Mechatronics Technician

Mechatronics Technicians have electrical and mechanical skill sets and therefore are high-value employees with job duties critically important to a company. MTs are highly involved with maintaining high-tech machines such as robots, CNC machining, factory automation equipment and a range of complex platform. Mechatronics skills will be in high demand for most Industry 4.0 careers.

up to ~6,000 hours of On-the-Job Training

550 Hours of Related Technical Instruction in:
Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Programming (PLCs), Automation, Robotics, Control Systems, CAD Electives.

Credentials Earned:

Journeyman papers by the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry (issued by the GACC Pittsburgh Chapter)
Mechatronics Technician Certificate - Partnering Community College
Associates degree - Partnering Community College
German Apprenticeship Certificate - DIHK

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last updated Oct 16, 2023

Overview

Advanced technology is rapidly becoming integrated into manufacturing systems in Western Pennsylvania and the United States. Today's facilities are not only computerized - many are interconnected to other plants and factories around the globe, and are expected to respond in near-real time to fluctuations in supply chain and logistics. While strong mechanical and electrical skills are still valued, employers have reported critical demand for technicians who have experience with artificial intelligence, data analytics, the Internet of Things and cyber-physical systems.

Mechatronics technicians apply their knowledge of engineering to solve technical problems and maintain automated mechanical equipment. This may entail installing, inspecting, troubleshooting and repairing electrical, electronic and mechanical components.

Curriculum

Basic Electrical & Their Components

Install electrical sub-assemblies and components.
Motor Control

Build and test control systems.
Wiring

Test and adjust the functioning of mechatronics systems.
Power Distribution

Measure and test electrical values.
Hydraulics

Test and adjust the functioning of mechatronics systems.
Pneumatics

Convert energy into mechanical motion.
Robotics

Maintain and program robotic systems on the production floor.

FAQs

Process mechanical parts
Assemble sub-assemblies and components into mechatronics system
Install electrical sub-assemblies and components
Troubleshooting
Measure and test electrical values
Install and test hardware and software components
Build and test control systems
Program and maintain mechatronics systems
Assemble sub-assemblies and components into machines and systems
Assemble and dismantle machinery, systems and plants, transport and secure
Test and adjust the functioning of mechatronics systems
Commission and operate mechatronics systems
Hand over plants, instruct users in their operation and provide services
Maintain and program robotic systems on the production floor

Due to their wide range of skills, Mechatronics Technicians are needed in a multitude of industries, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture and aerospace.

GACC Pittsburgh Chapter works closely with the community colleges, career and technical centers and other credentialing institutions in the areas closest to where our apprentices live or work. The education partner awards academic credit for completion of instructions that may be delivered in a classroom on a community college campus or online either synchronously or asynchronously.

Apprentices will attend community college courses that are integrated with the On the Job training. The core courses include a 30-35 credit certification, with courses in Electricity, Mechanics, Motor Controls, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Robotics, Programming Logic Controls (PLCs), Power Distribution. The Associate’s Degree will continue with advanced courses in these areas with the ability to specialize for a variety of industries and careers. Depending on the community college, the Certification and Associates Degree program can be found under Mechatronics, Robotics Technician, or Applied Technology.

Additional certification that is provided during the pre-apprenticeship program and/or during the apprenticeship program’s curriculum may be delivered in a classroom format or online over a robust enterprise platform that enables 24/7 access to training content and tracks skill gain against competency models. The curriculum includes classes in basic electrical and their components, motor control, wiring, power distribution, hydraulics, pneumatics and robotics. For example, in Mechatronics Industrial Processes, apprentices learn how engineering materials are gathered and processed for use. The course covers principles of production planning, inventory management and the operating and troubleshooting of industrial equipment. Students who successfully pass the course will sit for the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council's (MSSC) Processes and Production and Maintenance Awareness exams towards achievement of the Certified Production Technician (CPT) credential.

GACC Pittsburgh Chapter Turbine Workforce course catalog view

Think conceptually and logically
Program PLCs by utilizing technical charts and troubleshoot errors
Effectively plan and verify work processes while checking and evaluating results

Upon completion the Mechatronics Technician Apprentices receive:

Journeyman papers by the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry (issued by the GACC Pittsburgh Chapter)
Mechatronics Technician Certificate from a partnering community college
Associates degree from a partnering community college
Apprenticeship Certificate from the DIHK