Automation Technician

 

As industries compete in the global market, the need to automate and to improve automated systems to increase productivity is an ongoing requirement. A strong combination of computer, electrical, electronic and mechanical skills is critical to success in this field. Whether in a bio-medical technology or genetics lab, an automotive or aerospace setting, or a manufacturing facility, this two-year program will develop your skills and abilities to program, install, set up, and operate Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), robots, and related electrical and automated equipment. You'll work in system design, interfacing for automation, control systems and flexible manufacturing. The program will give you the practical skills and broad theoretical knowledge to work in a wide range of industries.

 

Program Highlights

Your education at Fleming will not only prepare you for technical competency, but also provide you with the communications and interpersonal skills that employers need from today's knowledge workers.

You'll benefit from small class sizes and the extensive industry experience of our faculty. Your learning environment will be in our 50,000 square foot technology wing--housing state-of-the-art "smart" classrooms and labs devoted to staging, telecommunications, home automation and computer hardware--all designed to support your success. If you decide to take an additional year of study in the Technologist program, you'll gain even more specialized knowledge and hands-on experience. Our Automation programs benefit from the support of companies such as Fanuc Robotics Canada, Omron Canada and SMC Pneumatics Canada.

 

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming's Automation Technician program offers you the opportunity to work on a wide range of equipment, machines, robots, and high-tech automation. Plus, rather than working on pre-wired, pre-programmed robots (as is the case at many other colleges), you'll learn how to wire and re-program our robots yourself-- using and developing problem-solving skills which are essential in this field. You'll also have extensive opportunities to develop your skills in the application of PLCs. Since the PLC is the industrial computer at the heart of many automation systems, you can imagine why demand for these skilled technicians is very high. Peterborough DNA Cluster Fleming College is a founding partner in the Peterborough DNA Cluster, with Trent University, the Ministry of Natural Resources, law enforcement and the private sector. The DNA Cluster was created to advance local research of DNA and forensic science and develop economic growth opportunities, new technology businesses and jobs for the Peterborough region. The Cluster will be a major centre for DNA profiling, automation, computer engineering, geomatics, law and forensics, Fleming College will contribute applied technology expertise to the Cluster, with the potential for student involvement in this exciting initiative.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

If you are intrigued by how things work, or enjoy taking things apart and re-inventing them, you're on your way to becoming an automation specialist. Besides this interest, there are a few other personality traits and skills that will help you in your studies and eventual career:

• good manual dexterity
• math skills
• problem-solving ability
• good oral and written communication skills
• strong analytical skill
• lots of creativity/imagination
• interpersonal ability
• experience working with computers

Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing.

 

Career Opportunities

The average starting salary for an automation technician is about $34,000.00. You will likely make much more than this with experience, and if you are willing to move to an industrialized centre. Here are some examples of the jobs you can apply for:

• automated equipment programmer
• automated systems designer
• equipment maintenance and repair
• electromechanical engineering technician
• control systems technician
• power equipment technician
• robotics engineering technician
• technical sales
• field service technician
• technical support specialist

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including two English credits in the College (C) stream; two Math credits in the College (C) or University/College (UC) stream. Recommended Courses: Grade 12 Math for College Technology as 1 of the 2 Math requirements. Mature Students -applicants who do not possess an OSSD, but who will be 19 years of age before the commencement of classes - who can demonstrate potential for success in college studies, will be considered on an individual basis. These students will be required to write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

If you haven't yet decided which career to choose in technology, and you're intrigued by how things work, you might also want to consider the Home and Building Automation program.

 

Additional Costs

Expect to spend approximately $1,500 for books and supplies.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

 

Curriculum for this course is temporarily unavailable.

 

Curriculum for this course is temporarily unavailable.