Mission Statement To train the next generation of production technologists with the skills required for rewarding and high-paying employment in manufacturing, mining, and power in order to help companies grow and prosper in today’s globally competitive environment.

What is Industrial Technology?

Industrial Technology involves teaching the skills required for highly knowledgeable process, production and manufacturing technicians for a variety of local and regional employers

Industrial Technology encompasses the following skills and knowledge:

• --Developing and applying knowledge required to manufacturing products, mine and process minerals, and generate power.
• --Understanding process control methods for electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment used in industry.
• --Understanding quality systems, specifications, and lean manufacturing strategies used by leading global manufacturers.
• --Understanding the fundamentals of mechanical, hydraulic, mobile equipment and electrical equipment used in industry.
• --Understanding safety and safe practices.
• --Troubleshooting equipment and processes with a focus of continuous improvement.
• --Learning the latest technologies and their applications in manufacturing, control, and processing.
• --Developing well-rounded skills and knowledge in communications, math, writing, and critical thinking.
• --Being able to work effectively in teams to solve problems and troubleshoot equipment.
• --Developing expertise to solve unique problems that don’t have obvious anwers

Despite challenging economic times, education is the one thing sure to provide opportunities and benefits over the long term. An education will also serve to set you apart from other potential employees. And, you will learn the latest technologies, strategies, and skills. Companies are looking to fill open positions with well trained, educated, and motivated employees possessing at least two years of technical training. That is where you come in, and where the Industrial Technology program comes in!

The average entry level pay for operators at a taconite mining / processing employer ranges from $15-$21/hr, with maximum pay of $25+/hr. Since there are overtime opportunities, typical yearly pay ranges from $40,000 to $70,000+ per year. These jobs offer full benefits, paid vacation and overtime, etc.

How to continue your education to get your 4-year Bachelor’s degree in as little as 2 more years! We currently have an articulation agreement with Bemidji State University and an informal one with Northern Michigan University. What this means is that your credits from Mesabi transfer, so you can get your Bachelors degree in as little as just 2 more years. Bemidji State University offers on-line classes and technology programs so you can work AND work towards your 4-year degree at the same time. We are working to make the 2-year AAS degree in Industrial Technology articulate with other 4 year universities… stay tuned

For more information on the Industrial Technology Program, please see the outline and description of the courses you will take, or feel free to contact:

INSTRUCTOR: Keith Mattson phone: 218.780.2194  k.mattson@mr.mnscu.edu
RECRUITER: Kevin Langdon: 218-744-7511 k.langdon@mr.mnscu.edu

PROGRAM PLANNING FORM     (Track 1) 

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
2 YEAR AAS Degree (64 credits minimum)

FALL SEMESTER I
Mesabi Range College	CR
IMRT 1216- Industrial Orientation – New Course	2
ITSF 1486 MSHA New Miner Training	1
CSCI 1455 – Introduction to Computers	3
MATH 1511 Foundations of Math –OR- MATH 1521 – College Algebra	3 – 4
IMT 1251: Basic Maintenance Welding and Cutting I	3
IMT 1238 – Rigging	2
IMT 1241 – Basic Blueprint Reading & Sketching	3
TOTAL	17-18

SPRING SEMESTER II
Mesabi Range College	CR
ENGL 1532 – Technical Writing  -OR - ENGL 1511 – College Writing I	3 - 4
EIAT 1255 – Electrical for Operators	3
ATMX 1265 – Mobile Equipment Maintenance	3
IMRT 1215 – Intro to Industrial Maintenance	3
IMT 1256 – Drive Components & Troubleshooting	3
TOTAL	15-16

FALL SEMESTER III
Mesabi Range College	CR
PHYS 1551 Introductory Physics	4
SPCH 1550 – Intro to Communication	3
EIAT 1256 – Process Control for Operators	4
IMT 2261 – Hydraulics & Schematics	3
HLTH 1486 - MSHA Refresher/Fire Safety & Response	1
GEDC 2175 – Job Search Strategies	1
TOTAL	16

SPRING SEMESTER IV
Mesabi Range College	CR
IMT 1245 – Lube & Bearings	3
PSYC 2556 – Industrial Organizational Psychology	4
IMT 2265 – Alignment & Introduction to Conveyor Systems	2
IMT 2225 – Pumps	2
IMRT 2255 - Production Technician Certification	3
OPEN ELECTIVE	2*
TOTAL	16

64 to 66 credits

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Industrial Technology- Semester 1: Fall 1st year Courses:

IMRT 1216- Industrial Orientation: (lecture 2 credits) The course will provide an overview of and introduction to the taconite industry.  It will encompass the various jobs within industry and taconite production.  Workers’ rights and responsibilities in an industrial environment will also be discussed. Plant/site visits are included, along with guest speakers and industry and safety experts. Where Northeast Minnesota’s iron ore pellet production fits into the global economy will be discussed. Keys to future job securing and success of mining in and other industries in Minnesota will be studied and discussed.

ITSF 1486 - MSHA New Miner Training: (lecture 1 credit + 8 hrs on site) 24 hours of above-ground mining safety, accident avoidance, workers responsibilities and rights that is required by the US Department of Labor’s Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

CSCI 1455 – Introduction to Computers (lecture 3 credits) Introduction to the use of the personal computer (PC) including overview, use of the internet, email, and Microsoft software applications. Projects to develop students skills in MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access. Focus is on practical applications and using the PC as a tool. Overview of other computer systems and logic, such as the components of a generic electronic control unit.

MATH 1511 - Foundations of Math (lecture 3 credits) This course is the study of mathematics with emphasis on sets, logic, number theory, and mathematical systems. This course is tailored for IT students to include practical applications of these concepts. Additionally, algebra, geometry, and right angle trigonometry will be taught in the context of providing the math tools needed to solve problems in industry. OR-

MATH 1521 -College Algebra (lecture 4 credits) This study of Algebra includes: real numbers, first degree equations, and inequalities with word problem applications and linear graphs, second degree equations, and inequalities in one and two variables with the quadratic formula and graphs, relations, functions, absolute value, variation problems, exponential and logarithmic functions with applications, polynomial functions, the theory of polynomial equations and complex numbers, systems of equations and inequalities, conic sections, and partial fractions.

IMT 1251 Basic Maintenance Welding and Cutting I: Lecture and Lab (1 Lec; 2 Lab; 3 Cr) The primary focus of this course is to introduce the student to welding and flame cutting. The student will learn how to weld and flame cut as is used in industry. The student will also learn the math required to do welding and cutting, and to allow the student the opportunity to learn and practice arc and oxy-acetylene welding techniques often found in industry and required of a Maintenance Mechanic.

IMT 1238 – Rigging (1 Lec; 1 Lab; 2 Cr total) This course covers rigging equipment and procedures along with mobile crane instruction and operation. Estimation skills along with proper hand signals will be learned.

IMT 1241 – Basic Blueprint Reading & Sketching:  (1 Lec; 2 Lab; 3 Cr) This course will give the student the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge obtained in previous classes. The student will make sketches including all areas of blueprint reading and sketching. Through the use of industry prints, the student will gain comprehensive knowledge of their use in industry

Industrial Technology- Semester 2: Spring 1st year Courses:

Introduction to Industrial Maintenance - IMRT 1215: (lecture 2 credits: lab 1 credit)The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the field of industrial maintenance.  The course will provide a foundation upon which courses in year two of the Industrial Technology Program will be built. Students will learn the fundamentals of bearings, lubrication, machine safety, and rigging.  Students will be exposed to mechanical devices such as measuring tools, common hand tools, common power tools and the fundamentals of pumps and valves. Students will demonstrate predictive maintenance principles prior to the specialized training.

Electrical For Operators - EIAT 1255: (lecture 2 credits + 1 lab credit = 3 total credits) This course provides a general knowledge of industrial electrical systems. It encompasses topics starting with basic electrical theory and continues with electrical safety, electrical distribution systems, and motor control. The course focus is on practical knowledge needed by multiple craft and operation personnel.

Mobile Equipment Maintenance - ATMX 1265: (lecture 3 credits: hands-on integral to lecture) This course will help the student understand how mobile equipment is to be serviced and maintained. It will explain servicing programs, preventative maintenance and equipment pre-checks.  It will help students understand why mobile and plant equipment needs to be maintained.

Drive Components and Troubleshooting - IMT 1256: (lecture 2 credits + 1 lab credit = 3 total credits) The main purpose is to introduce the student to drive components and equipment operation. The student will learn the how and why of checking equipment before, during, and after operation. The student will also learn about the set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of many of the drive components which are used in industry. 

Industrial Technology- Semester 3: Fall 2nd  year Courses

PHYS 1551 Applied Physics – (Lecture 3 cr, Lab 1 cr) The focus of the physics course will be the understanding of basic physical principles and laws, with applications drawn from various areas of IT (rigging, electricity and magnetism, heat transfer, Newton’s Laws, etc.). The goal is the develop students who have a reasonably deep understanding of why things work, as well as how they work.

SPCH 1550 – Intro to Communication (Lecture 3 credits) Introduction to communication and speech. Emphasis is to improve the efficiency of communication in an industrial setting.

EIAT 1256 – Process Control for Operators – (Lecture 2 cr + Lab 2 cr) The focus will be understanding quality, process control (including statistical process control), manufacturing processes and instrumentation/measuring. A focus will be placed on successful manufacturing concepts, such as those used in the Toyota Production System: continuous improvement, statistical tools, lean manufacturing concepts, etc. Hands-on labs will accompany the lecture to demonstrate and reinforce  topics and concepts presented in lecture.

HLTH 1486 - MSHA Refresher/Fire Safety & Response (1 credit) Refresher/addition training on mine safety, accident avoidance, workers responsibilities and rights that is required by the US Department of Labor’s Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

IMT 2261 - Hydraulics and Schematics (or IMT 2262 - Pneumatic & Hydraulics Troubleshooting upon consent of instructor) (1 Lec; 2 Lab; 3 Cr). This course covers the fundamentals of schematic diagrams. It is designed to provide the student with a strong foundation for advanced work. The student will learn piping diagrams and fluid power diagrams. The student will study fundamental hydraulic principles. They will construct, service and repair various hydraulic systems.

GEDC 2175 – Job Search Strategies Skills and techniques to find and be successful in a full-time job are taught

Industrial Technology: Spring 2nd year Courses:

ENGL 1532 - Tech Report Writing (3 credits) or ENGL 1511 College Writing (4 credits) Courses are designed to improve written communications of technical material, or provide college-level writing skills for transfer credit to a 4 -  year program.

IMT 1245 – Lube & Bearings (1 Lec; 2 Lab; 3 Cr) The main purpose of this course is to introduce the student to both lubrication and bearings. The lubrication portion will take the student from the beginning source of a lubricant right up to the selection and design of an automatic lubrication system set-up and operation. The bearing portion will allow the student to identify types of bearings and seals, and to know what functions they can expect from them, as well as proper mounting, operation, and inspection of them as is found in a variety of industries

PSYC 2556 – Industrial Psychology (4 credits) This course is included to help students understand behavior in industrial environments, and gain insights into how to effectively develop attitudes and behaviors necessary to ensure a safe and efficient operation, and openness to new ideas and change. Topics include a discussion of the  mentality needed for continuous improvement and proactive process optimization.

IMT 2265 – Alignment & Introduction to Conveyor Systems (1 Lec; 2 Lab; 3 Cr) (1 Lec; 1 Lab; 2 Cr) This course is intended to provide the basis for the study course using models that are designed for “hands-on” learning with actual systems that are used in industry.  This course will cover precision machine component alignment procedures.  The student will also be introduced to conveyor and material handling systems and their applications

IMT 2225 – Pumps (1 Lec; 1 Lab; 2 Cr) This course describes the types of pumps and explains their operation and maintenance. It also tells about the packing, sealing, and lubrication, all of which are essential to good pump operation.  Students will be given an opportunity to develop and practice pump maintenance skills in a lab setting.

IMRT 2255 - Production Technician Certification (3 credits) The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic skills required and recognized by the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) for production technician certification. This certification provides a portable recognition of skills critical for current and future production technicians. This course focuses on the 4 parts of the MSSC curriculum: 1) Safety, 2) Production methods, 3) Maintenance, and 4) Quality. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be largely prepared for the MSSC production technician certification exams in the above areas.