Industrial Technology

industrial technology

REQUIREMENTS | OUTCOMES

A ten-item questionnaire was designed to obtain information from graduates pertaining to their experience in the Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology program. Four questions collected demographic data such as employer, job title, salary, and specialized training. A six question, Likert Scale, was used to obtain graduates attitudes and opinions.

  • Overall, 88% of respondents indicated the Industrial Technology degree program at Clarion University prepared them to be successful, either indicating they agreed or strongly agreed. 
  • 100% of 2015-2018 AAS-IT graduates that responded are employed.
  • 89% of 2015-2018 AAS-IT graduates that responded are currently working in their field.
  • 78% of 2015-2018 AAS-IT annual salaries of graduates that responded are $30,000 and above. 33% earning $50,000 or greater.

utility lineman

ELECTRIC UTILITY LINEMAN 

GLOBAL POWER LINE ACADEMY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

You will complete two full-time semesters of coursework in general and business education at Venango campus in Oil City, Pa. Technical training will be completed during a 12-week summer session at the Blue Knob All Seasons Resort in Claysburg, PA.

Training:

At the Global Power Line Academy you will learn:

  • Climbing wood poles and pole top rescue
  • Electric utility rigging
  • Electrical theory
  • Grounding for personal protection
  • Digger derrick training
  • Power line construction, IOU & REC standards
  • Proper cover-up methods (rubber glove & hot Stick)
  • CPR/First Aid
  • OSHA – electrical safety & PPE
  • Industrial safety management
  • Management theory and practice
  • Quality management
  • Communication skills

Selection:

You must pass a driving and criminal background screening, obtain a CDL physical and technical capabilities assessment, and meet the requirements necessary to obtain a CDL license.

Housing:

Housing is available at Venango campus during the completion of your academic coursework. Lodging during technical training is arranged through Blue Knob Ski Resort prior to your technical training, with both single and double rooms available.

Watch live class
Required Equipment: 
You will be required to purchase equipment on/before the first day of classes:  You can obtain these in advance, or purchase from Bashlin Industries during the orientation (approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of the technical program).  The cost of tools is approximately $1000. 

 cnc machinist

CNC/MACHINIST TECHNICIAN 

ERIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have radically changed the manufacturing industry. Curves are as easy to cut as straight lines, complex 3-D structures are relatively easy to produce, and the number of steps that require human action have been considerably reduced.

Get your hands on drill presses, mills, lathes, and grinders, then advance to CNC milling and CNC turning. You will learn to efficiently set up and run CNC machines.  Be capable of controlling the three axes of lathes and mills through Computer Numerical Control programs.  Problem solving skills, troubleshooting techniques, and use of engineering materials and processes learned at EIT will enable you to take your place in tomorrow's industry.

What is a CNC Machinist?

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines are employed in most modern-day machinist shops and mass production facilities to increase accuracy and efficiency when forming metal parts. A CNC machinist is specially trained to program, operate, and maintain such equipment. He or she uses expert knowledge to set up machines that are capable of cutting, bending, forming, and polishing raw metal into finished parts and tools. Professionals read and interpret blueprints, input data into a computer system, and inspect the accuracy of a machine's operation. Machinists are responsible for making careful adjustments and performing maintenance on delicate parts.

Employment Opportunities

Employers are expected to continue to have difficulty finding computer-controlled machine tool operators and numerical tool and process control programmers with the necessary skills and knowledge.  Technology is not expected to affect the employment of machinists as significantly as that of most other production occupations, because machinists monitor and maintain many automated systems. Due to modern production techniques, employers prefer workers, such as machinists, who have a wide range of skills and are capable of performing almost any task in a machine shop.

Job Outlook

Employment of computer controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic is expected to increase by 7 percent, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The increasing use of CNC machine tools in all sectors of the manufacturing industry, replacing older mechanical metal and plastic working machines, will increase demand for computer-controlled machine tool operators.
-Bureau of Labor & Statistics National Projections for 2008-2018

Curriculum Highlights

  • Blue Print Reading
  • Practical Dimensional Inspection
  • OSHA Safety Standards
  • CNC Mill & Lathe
  • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing

 

CNC OPERATOR

PRECISION MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

This program will enable you to gain theory, application and practice of setup and operation of 2-axis CNC lathes and 3-axis CNC mills and be able to read and edit relating CNC program. You will gain fundamental theories of manual applications in drilling operations, turning and milling and build upon these principles to become proficient in setup and operation of CNC lathes and mills. 

What is a CNC Operator?

A CNC operator readies equipment to perform the necessary work. They download programs, place the required tools and metal or plastic that is to be shaped into the machine, and perform a test run. Once any problems are detected and modified, the operator will run the needed amount of product. The CNC operators, some who also have programming experience, continue to look for any problems. These can be detected by hearing too much vibration in the cutting tools, which cause errors and diminish product quality. The CNC operators also check to see that the metal or plastic, called the workpiece, is adequately lubricated and cooled. One operator may watch several machines at a time, depending on the complexity of the work that needs to be performed.

Employment Opportunities

Opportunities include but are not limited to:

  • CNC operators
  • CNC programmer
  •  Machinist apprentice
  • or entry-level manufacturing engineers

Curriculum Highlights:

  • Blueprint reading
  • Inspection principles
  • Technical math
  • Machining fundamentals
  • CNC setups & operations 

 

ELECTRIC ARC WELDING

PRECISION MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

The Electric Arc Welding program provides you with the theoretical knowledge and practical application necessary to adjoin similar and dissimilar metals and perform a variety of other welding associated tasks commonly found in the metals fabrication industry. This program will equip the student with the entry-level fundamental knowledge and skill for entry into the welding and fabrication field.

Courses include:

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW I)
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW II)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) 
  • Pipe Welding (GTAW)

What is Electrical Arc Welding?

Electrical arc welding is a  process utilizing the concentrated heat of an electric arc to join metal by fusion of the parent metal and the addition of metal to the joint usually provided by a consumable electrode. Electric current for the welding arc may be either direct or alternating, depending upon the material to be welded and the characteristics of the electrode used. Electrical Welding is less complicated than the intricate processes of conventional welding.

 

MECHATRONICS TECHNOLOGY

PRECISION MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

roboThis program will provide you with entry-level competencies for the electrical, mechanical and automation industries. You will learn industrial three-phase and single-phase electrical systems, motor control, and develop troubleshooting and repair skills in industrial electrical machining and hydraulic systems. Upon completion you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of CNC machining, programmable logic controllers, robotic programming and fluid power systems. You will also learn the basic safety principles for industrial equipment.

What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics is centered on the disciplines of mechanics, electronics, controls and computers which, combined, make possible the generation of simpler, more economical, reliable and versatile commercial and industrial products.  Industrial applications are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary requiring engineers and technicians to develop skills in a variety of disciplines including mechanics, electronics, computer science, and automation.  Mechatronic systems exist in almost every science, mechanical or industrial field. Many existing jobs will soon require Mechatronics skills and problem solving abilities.

Employment Opportunities

Possible occupations include entry-level:

  • Industrial Electrician
  • Industrial Maintenance and Machine Repair
  • Electrical/Hydraulic Technician 
  • Careers in the automation and robotics industry

Job Outlook

Employment of industrial machinery mechanics and millwrights is  expected to grow 6 percent from 2008 to 2018.  The increased use of machinery in  manufacturing will require more millwrights to install this equipment  and more mechanics and maintenance workers to keep it in good working  order.
- Bureau of Labor & Statistics National  Projections for 2008-2018

Curriculum Highlights

  • Inspection Principles
  • Machine Technology
  • Industrial Safety
  • Control Wiring
  • AC/DC Applications
  • Mechanical Drive Systems
  • Fluid Power Technology
  • Robot Operations and Programming
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Electromechanical Robot Maintenance
  • Applied Software for Mechatronics
  • Preventative Maintenance Applications
  • Automation Applications

 

COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING & DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

TRIANGLE TECH (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

This technical concentration provides you with the skills to take an architect's concept and turn it into the kind of precise drawings that builders use for constructions, using advanced computer-aided drafting and design systems.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are trained to be proficient entry-level:

  • drafters
  • CADD operators
  • estimators
  • specification writers
  • model builders
  • technical sales persons 
  • other technician positions related to drafting

Job Outlook

Employment of drafters is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2006 and 2016. Industrial growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes will increase the demand for drafting services. Furthermore, drafters are beginning to break out of the traditional drafting role and do work traditionally performed by engineers and architects, also increasing demand. Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least two years of post-secondary training in drafting and considerable skill and experience using computer-aided design and drafting systems.
-Bureau of Labor & Statistics National  Projections for 2008-2018

Curriculum Highlights

  • Drafting Fundamentals and Projection Drawings
  • Residential Architectural Design
  • Architectural Drafting
  • Residential Engineering
  • Commercial Building Design
  • Auto CAD
  • Microstation
  • Advanced CADD Application
  • Computer Applications Mechanical and Electrical Systems Topography
  • Piping Drawings
  • Structural Steel Design
  • Specification Writing
  • Cost Estimating

 

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

TRIANGLE TECH (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

The technical curriculum of this program will take place at Triangle Tech in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois, Sunbury, or Bethlehem, Pa.

There is something very satisfying about using tools and the skills of your hands to turn raw lumber into homes and businesses. Your first day on the site, there's just a foundation in the ground. When you pack up your tools at the end of each day, you can see your contribution toward a home or building.

You will learn modern construction methods along with age-old traditions of craftsmanship. You will be prepared for a great career and a bright future, with the educational background to move into management positions.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment as entry-level carpentry and construction technicians, working in residential or commercial construction.

Job Outlook

Construction maintains the most consistent job growth. About 64 percent of wage and salary jobs in construction are in the specialty trades, primarily plumbing, heating, and air conditioning; electrical; and masonry. Around 24 percent of jobs are in residential and nonresidential construction. 
- Bureau of Labor & Statistics National Projections for 2006-2016.

 Curriculum Highlights

  • Tools and Safety
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Construction Sitework
  • Floor Framing
  • Wall Framing
  • Roof Framing
  • Drywall Installation and Finish
  • Interior Millwork
  • Cost Estimating
  • Construction Contracts
  • Construction Remodeling
  • Cabinet Making
  • Related Trades
  • Stair Construction
  • Exterior Finishes
  • Roofing Techniques

 

ELECTRICITY - MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION

TRIANGLE TECH (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

The technical curriculum of this program will take place at Triangle Tech in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois, Sunbury, or Bethlehem, Pa.

Imagine being one of the highly skilled electricians who keep the power on. Tracking down and fixing problems that develop in modern electrical equipment, working together with other professionals to make sure our power systems work together seamlessly to keep our cities and industries running.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment as maintenance electricians and construction electricians. Major emphasis is placed on developing your ability to trouble-shoot, cost estimate and to coordinate work with tradespeople in related fields.

Job Outlook

Job prospects should be very good, particularly for workers with the widest range of skills. Employment of electricians should increase 7 percent between 2006 and 2016. As the population and economy grow, more electricians will be needed to install and maintain electrical devices and wiring in homes, factories, offices, and other structures. An increase in power plant construction over the next ten years will require many additional electricians. New technologies also are expected to continue to spur demand for these workers.
-Bureau of Labor & Statistics National Projections for 2006-2016

Curriculum Highlights

  • Residential Wiring
  • Residential Construction Design
  • Electrical Services Installation
  • Power Transformers
  • Power Distribution
  • Motor Controls
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Industrial Controls
  • Computer Applications
  • Power Generators
  • Electric Lighting
  • Three Phase Motors
  • AC/DC Motors
  • Cost Estimating
  • Conduit Installation
  • Low Voltage Wiring

 

REFRIGERATION, HEATING, VENTILATION &  AIR CONDITIONING

TRIANGLE TECH (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)
ERIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

You can select to take your technical curriculum of this program at  Erie Institute of Technology in Erie, Pa, or Triangle Tech in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois, Sunbury, or Bethlehem, Pa.   

During your technical training, you will learn how to install, adjust, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair residential and commercial refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment for proper operation and efficiency.  You will gain skills in installing RHVAC units, including electronic and mechanical components; ductwork installation, including flexible tubing and sheet metal; installation and repair of fuel and water supply lines; installation and recycling of refrigerants; installation and repair of electrical connections to RHVAC components; and the installation and repair of RHVAC system automation components.

You will need to be a highly skilled professional to operate and maintain today's environmental controls and refrigeration systems. You will learn the theory behind these sophisticated systems, and get plenty of hands-on experience.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment as RHVAC technicians working in both residential and commercial applications, along with RHVAC engineers, architects, and project managers.

  • HVAC Contractors
  • Service & Repair Centers
  • Independent Contractors

Job Outlook

Employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase 28 percent during the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the population and stock of buildings grows, so does the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. Residential HVACR systems generally need replacement after 10 to 15 years; the large number of homes built in recent years will enter this replacement timeframe by 2018. The increased complexity of HVACR systems, which increases the possibility that equipment may malfunction, also will create opportunities for service technicians. A growing focus on improving indoor air quality and the increasing use of refrigerated equipment by a rising number of stores and gasoline stations that sell food should also create more jobs for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration technicians.
-Bureau of Labor & Statistics National Projections for 2008-2018

Curriculum Highlights

  • Refrigeration Theory
  • Residential Refrigeration
  • Electricity and Electronics
  • Commercial Refrigeration
  • Refrigeration Troubleshooting
  • Heating Systems
  • Ventilation Systems
  • Air Conditioning
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Pneumatic Controls
  • Cost Estimating
  • Digital Electronics
  • Sheet Metal Fabrication
  • Environmental Controls
  • Transport Refrigeration
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Direct Digital Controls

 

WELDING & FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY

ERIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)
TRIANGLE TECH (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

Employers desperately need trained welders. That's because they know their products and structures are only as good as the welds and the welders who produce them — highly skilled men and women with the satisfaction of knowing that their welds literally hold America together.

You can become one of these highly-sought professionals. You will learn to weld all types of metals, and you'll learn many modern, sophisticated techniques along with related skills, such as how to read drawings, shop detailing, fitting and layout.

It's hard work, but when you graduate, you'll have your welder's certifications (AWS and ASME), the skills you need to get a great job, just about anywhere you want to go — with the associate degree that will give you the ability to more up the ladder into a management position or the educational foundation to start your own business.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment as welding technicians in light or heavy welding as well as related trades. Students have completed the A.W.S. certification exam for plate and structural welds, and the A.S.M.E. certification exam for pipe fitting and piping systems prior to graduation.

Job Outlook

Employment of welding, soldering, and brazing workers is expected to grow about 5 percent over the 2006-16 decade. The basic skills of welding are the same across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another depending on where they are needed most. Job prospects should be excellent as employers report difficulty finding qualified workers as well as retirement and growth in the oil and gas industry.
-Bureau of Labor & Statistics National Projections for 2006-2016

Curriculum Highlights

  • Arc Welding Processes
  • Fuel Gas Processes
  • AWS Welding codes
  • Metallurgy
  • Blueprint Reading
  • TIG Welding
  • MIG Welding
  • Metal Surfacing
  • Structural Steel Weld Certification
  • Pipe Weld Certification
  • Computer Applications
  • Pipe Welding
  • Pipe Fitting
  • Weld Inspection
  • Piping Systems
  • Metal Identification
  • Structural Steel Layout
  • Steel Fabrication

 

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN

ERIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER)

Medical equipment repairers, also known as biomedical equipment technicians, maintain, adjust, calibrate, and repair a wide variety of electronic, electromechanical, and hydraulic equipment used in hospitals and other medical environments, including health practitioners' offices.  They may work on patient monitors, defibrillators, medical imaging equipment (x-rays, CAT scanners, and ultrasound equipment), voice-controlled operating tables, and electric wheelchairs, as well as other sophisticated dental, optometric, and ophthalmic equipment.  The technical curriculum of this program is offered at Erie Institute of Technology in Erie, Pa.

  

ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

ERIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER) 

This program will prepare you for entry assignments in the electronic engineering field. The in-depth science and mathematics is sufficient to qualify graduates for entry-level engineering technician positions in field service, research and development, broadcast, and other associated engineering functions.

Employment Opportunities

  • Electronic Technician
  • Electronic Test Technician
  • Customer Service Technician
  • Cable Television Technician
  • Communications Technician
  • Electronic Equipment Repairer
  • Electronic Equipment Installer
  • Production Test Technician

Job Outlook

Job opportunities will be best for applicants with an associate degree, certification, or related experience. Knowledge of electrical equipment and electronics is necessary for employment and professional certification often is required.

Curriculum Highlights

  • DC, AC, Active Components
  • Circuit Design
  • Digital Principles
  • Microprocessors
  • Industrial Electronics
  • Algebra for Electronics
  • Advanced Algebra
  • Trig. for Electronics
  • Computer Networking
  • Computer Programming
  • Electronic Drafting
  • Communication Circuits

Certifications

The Computer and Engineering Technology Program will prepare you for electronics certification exams offered by ISCET (International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians) and ETA (Electronics Technicians Association). Holders of the ISCET and ETA certifications possess knowledge in electronics industry standards, troubleshooting techniques, test equipment and installation procedures.

 

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN

ERIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER) 

Electronic devices make our high-tech world possible. However, the level of technical expertise needed to install, troubleshoot, and maintain this equipment has increased beyond the scope of the average individual.

If you are the kind of person who loves hooking things up or fixing things, the Electronics Technician Program will give you the background you need for electronic installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance. With the core of basic theory, as well as analog and digital devices, the program also paves the way for other specialized electronics training at EIT: You could go on to specialize in biomedical equipment technology, or industrial automation and robotics technology.

Employment Opportunities

  • Electronic Technician
  • Electronic Test Technician
  • Customer Service Technician
  • Cable Television Technician
  • Communications Technician
  • Electronic Equipment Repairer
  • Electronic Equipment Installer
  • Production Test Technician

Job Outlook

Job opportunities should be best for applicants with an associate degree in electronics, certification, and related experience. In addition to employment growth, the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force will result in some job openings.

Experienced repairers with advanced training may become specialists or troubleshooters who assist other repairers diagnose difficult problems. Workers with leadership skills may become supervisors of other repairers. Some experienced electrical workers open their own repair shops.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Electronic Installation
  • Troubleshooting
  • Repair & Maintenance
  • Basic Theory
  • Analog & Digital Devices

 

INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE AND MECHATRONICS

ERIE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (TECHNICAL EDUCATION PARTNER) 

This program will prepare you for entry-level positions such as Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Technician, Building Maintenance Technician, and Plant Engineering Assistant.

You will gain the expertise that is used in making sure buildings—all types of buildings—are properly maintained.  Computerized controls may do a lot of the work in maintaining proper temperature, humidity, light, security, access and general monitoring of the functioning building. But, you'll be needed for maintenance analysis and diagnosis, troubleshooting electrical and plumbing applications, hydraulics, pneumatics, industrial air conditioning, and building systems. Plus you'll learn the OSHA and National Electric Codes and train for your refrigeration certification.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates will be able to obtain entry-level positions as maintenance mechanics, maintenance technicians, building maintenance technicians, and plant engineering assistants.

Curriculum Highlights

  • OSHA Safety Standards
  • Hydraulics & Pneumatics
  • Industrial Materials & Processes
  • Electric Motor Control
  • AC/DC Theory
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Maintenance Plumbing
  • Industrial Air Conditioning
Last Updated 3/4/20