Electromechanical technician.

Reese, Susan

ELECTROMEHANICAL TECHNICIANS INSTALL, TEST, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN ELECTRONIC, ELECTRICAL, mechanical or integrated systems and equipment in industrial settings. Working with electrical and mechanical engineers, their duties may include reading blueprints and schematics, measuring to ensure specifications are met, and analyzing and recording test results. They use metalworking machinery to make parts such as housings and fittings. Electromechanical technicians install, calibrate and repair electronic and computer-controlled mechanical equipment, hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies, and even robotic equipment.

The Workplace

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that most electromechanical technicians work for larger manufacturing companies or engineering firms. Manufacturing employers include machinery, electromedical instruments, control instruments, and navigational and measuring instruments, as well as semi-conductor and other electronic component manufacturing.

Education

Electromechanical technicians require knowledge and skills in mechanical, electronic, control and computer systems; therefore, they usually need some postsecondary education--through either an associate degree or certificate program. These are offered at a number of community colleges and career and technical schools across the country.

Earnings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2014, the median annual wage for electromechanical technicians was $53,070, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $82,700.

Job Outlook

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that because electromechanical technicians are "generalists in technology" they have a broad skill set that will help sustain employment, especially as machines wired to computer control systems become more important in manufacturing. Other factors contributing to jobs for electromechanical technicians include increasing demands for engineers to design and build new equipment in areas like automated processes and renewable energies.

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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

CENTRAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER

CENTRAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER, WHICH IS PART OF THE OKLAHOMA CAREERTECH SYSTEM, SERVES more than 30,000 students at its campuses in Drumright and Sapulpa. In addition to offering more than 150 full-time and short-term classes, with certifications and licensures available in most areas of study, the center also provides customized business and industry training to more than 500 area businesses. Central Tech is proud of its high ranking in job placement for graduates--93 percent placement for students entering the workforce or continuing their education--as well as its Gold Star School of Excellence Award in technology education, which it has received since its inception, now totaling 25 consecutive years. The school, which is also a part of the Southern Regional Education Board Technology Centers That Work network, celebrated its 45th anniversary in February 2015.

As is typical of a technology center that is part of the Oklahoma career tech system, Central Tech recognizes industry trends, as well as the needs of business and industry in the state, and adapts its training to meet those needs. The school's Mechanical Engineering Systems program recently changed its name to Electromechanical Systems--a change Central Tech notes better reflects what the program offers through its multiple disciplines. The Electromechanical Systems program is a combination of electronics, electricity, pneumatics, mechanics and robotics.

In a press release announcing the name change, instructor Joe Carter explains, "It's a [program] built to teach students industrial automation and industrial technology. There's such a need for industrial maintenance mechanics out in the field; they're aging out, and so they're just desiring more and more young hands to get in...."

Both high school students and adult students may enroll in the Central Tech Electromechanical Systems program, which offers a variety of career major options. The Electrical/Electronics Maintenance Technician and Electrical Maintenance Technician Assistant career majors are designed for individuals seeking a career in maintenance in a manufacturing environment. In the Electronics Assembler major, students learn to read engineering drawings and electronic schematics and to assemble electronic products. Manufacturing, Installation and Repair Workforce Transition develops leadership and employability skills as students develop proficiency skills, undertake special projects and participate in workplace learning opportunities. The Mechanical Maintenance Technician and Mechanical Maintenance Technician Assistant career majors prepare students for careers in the mechanical and hydraulic aspects of the manufacturing environment, as they learn about electromechanical devices and fluid power transmission.

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Students in the Electromechanical Systems program at Central Tech take courses that include Fundamentals of Manufacturing, Lean Manufacturing Concepts, Safety in Manufacturing, Electromechanical Devices and Applications, and Maintenance Tools in Manufacturing. They also take courses related to specific areas such as Industrial Electronics, Industrial Electricity, Mcroprocessor Instrumentation, Digital Electronics for Manufacturing Maintenance, Fluid Power Theory and Power Transmission Principles.

According to the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, manufacturers account for nearly 11 percent of the state's economy and employ 8.4 percent of the workforce. That important segment of the state's economy consistently needs well-trained employees. Central Tech is among the 29 technology centers in Oklahoma offering high-quality education and skills training that lead to industry-recognized credentials, ensuring the next generation of technicians will be ready to step up and serve the state's businesses and industries.

Central Tech's mission is to change lives with technical education and services, and its vision statement is, "Everyone achieves success." The success achieved by their graduates will translate into success for the businesses and industries that make Oklahoma their home.

For more information about Central Technology Center and its Electromechanical Systems program, visit CentralTech.Edu.

By Susan Reese

Susan Reese is a Techniques contributing writer. E-mail her at susan@printmanagementinc.com.