income of $66,820 (also see attachment 10)

• At least one of the courses ENGT M02 is going to be accepted by Cal State Channel Islands in their Mechatronics program. Also, students completing this certificate program will be well versed in electrical and electronic engineering basics, and if they choose to pursue higher education they will be very well prepared

• Dual enrollment with high schools is possible with the first 2 courses in the pathway and trigonometry and Engineering Design/CAD course (ENGR M04)

The Mechatronics Engineering Technology program is aimed at creating an effective career pathway for the students in our community. There is a substantial need in Ventura County for such a career pathway as identified by the largest employer of the Ventura County, the Navy, and other industries in the area such as Skyworks, Skurka, Aerovironment, Haas Automation, JSL Industries, etc. This certificate program could serve as a gateway to high-skill and high-wage jobs for our new students, returning students, or the adult members of our community who might be seeking a career change or those who are already working in the engineering industry but would benefit from obtaining a more formal education. Furthermore, the knowledge and experience gained from this certificate program will definitely benefit those students who decide to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering. By completing this program, students will have a firm knowledge of how to apply the learned principles of engineering to real world-applications, and this proficiency will surely heighten the confidence and motivation of some students to aim for a higher education in the field of engineering.

Career Opportunities

 A Certificate of Achievement in Mechatronics Engineering Technology may lead to a broad range of employment opportunities in at least 22 different sectors of industry as noted by Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) System. Some examples cross government and private sectors include:

- Manufacturing

- Scientific research and development

- Motor vehicle parts

- Navigational measuring, electromedical, measuring and controls

- and many others (see Attachments 10 and 11 and 4a)

The median salary for Mechatronics Engineering Technicians spans the range from a minimum of $48,060 in Communications equipment manufacturing to a maximum of $91,510 in Electric Power Generation. But in the State of California, the salary range in Mechatronics and Electromechanical

Technician jobs spans from a low of $39,360 to a high of $104,010 annually.

Also, according to the Center of Excellence Report the Occupation, description, and sample job titles for SOC Code: 17-3024 = Electro-Mechanical Technicians are as follows:

Description:

Operate, test, maintain, or calibrate unmanned, automated, servo-mechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment at worksites, such as oil rigs, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

Sample Jobs:

Electro-Mechanic, Electro-Mechanical Technician (E/M Technician), Electronic Technician, Engineering Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician), Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Technician, Product Test Specialist, Test Technician, Tester

Income:

Entry-Level Hourly Earnings: $22.51

Median Hourly Earnings: $31.73

Experienced Hourly Earnings: $44.29

With Job Postings, Full Year 2019 = 170

The Certificate of Achievement in Mechatronics Engineering Technology prepares students to work in an engineering industry to design, create, build, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and enhance any electromechanical systems which use automation including robotics.  Students completing this program will be well versed in the principles of operation of integrated electronic, electrical, and mechanical components and systems through the use of computer controls.  This mastery will be accomplished by engaging the students in contextualized and experiential learning where the foundational principles in mechatronics engineering will be linked to concrete, real-world applications through practicums and industry internships.  To earn a Certificate of Achievement in Mechatronics Engineering Technology students must complete 26-29 specified units and will be encouraged to participate in a one semester paid or unpaid internship with a Moorpark College affiliated industry.