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What Does an Electro-Mechanical Technician Do on a Day-to-Day Basis?

Posted on September 17, 2018

Train for an exciting career in electro-mechanical technology!

 
Are you interested in learning all about industrial machines and tools, including their design, uses and maintenance? Are you a critical thinker and problem-solver? Consider a rewarding career as an Electro-Mechanical Technician! MIAT offers two electro-mechanical training programs that can take as little as 12 to 18 months to complete.

What Do Electro-Mechanical Technicians Do?

Electro-mechanical technicians are involved in the design, testing and repair of electro-mechanical equipment. Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They operate, test, and maintain robotic, automated, computer-controlled and other kinds of industrial equipment. Electro-mechanical technicians:

  • Read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly of electromechanical equipment
  • Verify dimensions of parts to ensure that specifications are met
  • Operate metalworking machines to make housings, fittings, and fixtures
  • Inspect parts for surface defects
  • Repair and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies
  • Troubleshoot mechanical errors and calibrate systems
  • Test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies using oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges
  • Install electronic parts and hardware using soldering equipment and hand tools
  • Program, operate, test, and maintain robotic equipment

Where do Electro-Mechanical Technicians Work?

Entry-level electro-mechanical technicians can work in many different industries such as automotive, energy, plastics, computer and communications equipment manufacturing, semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing, and aerospace. Electro-mechanical professionals work in a challenging environment that requires a wide range of technical skills including electronics, robotics, programmable logic controllers, motors, drives, hydraulics, and mechanical systems.

Skills Needed to Become a Successful Electro-Mechanical Technician

An electro-mechanical technician needs a solid foundation of skills. Technical schools like MIAT College of Technology can provide the training to acquire and build these skills, including finger dexterity, quality control, interpersonal communication, computer and electronic competency, and software competency.

Finger Dexterity – the ability to make precise and coordinated movements with one’s fingers

Quality Control – the ability to conduct tests and inspect products or services to identify improvements in performance

Interpersonal Communication – working closely with supervisors and colleagues. The electro-mechanical technician must have good communication skills in order to report on the health of equipment and get the job done without error.

Computer & Electronic Competency – working with circuit boards, processors, chips, and electronic equipment. Being computer savvy is important for electro-mechanical technicians to program, test, and repair computer and electronic equipment.

Software Competency – working with different software to control, test and design equipment. Some software programs used by the electro-mechanical technician include CAD software, ERP software, Linux, and Microsoft Excel.

Ready to learn more about becoming an Electro-Mechanical Technician? Getting electro-mechanical training can open doors to a career in a variety of industries, including computer sciences, mechanical engineering support, manufacturing, and robotics & automation! MIAT College of Technology’s Electro-Mechanical Technology programs provide the practical experience and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career.

To learn more about the Electro-Mechanical Technology programs and explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in becoming an electro-mechanical technician today.

MIAT College of Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Electro-Mechanical Technology Program Gainful Employment Disclosure – Canton

Electro-Mechanical Technician Program Gainful Employment Disclosure – Canton

President’s Blog: Demand for Welders Continues to Increase, Interest in Welding Programs at MIAT Houston Campus Heats Up

Posted on September 5, 2018

john-willis-2By John Willis, MIAT College of Technology Houston President

Labor Day serves as a reminder for me that career education and technical schools such as MIAT College of Technology are filling a much-needed demand for skilled workers – welders being among them. Employers are accepting and addressing the fact that welders and other skilled workers are aging out due to retirement, and there is a growing gap of new workers to fill these roles

The Gulf Coast Region of the U.S. is home to a heavy concentration of oil and gas, chemical, and power generation providers, which necessitates a huge demand for welders and other skilled professionals. Welders are also needed in the ship-building, manufacturing, and construction sectors.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for welders is expected to grow by 26 percent by 2020.   Jobseekers who are open to pursuing a career in welding can typically expect better than average starting pay, excellent benefits and long-term employment opportunities in a wide range of industrial sectors.

The mission of MIAT is to provide workforce training that addresses the critical labor needs of employers, and I am proud to report that our Houston campus is welcoming our first Welding Technology students in September.  Pun intended, we are pleased to share that interest in our Welding Technology program has been steadily “heating up” over the past month.  We are responding as quickly as possible to requests for information, tours of our campus, career counseling sessions with our admissions representatives, financial assistance and housing assistance.

Our faculty, staff, instruction rooms, computer labs, and new welding booths are well-equipped to accommodate small class sizes of 15 to 20 students. Based on their career goals, students can choose between a 3-, 7- or 9-month program and can attend either day or evening classes.   Students who complete our welding programs will be qualified to pursue jobs with titles that include aluminum welder, brazer, cutter, fabrication welder, shielded metal arc welder, pipe welder, sub arc operator, welder, welder-fitter and welder/fabricator.

MIAT is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and has graduated thousands of students since we were founded in 1969.  Without a doubt, launching any new career training program always takes an extensive amount of time, talent, effort and patience. In early 2017, several members of our Houston faculty and staff began working with me behind the scenes to develop our Welding Technology curriculum and to pursue accreditation. I am especially thankful for tremendous assistance from Juan Bernal, Lead Welding Instructor, and Rich Whiteside, Director of Training.

Our Welding Technology Programs, as well as all MIAT career education programs at our Houston campus and our Canton campus near Detroit, were developed collaboratively with industry representatives who serve on our Program Advisory Committees. In addition, our equipment has been reviewed and approved by our Program Advisory Committee.

Roc Taylor, a member of our Program Advisory Committee and owner of Building Solutions, Inc., had this to say regarding our new welding program: “MIAT’s program gives an appropriate and more than adequate length for students to become proficient in a multitude of welding processes.”

I hope you will explore our Welding Technology program offering and tell others about us.  I also invite you to visit www.miat.edu/programs/welding-technology/ or call 888-547-7047 for more information. Campus tours are available by appointment.

I appreciate your help in spreading the good news about MIAT, our new welding program, and our role in equipping employers with much-needed skilled workers.

Ready for Class: MIAT Welcomes First Electro-Mechanical Technology Students in September

Posted on August 27, 2018

Jennifer_Headshot

By Jennifer Paugh, MIAT Canton President

As a leading career college in the United States, MIAT College of Technology strives to stay abreast of and in sync with employers in a wide range of industries to equip them with skilled workers.   To that end, MIAT secured approval last month to begin offering our first Electro-Mechanical Technology Program at our Canton campus and our first Welding Technology Program at our Houston campus. (Please see our news release announcing these programs: https://www.miat.edu/news-and-press/miat-college-technology-introduces-welding-programs-houston-campus-electro-mechanical-technology-programs-detroit-metro-campus/).  

Our Canton faculty and staff are gearing up now to welcome our first Electro-Mechanical Technology students in September, with the first day of class set for September 10th, 2018.  We are offering 12-and 18-month Electro-Mechanical Technology programs.  We anticipate class sizes of about 25 to 40 (split between two sessions) at about four enrollments per year.  Our capacity for the entire calendar year is about 100 to 160 new electro-mechanical students. Those who complete our 12-month program will earn a certificate. Those who complete our 18-month program will earn an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences. We anticipate that the first graduation ceremony for this new program will be scheduled for early 2020.

Meeting Critical Needs in the Work Place

MIAT began behind the scenes efforts to offer this program in early 2017.  We knew then and it has been confirmed many times since then that the demand for our electro-mechanical program graduates is great. MIAT graduates will be well-positioned to work in a variety of critical electro-mechanical technician roles in numerous industry sectors.

Employer involvement in our new program has been tremendous. We are especially thankful to representatives from a special group of companies who serve on our Program Advisory Council and who have played a key role in assisting with the development of our Electro-Mechanical Technology curriculum. I would like to recognize PRAB, Inc., Methods Machine Tools, Inc., and Innovative Automation, Inc. for their contributions and support.  In fact, these companies invited MIAT to their facilities to film television ads and other promotional videos for this new program.

Another deserving shout out goes to Derek Cichewicz, one of our knowledgeable and charismatic MIAT instructors. Derek has been responsible for writing the course curriculum for this program. His energy and enthusiasm has propelled this new program to an amazing and enviable level of support from community leaders in Canton and the Detroit metro area. Additionally, Rich Rau has worked tirelessly to ensure that our Electro-Mechanical Technology lab is ready for our new students in this program. Lastly, a special mention is also due to Chris Davis, one of our MIAT high school representatives, who is laying the groundwork to offer our Electro-Mechanical Technology Program to high school students at some point in the near future.

The atmosphere at MIAT’s Canton campus is electric! Launches of new programs serve as opportunities to stimulate innovation, growth and positive change. While an extensive amount of work is involved in launching any new program for faculty and staff, we all benefit from the process of mobilizing and galvanizing our collective time and talent for such a major offering as is our first Electro-Mechanical Technology Program.

MIAT welcomes inquiries and campus tours. To arrange an appointment or to learn more, please visit www.miat.edu.

Thank you now and always for your support.

What Does a Welder Do on a Day-to-Day Basis?

Posted on August 8, 2018

welder welding

Welders and metal cutters are in high demand with the increased growth of infrastructure, construction and aerospace. A certification preparing you for an entry-level career in welding technology can be obtained from a trade school in less than a year.

With our 9-month welding technology program, you will learn a variety of different arc welding techniques including SMAW welding, MIG-GMAW welding, and TIG-GTAW welding.

What Do Welders & Metal Cutters Do?

Welders and metal cutters use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. Among their many responsibilities, they fill holes, indentations, or seams in metal products, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Welders and metal cutters typically perform the following.

  • Study blueprints, sketches, or specifications
  • Calculate the dimensions of parts to be welded or cut
  • Inspect structures or materials to be welded or cut
  • Ignite torches or start power supplies
  • Monitor the welding process to avoid overheating
  • Maintain welding equipment and machinery

How Does Welding Work?

Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. The most common type of welding is arc welding. Depending on the materials being welded, arc welding can be broken down into SMAW welding, MIG-GMAW welding or TIG-GTAW welding.

Arc Welding – Arc welding uses electrical currents to create heat and bond metals together. The type of weld is usually determined by the types of metals being joined and the conditions under which the welding is to take place.

  • SMAW (Shield Metal Arc Welding) – an arc welding process that uses an electrode and electric current to join metals. Commonly used to weld iron and steel.
  • MIG-GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) – an arc welding process where a continuous solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun into the weld pool, joining the two base materials together.
  • TIG-GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) – an arc welding process that uses long welding rods and slowly feeds them into the weld pool. Commonly used for thin gauge materials.

How Does Metal Cutting Work?

Metal cutters use heat to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions. They use the heat from an electric arc and a stream of ionized gas called plasma to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions.

What Do Pipe Welders Do?

Pipe welders join and repair tubular metallic pipe components to construct buildings, vessels, structures and stand-alone pipelines. Most pipe welders work on oil rigs, pipelines and refineries but they are needed across various industries including shipbuilding, automotive, construction and aerospace.

What is Combo Welding?

Combination welders prepare materials to be welded. They also weld metal components and maintain welding torches and equipment. Combo welders are trained in arc welding including SMAW (Shield Metal Arc Welding) and TIG-GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding).

Job Outlook for Welders & Metal Cutters

The aging infrastructure in the US requires the expertise of welders and metal cutters to help rebuild bridges, highways, and buildings. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders and metal cutters is projected to grow 6 percent between 2016 and 2026. With the basic skills of welding very similar across industries, welders and sheet metal fabricators can easily shift from one industry to another without ever changing careers.

Ready to learn more about becoming a welder and/or metal cutter? The Welding Programs at MIAT College of Technology provide the hands-on training, practical experience and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career. Classes are interactive and led by dedicated instructors with years of experience working with welding equipment in a professional setting. You’ll get the one-on-one attention and personal support to pick up new skills quickly and the first-hand technical knowledge to feel confident entering the workforce.

To learn more about the Welding programs and explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in becoming a welding technician today.

MIAT College of Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Welding Technology Program Gainful Employment Disclosure – Houston

Advanced Welding Technology Program Gainful Employment Disclosure – Houston

MIAT College of Technology President’s Blog

Posted on August 7, 2018

Any Time is the Right Time for School  

By John Willis, MIAT College of Technology President, Houston

August and September are traditionally associated as “Back to School” months. As a lifelong educator, I believe that any time is the right time for school. I am one of those individuals who has never left school:  I have been attending or involved with some type of educational or training institution for the last 40 years.  Whether you are a recent high school graduate, military veteran returning to civilian  life or looking for a career change, I encourage you to pursue your educational goals.  The first step is always the most difficult.  It may not always feel like the “perfect” time, but it is always the “right” time to start school.

Joining MIAT College of Technology as president of the Houston campus three years ago was the perfect opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the educational community in Houston. I had been working at the same career institute for almost 20 years, and I knew I was ready to accept a new challenge.  MIAT College of Technology exists to help student of all ages and at all stages of their life and career. I am honored to have been chosen to lead and grow our enrollment and our curricula with the goal of making a positive, lasting impact on our students, their family, their employers, and their communities. And I am extremely thankful for the support of my enthusiastic and committed team of instructors, advisors, high school representatives, and administrators.

What’s happening here at MIAT in Houston?

Quite a lot, fortunately!

  • MIAT Houston is a viable alternative to a traditional four-year university education. Our school provides essential career and workplace readiness training that combines classroom instruction with hands-on skills development. Most of our graduates are employed soon after, if not before, completing their program at MIAT.
  • Our enrollment has increased from 48 students in 2015 to a robust 275 students over the last 36 months.
  • Our Federal Aviation Association-approved aviation maintenance programs are being extremely well-received, with enrollment in our aviation programs accounting for about 70 percent of our total enrollment. Rich Whiteside is our Director of Training and is a Designated Maintenance Examiner (DME) with the FAA.
  • Our aviation high school program that we established through the Houston Independent School District with Ross Shaw Sterling Aviation High School in 2015 year allows students to pursue an aviation maintenance technician’s certificate at no cost to them. MIAT provides the curriculum and the instructor.  Our involvement with Sterling Aviation High School was the topic of a Houston Newsmakers community affairs segment that aired as recently as Sunday, July 29, on KPRC Channel 2, a Houston CBS affiliate. 
  • We are launching our Welding Technology programs, with our first classes starting on September 10. Welding has a high demand in the Houston market and offers strong employment opportunities for skilled welders. The goal of our program is to offer skills that will allow students to gain entry level employment and grow within the industry.  We developed these programs with input from employers who are looking to hire qualified welders for the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, power generation, construction, manufacturing, and ship-building industry sectors.
  • Interest in our Wind Energy Technicians and Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians programs is increasing – and our students enjoy their hands on “assets.” For example, our wind energy students can walk through, crawl atop, and work within a real wind turbine donated by one of our employer partners, and our HVACR students have constructed a mock attic that enables them to simulate an attic in a residential or commercial facility.
  • Siemens, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines and Standard Aero are some of many employers that work closely with our Houston campus faculty and staff.
  • International students are most welcome here, provided they complete the appropriate admissions requirements. Our admissions team members can step them through the process of applying and securing the necessary student visa that will allow them to live and study legally in the U.S.
  • We earned the School of Distinction designation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) during our re-accreditation visit in 2017. This award recognizes member schools that have demonstrated a commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSC accreditation as well as a commitment to delivering quality educational programs to students, graduates, and employers.

These are just a few of many highlights for MIAT’s Houston campus that I am proud to share.

What does the future hold?

As a native Texan and a long-time resident of Houston, I am a self-proclaimed ambassador for this state and the ever-expanding Houston metropolitan area. Texas continues to be one of the top states for business, with one of the strongest economies and lowest costs of living in the nation. Our Houston faculty and staff join those of our Canton campus in the Detroit metro area in training and certifying skilled workers to address the needs of employers in the Gulf Coast, other regions of the United States and other countries. We know we are making a meaningful difference.

If you have not visited our Houston campus, please do schedule a tour.  Our counselors and advisors are available to answer questions about course work, financial assistance, housing and other needs.

At your convenience, please check out some of our recent television commercials via these links:

I look forward to producing the MIAT College of Technology President’s Blog for the Houston campus on a regular basis. For more information or to schedule a tour, please see www.miat.edu or email info@miat.edu.  Thank you for your interest and support.

MIAT College of Technology President’s Blog

Posted on July 16, 2018

My Ultimate Responsibility: To Empower MIAT Faculty and Staff to Support Our Students in the Best Possible Way Every Day

By Jennifer Paugh, MIAT College of Technology Canton President

 
The timing of the opportunity to join MIAT College of Technology as president of our Canton campus near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport was perfect. That was almost three years ago. Helping MIAT to grow and flourish is exciting to me, and I have embraced this leadership opportunity wholeheartedly. My ultimate responsibility is to ensure that our graduates are able to be successful in their field. I do this in a variety of ways, but most importantly by managing and supporting the day to day operations of the campus and creating an environment that allows our faculty, staff, and students to flourish.

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The Growth of The Airline Industry: An Aviation Mechanics Guide

Posted on June 26, 2018

aviation-maintenance-tech

The global aviation industry is booming. The International Air Transport Association (ATA) believes that the airline industry’s profits will reach up to 38.4 billion US dollars in 2018. In the next 20 years, the number of airline passengers is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4 percent. The increase in passengers and airplanes means a demand for additional airline personnel including aviation mechanics.

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Aviation Maintenance Technology: Learn the Terminology You Need

Posted on May 23, 2018

aviation-maintenance-tech

Interested in becoming an aviation maintenance technician? As an aviation maintenance technician, you will need to be familiar with lots of aircraft terminology. Developing an aviation-related vocabulary is important for diagnosing problems with an aircraft or communicating maintenance needs with the flight crew. Below is some terminology that helps aviation maintenance technicians to keep the flight crew and passengers safe and the aircraft in good working condition.

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Energy Resources & Energy Technicians: How Power is Generated

Posted on May 7, 2018

The energy industry continues to grow and diversify, and so does the demand for an educated, well-trained workforce. Technology has helped us harness new types of energy more efficiently, including natural gas, coal, oil, nuclear, water, wind, geothermal and solar energy. The task of energy technicians is to install, maintain and repair the essential electric infrastructure that powers our world.

Learn more about the various sources of energy and the roles energy technicians play in producing, storing, and distributing power.

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HVACR Technician: Skills of the Trade

Posted on March 27, 2018

HVAC Technician

Are you good with your hands? Do have solid mechanical and troubleshooting skills? If so, you should consider a career in HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration)!

HVACR technicians install, repair, maintain, and upgrade systems that control air temperature and quality in a variety of industrial, commercial, and residential environments. These specific environments can include medical facilities, education institutions, residential homes, multi-family complexes, government facilities, industrial complexes, stadiums, casinos, and refrigerated warehouses.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a particular set of skills necessary to be an HVACR technician. MIAT College of Technology can give you the training you need to develop these skills and be career-ready. To be an HVACR technician, you should have customer-service skills, attention to detail, mechanical skills, physical stamina and strength, time-management skills, and troubleshooting skills.

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