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Advanced Manufacturing & Packaging Technology (AMPT)
The Need
Today's manufacturing environments are becoming increasingly complex. Automation generally integrates electrical, mechanical and computer systems, making it necessary for employees to have a basic understanding of the ways in which these systems work together and how that interaction will impact their specific job duties. As always, the goal is to get the product out the door and into the hands of the customer--doing so efficiently, promptly and safely. Factoring in issues such as quality control, retention of skilled workers, transportation costs, federal regulations, environmental concerns, and other considerations, it becomes apparent that manufacturers must address many complex challenges and do so in a climate of fierce local, national and, now, even global competition.
The Goal
Technicians who can successfully perform in today's manufacturing environment should be multifunctional. They will likely be expected to set-up, troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on advanced machinery in addition to operating it. It is the goal of DSLCC to offer a program that covers key topics in advanced machinery technician training, ensuring that the needs of both employees and employers will be met.
The DSLCC Program Focus
DSLCC developed the Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging Technology curriculum to train individuals who wish to enter (or advance in) a manufacturing environment at the technician level. The courses will teach selected manufacturing skills, focusing on those that are needed by machine technicians employed in the packaging industry. The program is based on national standards and focuses on the development of industry- defined competencies and skills related to: electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, welding, machining, computers, machinery and control, manufacturing resource planning, teamwork, safety and quality.
The AMPT courses are useful for individuals who are considering a career in manufacturing, incumbent workers seeking to upgrade their skills, high school students interested in dual enrollment opportunities as part of a guided pathway toward manufacturing careers, unemployed individuals seeking new skills and others who seek to develop skills that add to their employability.
Careers in Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging Technology
Consider the hundreds of products on which consumers rely every day and it is easy to understand the importance of manufacturing to the U.S. economy. Skilled workers are needed to setup machines, operate them safely and effectively, troubleshoot when problems occur and make necessary adjustments when products and processes call for change.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007,
a publication of the U.S. Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics, describes today's jobs in the manufacturing sector, stating"...manufacturers increasingly prefer workers who can quickly adapt to new technology and perform a wide range of tasks".
Generally, higher paying jobs in manufacturing require higher skill levels. The DSLCC program is based on the understanding that front-line workers not only need to be knowledgeable about the specific tasks to which they are assigned, but also need to have an understanding of the entire manufacturing process.
DSLCC offers training for machine technicians who need to have appropriate skills for successful employment in manufacturing environments using advanced technologies. Students will have access to:
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Foundation courses in issues and trends that affect modern manufacturing
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Lab practice in the set-up, operation and troubleshooting of machinery/equipment
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Expert faculty and staff
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Employer-driven curricula that allow students to choose the specialized topics, course(s) and certifications most closely matched to their personal and occupational goals
Employment Opportunities
Gain a wide range of skills used in advanced manufacturing and prepare for jobs such as:
- Automated machine technicians
- Automated machine mechanics
- Process technicians
- Packaging systems operators
- Maintenance technicians
- Equipment troubleshooters
- Field service technicians
- Automation system sales representatives
- Manufacturing control specialists
- Automation equipment installers
Admission Requirements
Check with the Department of Student Services for information about college admission requirements, placement testing, and available financial aid programs. Registration dates for upcoming semesters may be found on the College’s web site at http://www.dslcc.edu.
The Options
Students may choose to enroll in one or more courses (contingent upon acceptable placement test scores and/or satisfaction of any prerequisites) or may select from one of three programs of study in AMPT:
Related Courses
DSLCC training includes skills development in areas such as:
- Electricity/electronics
- Applied hydraulics and pneumatics
- Graphics
- Technical computer applications
- Manufacturing processes
- Electromechanical devices
- Programmable logic controllers
- World class manufacturing
- Robotics
- Computer integrated manufacturing
- Introduction to packaging systems technology
Contact Information
For more information about training programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging Technology, contact Dr. Leo Mulcahy, Program Head, at 540/863-2935 or email lmulcahy@dslcc.edu.
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