Mechatronics

The Mechatronics Academy is a competency-based training program designed to ensure graduating students have demonstrated knowledge and skills essential to perform troubleshooting, service, and repair on mechatronical and electrical systems in an industrial setting. This academy will prepare trainees for jobs which require electrical, mechanical, computer, robotics, and automation skills sets. The electromechanical and robotics training provided in the Mechatronics Academy will prepare gradates to enter the industrial sector in positions such as industrial maintenance technician, automated manufacturing technician, electrical technician, mechanical technician, and industrial maintenance and repair. The combination of skills gained through this training is highly transferable to technician jobs in many industry sectors.

Download Course Schedule

Job Outlook

Required Courses

Certified Production Technician Safety (MSSC: Manufacturing Skill Standards Council)
Work Seminar
Real-World Experience

Choose at least two of the following:

Mechatronics (Mechanical Fabrication)
Mechatronics (AC/DC Electrical Systems)
Mechatronics (Basic Hydraulics)
Mechatronics (Rotating Electrical Machines)
CNC NIMS Machine Operator

Recommended Courses

Introduction to Industrial Technology
Electricity & Electronics I
Machine Tool Technology
Advanced Machine Tool Technology
College Financial Literacy

Mechatronics Documents

Career Options

High School and 2-year college:
Industrial maintenance technician, automated manufacturing technician, electrical technician, mechanical technician, and industrial maintenance and repair.

Four-year college or more:
Any engineering degree, Engineering is the most versatile degree to receive for a career in business and industry.

Job Skills

In addition to having technical skills, employers expect their workers to have other skills such as:

Listening Skills
Effective Communication
Digital Citizenship
Problem-solving Skills
Time Management
Tools and Equipment Management

Postsecondary Programs

Available throughout Northwest Technical College, Alexandria Technical College, Northland Community College. Upon completion of each of the pyramid levels of Mechatronics training, the trainees are eligible for certificates of completion from the Minnesota Innovative Initiative.

Brian Stefanich

Brian Stefanich has been an administrator for the past 17 years and is currently the Bemidji Area Schools Alternative Education & Bemidji Career Academy Principal. He served as the principal at Bemidji High School for the past 9 years. Brian earned his degree from Bemidji State University and St. Cloud State University. Bemidji High School is well known for their strong academics and extracurricular success at the state level. Brian takes great pride and he promotes Lumberjack Pride and he has built a positive school culture. He has been influential in starting the Bemidji Career Academies and connecting with community partners. Brian is very active in his community serving as the Sunrise Rotary President and he serves on numerous leadership and foundation boards including Northwest Technical College. Brian earned the Principal of the Year honors for the Northern Division in 2016. Brian and his wife Sage, have 5 grown children and 8 grandchildren. GO JACKS!!!

Business and Industry Experiences/ Partners

Potlatch, Norbord, Marvin Windows and Doors, Nortech Systems, Team Industries, DEED, Ottertail Power, Idea Circle.

Students in the academy do research on their career interests, tour local business and manufacturing, attend career fairs, have opportunities to intern and job shadow for real life manufacturing experience, and apply for careers in mechatronics with manufacturing companies.