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Industrial Automation Technology

Program Overview

The Industrial Automation Technology program provides you the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge required in the manufacturing industry to install, program, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot high-tech, computerized machinery. You will gain hands-on training with:

  • Programmable logic controller (PLC) computers
  • CNC machines
  • Robotics
  • Electronic components
  • Mechanical systems
  • Fluid power
  • And much more

With in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process and state-of-the-art equipment, you will be a problem solver working to keep production running. You will learn through hands-on training using the state-of-the-art technology used in the workplace. Technology brands include but is not limited to:

  • Fanuc
  • Allen Bradley
  • Siemens
  • Okuma
  • Hardinge
  • Rockwell

John Deere Electrical and Mechanical School to Work Program

John Deere is currently accepting applications for the John Deere Electrical and Mechanical School to Work Program. Learn more about this program and how to apply.

Transfer Information

An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Industrial Automation Technology coursework to the Technology Management program at the University of Northern Iowa.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Enhance Iowa Grant

The Industrial Automation Technology program is part of the Enhance Iowa project, a grant from the US Department of Labor for equipment, training, and simulation to help prepare individuals in the high demand field of industrial maintenance and automation.

Careers

Positions

Graduates generally work in industrial maintenance positions and find employment in manufacturing, food processing, and business environments. Positions include but are not limited to:

  • CNC installation/maintenance technician
  • Industrial electricians
  • Industrial mechanics
  • Industrial programmers
  • Industrial maintenance workers

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Automation Technicians $43,800 $61,000 $69,600
Electrical Maintenance Technicians $42,700 $56,000 $62,800
General Maintenance and Repair Workers $26,300 $40,200 $47,200
Industrial Machinery Mechanics $38,000 $51,500 $58,300
Machinery Maintenance Workers $32,400 $42,500 $47,600
Robotics and CNC Technicians $42,300 $55,100 $61,500

Source: 2018 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Advanced Heat Treat Corporation Waterloo, IA
Blackhawk Engineering Cedar Falls, IA
ConAgra Foods, Inc. Waterloo, IA
Iowa Laser Technology Cedar Falls, IA
John Deere Waterloo, IA
Nestlé USA Waverly, IA
Rockwell Automation Cedar Rapids, IA
Target Distribution Center Cedar Falls, IA
TDS Automation Inc. Waverly, IA
Tyson Foods, Inc. Waterloo, IA

Admissions Requirements

Step #1: Apply at Hawkeye

  1. Complete Hawkeye's online admissions application to apply and be considered for the Industrial Automation Technology program.

  2. Request to have your transcripts sent to the Admissions office.

Step #2: Basic Skill Competencies

In order to be eligible for the Industrial Automation Technology program, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or successfully complete the required college success courses in English, reading, and math with a "C" grade or higher at Hawkeye Community College or comparable courses at another accredited college. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.

Minimum score requirements
ACT ACCUPLACER COMPASS ACCUPLACER Next Generation
19 Reading 76 Reading 82 Reading 251 Reading
16 English 64 Sentence Skills 41 Writing 240 Writing
14 Math 40 Arithmetic 24 Pre-Algebra 240 Arithmetic
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics

Step #3: Program Acceptance

Applicants meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria are eligible for acceptance.

Applicants not meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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