Program Prepares Students for Advanced Manufacturing Jobs
CONCORD — Starting this fall, NHTI, Concord’s Community College, will begin offering a new 2-year Associate’s Degree in Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology (RAET).
Manufacturing is coming back strong using robotics and automation. As a result, low skilled workers are being replaced by high skilled technicians and engineers. Building upon NHTI’s long standing reputation in engineering technology education, the new RAET program has been carefully constructed with the assistance of industry partners to provide students the skills and knowledge to qualify for these high paying careers.
Joining NHTI’s prestigious staff is Program Coordinator and Professor Joe Cunningham. He brings a long career of industry experience and engineering education, along with involvement as a Master Teacher with the national Project Lead The Way engineering program, and many years in FIRST and VEX robotics. Professor Cunningham is also a co-founder of NH TechFest.
Students in the RAET program will master engineering fundamentals by taking courses in engineering design, manufacturing processes, computer programming, circuit theory, and digital electronics. Emphasis is also placed on the study of mathematics and physical science, while English and social science courses broaden and improve the student’s communication skills.
A series of more advanced/specialized courses focuses on the integration of new and existing technologies and their application to product design and fabrication. Topics include robotics, machine vision, process automation, programmable logic controllers, motion control, and the use of computers for design and manufacture.
The program is designed to prepare engineering technologists for employment in advanced manufacturing. Positions such as electro mechanical technician have an average salary of $54k/year with a great employment outlook. Graduates will also have the foundation necessary to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and to take advantage of opportunities for life-long learning and professional development.
This program is sponsored by (or in part by) a $19.97 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration TAACCCT Grant #TC-22504-ll-60-A-33, awarded to the New Hampshire Community College System in 2011. This grant is helping to build capacity in the state’s hi-tech manufacturing sector by advancing the skills of students to meet workforce demands.
NHTI, Concord’s Community College, is a fully accredited, public community college serving students, businesses and the community by providing excellent academic, technical and professional education. NHTI offers 66 academic programs to more than 4,500 students. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. CCSNH is an equal opportunity employer and educator, and adaptive equipment is available upon request to students with disabilities.