Mechatronics is high-tech problem solving. When a line is down in a plant, hundreds of thousands of dollars are at stake each hour. The mechatronics technician is on the job to see that doesn’t happen or if it does, that the interruption is very brief.
High-tech, high pay
As a key player in the whole production operation, the position is well-respected and well paid. In fact, the average starting salary is around $60,086 for Greenville Technical College graduates, and the money only increases from there.
CPS may cover the cost of tuition, fees and books if you're enrolled in a qualifying program at GTC.
Currently, there are many openings for people with practical knowledge in the integration of electrical systems, fluid power, electronics, computer controls, PLCs, instrumentation, robotics, and information technology. The current workforce is aging and experienced technicians are retiring, so a new generation of qualified people is needed to keep industry running.
Maybe you’re thinking that if salaries are so good in the industry, you should forget about college and get right to work. But you can’t earn those salaries without an associate degree. Without the education, promotions will only take you so far before you hit a ceiling and your career stalls out — if you’re lucky. Some employers won’t even grant an interview to the job candidate who doesn’t have a two-year degree.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE PROGRAM
This program prepares students to inspect, diagnose, repair, service, and install electro-mechanical equipment, automated manufacturing, and packaging machinery. It will also enable those currently employed in the field to develop additional knowledge and skills, which will enhance their ability to perform duties as technicians in industrial and service organizations.
Students develop basic foundational skills and understanding in
IS MECHATRONICS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Those who find success in Mechatronics are problem solvers; people who love the variety when each day is different. They’re rarely in the office. Instead, they’re out on the manufacturing floor, making sure the process flows and nothing gets in the way. And even though they’ve learned a lot about programmable logic controllers, automated technology, robotics, pneumatics and hydraulics, technicians also learn every day on the job.
Bausch + Lomb offers opportunities for select students to develop hands-on work experience while earning their degree in Mechatronics. B + L Tech Scholars also receive scholarships to cover tuition, fees and books for the program, in addition to competitive pay for part-time employment.
The BMW Scholars Program allows students to attend class full-time while working part-time at BMW in order to further their education, gain the necessary hands-on experience, and become viable candidates for full-time positions at BMW. During this process, BMW will offer tuition assistance toward obtaining a two-year associate degree.
Michelin North America offers opportunities for select students to develop hands-on work experience while earning their degree. Michelin Tech Scholars receive scholarships to cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for the program along with competitive pay for part-time work in a Michelin manufacturing facility.
The Greenville Technical College Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI) provides an engaging environment that gives students the tools needed to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers and employers the skilled workforce required for commercial success. Look for courses in CNC, Machine Tool and Mechatronics.
The CMI is located on the Millennium Campus adjacent to CU-ICAR at I-85 and Laurens Road. For more information, directions and upcoming tour dates, go to CMIgreenville.com.
Greenville Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
Questions about the accreditation of Greenville Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Mechatronics Technology
Associate in Applied Science
This program teaches the skills required by mechatronics technicians for the 21st century’s high-tech world of automated manufacturing, an inter-disciplinary field involving control systems, electronic systems, computers, robotics, and mechanical systems.
Mechatronics program details from our current catalog »
Mechatronics I
Certificate in Applied Science
The program develops basic foundational skills and understanding of electrical, mechanical, fluid power and automation control commonly found in the industrial manufacturing environment.
Mechatronics I details from our current catalog »
Mechatronics II
Certificate in Applied Science
This option delivers knowledge in the industrial automated manufacturing technology area. The student will develop basic foundational skills and understanding in electronics, robotics, motors, motor drives, and programmable logic controllers. In addition, basic troubleshooting strategies will be developed on an automated manufacturing line.
This certificate further develops students completing Mechatronics I as well as advanced students already working in industry in areas such as, but not limited to, robotics, PLC and applications, sensors and controllers, troubleshooting, and process controls.
Department Head
Willie Thompson | (864) 236-6524 | Willie.Thompson@gvltec.edu
Administrative Assistant
Deborah White | (864) 250-4160 | Deborah.White@gvltec.edu
Instructors
Christopher Burton
Robert Ellenberg
Ed Eudy
Dale Ham
Raymond James
Fitzgerald Smith
Willie Thompson
George Williams
Bachelor in Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology