John Wood Community College professor instructs student on using manufacturing computer equipment

Advanced Manufacturing Technician

The Advanced Manufacturing Technician degree prepares students for employment with companies that have implemented advanced technology equipment and have implemented concepts that increased productivity in the workplace. Advanced manufacturing technicians operate, install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment used in industrial and automated settings. Topics covered in the program include electrical and mechanical installations and troubleshooting, programmable logic controllers, motor controls, hydraulics and pneumatics, robotics, and industrial automation. Students are prepared to work in various manufacturing, industrial, and distribution facilities with modern automated and electrical systems.

Man with hat working manufacturing technology

Career Opportunities

  • Advanced Manufacturing Technician
  • Machine Installation & Repair Technician
  • Mechatronics Technicians
  • Industrial Maintenance Technician
  • Automation & Robotics Technicians
  • Quality Control Technician

Potential Employers

  • Titan Wheel
  • Knapheide
  • DOT Foods
  • Gardner Denver
  • General Mills
Loading...
Work 3 days / train 2 days / earn $21 an hour with Great River Fame

Learn more about Great River FAME

Suggested Degree Plan for Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AAS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
ELE 105 Electrical Safety in Workshop Details 1
This course is designed to educate students about NFPA 70E, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard designed to protect workers from the dangers of electricity. Students will learn about various types of electrical hazards and how to conduct a thorough risk assessment before starting electrical work. They will also learn the hierarchy of risk controls and safe work practices.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 110 Introduction to Electricity Details 3
Course provides a comprehensive study of electronic theory, practices and fundamentals. Laboratory activities explore the underlying principles of DC and AC circuitry through measurement analysis and problem solving strategies. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 191 Business Communication Details 3
This course instructs students in the techniques of composing effective business letters, memoranda, electronic communication, resumes and cover letters, and reports. It covers introductory business communication principles including intercultural communication, teamwork strategies, business etiquette, meeting strategies, business presentations, and employment communication.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score.
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 110 Industrial Wiring Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of industrial wiring and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about the electrical power distribution and the installation and wiring of industrial electrical equipment. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 290 Rigging Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of rigging systems and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about the fundamentals of rigging practices and the techniques to move, lift and install machines. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 121 Advanced Manufacturing Safety Culture Details 1
Introduces the importance of cultivating daily safe work habits and the predictable negative results of not being safety conscious in the workplace. Instructs the students in basic safety culture and prepares them to participate in, conduct, and lead safety walk-throughs. Introduces the student to Safety Discussions. Prepares the student to conduct risk assessment activities, construct safety boards, and formulate individual safety commitments.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
IMT 120 Industrial Motors & Controls Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of motors and controls and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about motor control systems, devices, circuits and troubleshooting. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 140 Pumps/Piping Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of pump and piping operation and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about maintenance tasks such as pump installation, shaft alignment, wiring, operation, inspection, piping schematics, calculation or pipe lengths, fabrication, installation, and testing of piping circuits, maintenance, troubleshooting and component replacement. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 150 Fluid Power I (Hydraulics) Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of hydraulics and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about hydraulic fundamentals, electrical control of hydraulic systems, hydraulic applications, sensors, and troubleshooting hydraulic circuits. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 155 Fluid Power II (Pneumatics) Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of pneumatics and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about pneumatic fundamentals, electrical control of pneumatic systems, pneumatic applications, sensors, and troubleshooting pneumatic circuits. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 122 Advanced Manufacturing 5S Principles Details 1
Introduces the fundamental 5S process involving the five-step progression described by the Japanese words Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke. Instructs the students in the sequence involving classifying and sorting, ordering, and aligning, cleaning, and sweeping up, standardizing, and developing a process of sustainable practice in the workplace. Fosters the development of a workplace organization in which safety and efficiency are always paramount.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 131 Maintenance Machinist Fundamentals Details 2
This course provides an overview of machining processes. The course introduces a wide variety of skills in the planning, machining, and finishing of metal products. Students develop basic skills in the use of measurement devices, hand tools, hardware types, locating holes, drill press, band saw, engine lathe, key mills, bearings, and shaft seals. 2 credits (1 lecture/2 lab)
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 145 Human Relations in the Workplace Details 3
Introduction to the application of guidelines for the field of human relationships in the workplace. The course will examine the information and guidelines to promote effective functioning in the workplace. Topics covered will include diversity in the workplace, groups and organizations, ethics, productivity, teamwork communication, and motivation. Also emphasized will be workplace attitudes for job satisfaction, interpersonal relations, dealing with stress and discrimination, and career choice planning.
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
ELE 115 Electrical Troubleshooting Details 2
Working with real-world components, students in this Electrical Troubleshooting course will learn how to fix electrical problems quickly and safely.  The course was created to bring students up to speed in their electrical troubleshooting skills as efficiently as possible, and to cover the most commonly performed electrical troubleshooting tasks a maintenance technician faces in their job every day.  For the novice or experienced electrician, this training course provides a no-nonsense, practical and real-world systematic approach to electrical troubleshooting.  This course can also be adopted as part of a company’s regular Qualified Electrical Worker program. 2 credits (1.25 lecture and 1.5 lab)
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 135 Programmable Control Details 3
A practical and theoretical approach to the installation, programming, and maintenance of programmable control (PC) equipment. The course develops skills in the application of PC equipment and computers in manufacturing processes. Practical laboratory activities are provided. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: IMT 120 or consent of department
MFG 123 Total Management Production Details 1
Instructs the student in the concepts of value-added product, maintenance value-added product, value-added work, and necessary work. Explains the process of how employers earn profit. Demonstrates the Lean Production System for Maintenance using the TPS House framework. Describes and explains the three Ms and the seven Mudas and their relationship to maintenance and production.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 126 Problem Solving in Advanced Manufacturing Details 1
Introduces the 8 step Problem Solving method and the 10-part Drive and Dedication model. Instructs the students to clarify the problem, break it down to analyze it, set achievable targets, analyze the root cause, develop countermeasures, evaluate results and the process, standardize the results, and learn from failures. Fosters the development of a customer first philosophy involving all the stakeholders.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 145 Introduction to Robotics Operations Details 3
This course covers the evolution of robotics and how they are used in a manufacturing or distribution facility. Students will learn the various classifications of robots, understand work-cell sensors, end-of-arm tooling, and the various types of robotics programming. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of values. This course is designed to assist students in the development of a philosophic understanding of human nature, moral philosophy, and principles of ethics that will help them assume individualized responsibility in a democratic society. IAI: H4 904.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 101 Maintenance and Repair Welding Details 3
Course covers basic electric arc, oxy-fuel, gas metal arc, and shielded metal arc welding processes. Safety procedures required to set up and shut down welding equipment for the various processes. Hands-on experience includes practice with the three welding and cutting systems using various thickness materials. 1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Fourth Semester Details
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial, and professional relationships. IAI: MC 901
Prerequisites: (none)
CSC 163 Fundamentals of Networking Details 3
This course is designed to provide students with the background necessary to understand the local area networking information in Microsoft courses on workstations and networking. This course provides students with not only the information needed to build a foundation in current networking technology for local area networks, wide area networks and the Internet, but also gain essential knowledge that can be skilled within the manufacturing industry. Students will be given the opportunity to take the Network+ certification test providing them with an industry credential.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 230 Specialized Electrical Circuits Details 3
The introduction of specialized electrical circuits, such as emergency lighting, security, communications, fire alarm, and data processing systems. Students will apply knowledge of blueprints, codes and safety precautions in the solution of installation problems. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 205 and ELE 220, or consent of department
IMT 200 Mechanical Systems Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of mechanical systems and predictive maintenance and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about the installation, use, predictive maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical drive components. 1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 127 Machine Reliability Advanced Manufacturing Details 1
Introduces Maintenance Reliability training. Describes the difference between corrective maintenance and preventive maintenance. Breaks down proactive maintenance and the underlying tools and constituent processes. Instructs the students in the various individual units in a system and the steps in evaluating failure mode risks and countermeasures.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 150 Handling Tool Operations/Programming Details 3
This course is intended for an operator, technician, engineer or programmer who must setup and record programs on a robot. The course covers the tasks required to set up the specific application, test, run and refine the program and production setup. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations and lab exercises. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.
Suggested Degree Plan for Advanced Manufacturing Technician (FAME students only)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
Semester 1 - Fall Details
ELE 105 Electrical Safety in Workshop Details 1
This course is designed to educate students about NFPA 70E, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard designed to protect workers from the dangers of electricity. Students will learn about various types of electrical hazards and how to conduct a thorough risk assessment before starting electrical work. They will also learn the hierarchy of risk controls and safe work practices.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 110 Introduction to Electricity Details 3
Course provides a comprehensive study of electronic theory, practices and fundamentals. Laboratory activities explore the underlying principles of DC and AC circuitry through measurement analysis and problem solving strategies. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 191 Business Communication Details 3
This course instructs students in the techniques of composing effective business letters, memoranda, electronic communication, resumes and cover letters, and reports. It covers introductory business communication principles including intercultural communication, teamwork strategies, business etiquette, meeting strategies, business presentations, and employment communication.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score.
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 110 Industrial Wiring Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of industrial wiring and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about the electrical power distribution and the installation and wiring of industrial electrical equipment. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 290 Rigging Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of rigging systems and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about the fundamentals of rigging practices and the techniques to move, lift and install machines. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 121 Advanced Manufacturing Safety Culture Details 1
Introduces the importance of cultivating daily safe work habits and the predictable negative results of not being safety conscious in the workplace. Instructs the students in basic safety culture and prepares them to participate in, conduct, and lead safety walk-throughs. Introduces the student to Safety Discussions. Prepares the student to conduct risk assessment activities, construct safety boards, and formulate individual safety commitments.
Prerequisites: (none)
Semester 2 - Spring Details
IMT 120 Industrial Motors & Controls Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of motors and controls and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about motor control systems, devices, circuits and troubleshooting. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 150 Fluid Power I (Hydraulics) Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of hydraulics and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about hydraulic fundamentals, electrical control of hydraulic systems, hydraulic applications, sensors, and troubleshooting hydraulic circuits. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 155 Fluid Power II (Pneumatics) Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of pneumatics and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about pneumatic fundamentals, electrical control of pneumatic systems, pneumatic applications, sensors, and troubleshooting pneumatic circuits. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 122 Advanced Manufacturing 5S Principles Details 1
Introduces the fundamental 5S process involving the five-step progression described by the Japanese words Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke. Instructs the students in the sequence involving classifying and sorting, ordering, and aligning, cleaning, and sweeping up, standardizing, and developing a process of sustainable practice in the workplace. Fosters the development of a workplace organization in which safety and efficiency are always paramount.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 131 Maintenance Machinist Fundamentals Details 2
This course provides an overview of machining processes. The course introduces a wide variety of skills in the planning, machining, and finishing of metal products. Students develop basic skills in the use of measurement devices, hand tools, hardware types, locating holes, drill press, band saw, engine lathe, key mills, bearings, and shaft seals. 2 credits (1 lecture/2 lab)
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 145 Human Relations in the Workplace Details 3
Introduction to the application of guidelines for the field of human relationships in the workplace. The course will examine the information and guidelines to promote effective functioning in the workplace. Topics covered will include diversity in the workplace, groups and organizations, ethics, productivity, teamwork communication, and motivation. Also emphasized will be workplace attitudes for job satisfaction, interpersonal relations, dealing with stress and discrimination, and career choice planning.
Prerequisites: (none)
Semester 3 - Summer Details
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial, and professional relationships. IAI: MC 901
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 140 Pumps/Piping Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of pump and piping operation and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about maintenance tasks such as pump installation, shaft alignment, wiring, operation, inspection, piping schematics, calculation or pipe lengths, fabrication, installation, and testing of piping circuits, maintenance, troubleshooting and component replacement. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 123 Total Management Production Details 1
Instructs the student in the concepts of value-added product, maintenance value-added product, value-added work, and necessary work. Explains the process of how employers earn profit. Demonstrates the Lean Production System for Maintenance using the TPS House framework. Describes and explains the three Ms and the seven Mudas and their relationship to maintenance and production.
Prerequisites: (none)
Semester 4 - Fall Details
ELE 115 Electrical Troubleshooting Details 2
Working with real-world components, students in this Electrical Troubleshooting course will learn how to fix electrical problems quickly and safely.  The course was created to bring students up to speed in their electrical troubleshooting skills as efficiently as possible, and to cover the most commonly performed electrical troubleshooting tasks a maintenance technician faces in their job every day.  For the novice or experienced electrician, this training course provides a no-nonsense, practical and real-world systematic approach to electrical troubleshooting.  This course can also be adopted as part of a company’s regular Qualified Electrical Worker program. 2 credits (1.25 lecture and 1.5 lab)
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 135 Programmable Control Details 3
A practical and theoretical approach to the installation, programming, and maintenance of programmable control (PC) equipment. The course develops skills in the application of PC equipment and computers in manufacturing processes. Practical laboratory activities are provided. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: IMT 120 or consent of department
MFG 145 Introduction to Robotics Operations Details 3
This course covers the evolution of robotics and how they are used in a manufacturing or distribution facility. Students will learn the various classifications of robots, understand work-cell sensors, end-of-arm tooling, and the various types of robotics programming. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 126 Problem Solving in Advanced Manufacturing Details 1
Introduces the 8 step Problem Solving method and the 10-part Drive and Dedication model. Instructs the students to clarify the problem, break it down to analyze it, set achievable targets, analyze the root cause, develop countermeasures, evaluate results and the process, standardize the results, and learn from failures. Fosters the development of a customer first philosophy involving all the stakeholders.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of values. This course is designed to assist students in the development of a philosophic understanding of human nature, moral philosophy, and principles of ethics that will help them assume individualized responsibility in a democratic society. IAI: H4 904.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 101 Maintenance and Repair Welding Details 3
Course covers basic electric arc, oxy-fuel, gas metal arc, and shielded metal arc welding processes. Safety procedures required to set up and shut down welding equipment for the various processes. Hands-on experience includes practice with the three welding and cutting systems using various thickness materials. 1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Semester 5 - Spring Details
CSC 163 Fundamentals of Networking Details 3
This course is designed to provide students with the background necessary to understand the local area networking information in Microsoft courses on workstations and networking. This course provides students with not only the information needed to build a foundation in current networking technology for local area networks, wide area networks and the Internet, but also gain essential knowledge that can be skilled within the manufacturing industry. Students will be given the opportunity to take the Network+ certification test providing them with an industry credential.
Prerequisites: (none)
ELE 230 Specialized Electrical Circuits Details 3
The introduction of specialized electrical circuits, such as emergency lighting, security, communications, fire alarm, and data processing systems. Students will apply knowledge of blueprints, codes and safety precautions in the solution of installation problems. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: ELE 205 and ELE 220, or consent of department
IMT 200 Mechanical Systems Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of mechanical systems and predictive maintenance and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about the installation, use, predictive maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical drive components. 1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 127 Machine Reliability Advanced Manufacturing Details 1
Introduces Maintenance Reliability training. Describes the difference between corrective maintenance and preventive maintenance. Breaks down proactive maintenance and the underlying tools and constituent processes. Instructs the students in the various individual units in a system and the steps in evaluating failure mode risks and countermeasures.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 150 Handling Tool Operations/Programming Details 3
This course is intended for an operator, technician, engineer or programmer who must setup and record programs on a robot. The course covers the tasks required to set up the specific application, test, run and refine the program and production setup. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations and lab exercises. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.