Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics

Industrial Maintenance & Mechatronics - AAS

At Bellingham Technical College, the Industrial Maintenance & Mechatronics program prepares graduates for solid careers as industrial electricians, millwrights, or instrument technicians. Top BTC career training creates the skilled workers who are in demand in high-growth industries such as refining, water treatment, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and power generation.

Industrial machine maintenance technicians, also referred to as electro mechanical technicians, combine knowledge of mechanical and industrial technology, and electrical and electronic circuits. As an industrial maintenance and mechatronics graduate, you’ll possess a broad range of highly-sought skills and knowledge. BTC’s program will teach you to troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and analyze sophisticated machinery and equipment in advanced manufacturing operations.

The study of industrial maintenance & mechatronics is an excellent program choice if you want a high-wage job and a solid career path with local employers.

 

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

85% BTC graduate placement rate1

$60,466 starting annual wage2
$76,149 average annual wage2
$100,048 potential annual wage2

  • Employment and Wage Data Sources

    1Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect WA/OR employment for students enrolled at BTC between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

    2Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates and reflect 2018-21 employment. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data from the Washington SBCTC that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program admits students once a year, in the fall quarter.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

 

Classes

Total Program Credits: 113

  • Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

  • Quarter 1

  • AM 100Advanced Manufacturing Pathways3 CR
  • AM 105Direct Current4 CR
  • AM 110Introduction to Computer Applications2 CR
  • PTEC 102Process Technology I (Equipment)5 CR
  • AMATH 111Applied Technical Math5 CR

  • Quarter 2

  • EMTEC 125Applied Mechanics5 CR
  • EMTEC 126Engineering Graphics4 CR
  • EMTEC 210AC Circuits4 CR
  • CMST& 210Interpersonal Communication5 CR

  • Quarter 3

  • EMTEC 121Fundamentals of Hydraulic & Pneumatics5 CR
  • EMTEC 211Electrical Controls I5 CR
  • EMTEC 225Solid State Components4 CR
  • AENGL 100Applied English5 CR

  • Quarter 4

  • EMTEC 106Computer Programming3 CR
  • EMTEC 123Hydraulics and Pneumatics Circuits5 CR
  • EMTEC 205Programmable Logic Controllers5 CR
  • EMTEC 231Bearings and Drives5 CR

  • Quarter 5

  • EMTEC 200Industrial Power Distribution3 CR
  • EMTEC 207Industrial Maintenance Mamagement5 CR
  • EMTEC 217Instrumentation and Controls4 CR
  • EMTEC 220Micro-Controllers5 CR
  • WLD 173Basic Welding2 CR

  • Quarter 6

  • EMTEC 133Introduction to Machinery Skills4 CR
  • EMTEC 238Drive Alignment and Rotary Machines4 CR
  • EMTEC 260Automated Manufacturing Systems4 CR
  • EMTEC 261Introduction to Smart Sensors & Actuators2 CR
  • EMTEC 262Electrical and Mechanical Troubleshooting6 CR

Program Outcomes

To pursue your path to a career in industrial maintenance and mechatronics, the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) offers the best career training for job success as mechatronic technicians and other positions in the field. After completing this 117-credit associate degree program, you will be ready to:
  • Design, analyze, and diagnose basic electrical systems through the application of electrical theory fundamentals.
  • Design, analyze, and diagnose basic industrial mechanical systems through the application of hydraulic, pneumatic, lever, and pulley theory fundamentals.
  • Ensure safe work practices and installations through compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and industry standards including the National Electrical Code, WAC Chapter 296, and related RCW.
  • Use proper tools and test equipment to construct and maintain power, lighting, signaling, and control systems in industrial settings.
  • Use proper tools and test equipment to construct and maintain mechanical systems in industrial settings.
  • Install new and modify existing process systems and components using appropriate electrical and millwright/mechanical skills and materials.
  • Communicate clearly with team members, supervisor, and others in the workplace, effectively using oral communication as well as drawings, blueprints, and other documents.
  • Exhibit professional conduct and appearance appropriate to the workplace.

Employment Outlook

The employment outlook for mechatronics technicians is strong. Due to the escalating sophistication of equipment and the retirement of many technicians and other professionals, employers are in need of trained technicians in Washington State and beyond.

The average annual wage in the field of industrial maintenance and mechatronics is $59,925, with an earning potential of about $75,379 per year. The average placement rate for BTC graduates is 88% within nine months of graduation.

Potential positions for graduates of the Industrial Maintenance & Mechatronics Program include: millwright, assembler, maintenance mechanic, maintenance millwright, manufacturers service representative, automated equipment engineer-technician, machine erector, installer, mover, and dismantler.

Faculty & Support

Photo of Ali Ostadfar
Ali Ostadfar

  • Degrees and Credentials

    PhD, Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University

    License, Professional Engineer, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Province of British Columbia

    Certificate, Professional Technical Education, Washington State