Electrical and Industrial Automation Technology

Training for careers in industrial control

The Electrical and Industrial Automation Technology program is a two year technical offering devoted to "hands-on" skills training, starting with basic electronics courses, and continuing through courses related to the application and maintenance of industrial process and industrial machine control systems.

Our mission is to prepare students for entry level employment as instrumentation and electrical technicians in a broad range of industries including pulp and paper, mining, manufacturing, chemical processing, petroleum refining/distribution, utilities and more.

In order for small, as well as large, industries to compete, they must reduce costs while improving productivity. This requires adapting to modern technology. Automation of equipment and processes is increasingly used to accomplish this goal. A need exists for personnel trained in servicing and maintaining high technology equipment. The job outlook for service and technical personnel is expanding. Opportunities exist in paper/pulp, manufacturing, mining, transportation, warehousing/distribution, utilities, graphics/publishing, chemical processing, petroleum refining, as well as many other industries.

A recent wage survey of the 2006 and 2007 graduates of our program indicated an average starting wage in excess of $21.50 per hour, or $44,700 per year. Most industrial electrical/instrumentation technicians earn at least $46,000 per year; the national average top wage in this field using 2007 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data is $65,900 per year.

Based on limited data, employment prospects are considered excellent in this field. This is a growing occupation as more industries and firms use robotics and other automated equipment. Demands for productivity and quality in manufacturing all influence the outlook for this occupation.