Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Depending on whether you attend a technical college for a vocational certification or a four-year college to earn a degree, there are a variety of certifications and degrees offered to students who focus on technology. You might opt to major in a field such as engineering, mathematics or programming. Be sure to consult your school’s course catalogue to determine the best program for your needs.
Among the certifications and degrees offered for the technology field are:
- Vocational Certificate
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Information technology career paths are accessible within a wide gamut of career training or education levels.
If time is important, you could finish a technology program at a vocational college in just a year. But if you’re willing to invest more time in your education, you could earn a Bachelor’s Degree in four years or less. Remember that many companies structure their pay scales based on education level.
How to Become an Automation Technician
An automation technician is also known as a robotics technician or an electro-mechanical technician. Automation technicians help engineers to design, develop, and produce automated machines or robotic devices such as production line welding machines. Automation technicians conduct tests and collect data in order to verify design functionality and reliability. They typically work closely with engineers and therefore need good communications skills.
A career in automation technology can be challenging because of ongoing technology advances in robotics engineering.
Training Required for a Career as an Automation Technician
There is no educational requirement to become an automation technician, although most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least a two-year degree or other postsecondary coursework in engineering technology. Automation technicians who do not have a two-year degree will typically require more on-the-job training, and therefore employers typically look first at degreed candidates.
Automation technicians begin their successful careers by preparing in high school with math and science courses. Their college experience is supplemented by pursuing summer or part-time jobs working with automation, which gives them the experience that gives them an edge in the job application process. Internships are also valuable, and because internships are highly sought after, candidates should focus on getting good grades and taking related coursework such as electronics and mechanical engineering courses.
Students interested in a career in automation technology should focus on taking as many science and math courses as possible in high school. College coursework typically includes algebra and trigonometry along with other math courses. Because automation technicians typically work with others, including engineers and design groups, communication is important for a successful career. Communication courses, including technical writing, can give you and edge and launch your successful automation technician career.
Automation Technician Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median automation technician salary is $46,300. Automation technician salaries vary, however, by industry. For example, the median automation technician salary within the semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing industry is $44,600. This compares favorably with the median salary of other types of technicians such as environmental technicians with a median salary of $39,500. (Salary data retrieved 7/10/11)
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