CPW--Electronics Controls Technician

Career Programs

Electronics Controls Technician
Certificate
Curriculum code 1417
Course Requirements

This Moraine Valley Community College program prepares students for entry-level positions as an electronic controls technician found in manufacturing, chemical plants, process control environments, packaging and automated warehouse environments. Electrical, electronic, industrial, PC and PLC controls will be examined. Lab exercises simulate real-world problems that technicians confront on the job daily. The Electronic Controls Tech Program is for individuals just beginning training to pursue a career in this field, as well as those already working in the industry who need to upgrade their skills for on-the-job tasks, new supervisory responsibilities, or career growth.

Nature of Work—This program prepares you for a variety of entry-level positions as an electronic technician in the process control and automated manufacturing environment. Graduates of this program should be able to install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot and replace analog, digital, microprocessor and PLC-based control systems.

Related Job Titles—Electronic Technician, Technical Consultant, Field Service Technician, PLC Technician, Computer Controls Technician, Industrial Controls Technician, Electronic Installer/Repairer.

Employment Outlook—Many job openings should result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Average employment growth is projected for electrical and electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial equipment. This equipment will become more sophisticated and will be used more frequently as businesses strive to lower costs by increasing and improving automation. Companies will install electronic controls, robots, sensors, and other equipment to automate processes such as assembly and testing. As prices decline, applications will be found across a number of industries, including services, utilities, and construction, as well as manufacturing. Improved reliability of equipment should not constrain employment growth.

Earnings—Median hourly earnings of electric motor, power tool, and related repairers were $15.49 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.12 and $19.99. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.48, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.34. In 2004, median hourly earnings were $15.05 in commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance, the industry employing the largest number of electronic motor, power tool, and related repairers. Median hourly earnings of electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay were $25.86 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $22.47 and $29.73. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18.01, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $32.08. In 2004, median hourly earnings were $26.37 in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution—the industry employing the largest number of electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay. Median hourly earnings of electronics installers and repairers, motor vehicles were $12.79 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.27 and $16.55. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.85, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $22.02. Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Moraine Valley’s June 30, 2006 Job and Internship Report posted positions with an average salary of $17.60 per hour. The maximum salary hourly salary posted was $34.46 and minimum posted was $12.35. For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.