Industrial Manufacturing Technology
Department: Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Program Type: Manufacturing
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Overview
Elgin Community College offers an Industrial Manufacturing Technology (IMT) program that focuses on foundational engineering principles and technical competencies and identifies and resolves production issues in product manufacturing.
ECC offers an IMT Associate of Applied Science Degree, highlighting areas in automated manufacturing, drafting and design, manufacturing technology, and engineering technology. Students will take courses covering blueprint reading, industrial design, basic robotics, technical mechanics, and quality control.
In today’s high-production equipment and facilities, costs make maintenance more critical to the bottom line of manufacturing and business than ever before. Well-trained maintenance technicians are crucial in helping any organization save time and money and create a high-level impact.
Whether you are an experienced industrial maintenance technician or interested in entering the profession, ECC's program is suitable for individuals without experience. For individuals interested in manufacturing skills or seeking a quick entry into the workforce, We encourage you to connect with an academic advisor to see if ECC’s IMT program is right for you.
Courses include:
- Hands-on lab portion to help understand the material, such as training to maintain, calibrate, and repair equipment.
- Courses that cover basic knowledge of electricity, mechanical drives, hydraulics, pneumatics, 3-phase motor control systems, and programmable logic controllers.
- Fundamentals of basic (DC) electricity, including series, parallel, and combination circuits.
Prepare for Immediate Employment
The future employment outlook for Industrial Manufacturing Technology is generally positive. The employment outlook for IMT is generally positive, with the field expected to grow in the coming years. Growth is driven by the increasing demand for technology in businesses and organizations and the need for professionals who can design, develop, and maintain computer systems and networks. On average, an estimated 53,200 job openings for industrial maintenance workers are projected yearly over the next decade.
Overall, the future employment outlook for IMT and Computer Integrated Manufacturing is positive, with opportunities for career advancement and job security in these fields. Refer to Career Coach to learn about related professions and compensation.
Plan of Study and Course Descriptions
Review the ECC catalog for details about the IMT or manufacturing plan of study and course descriptions.
Associate of Applied Science
Vocational Certificates
What do Industrial Manufacturing Technologists do?
Industrial Manufacturing Technologists are responsible for improving and maintaining manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production. Their key duties include developing and implementing methods to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality. They also provide technical assistance and troubleshooting for machinery and equipment. IMT professionals engage in research and development on new products and manage robotics to streamline production.
How do I become an Industrial Manufacturing Technologist?
You can prepare for an IMT career at Elgin Community College by receiving an Associate of Applied Science in IMT/Computer Integrated Manufacturing. You can also receive essential certificates such as CNC Programmer or Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Generally, an Associate's degree in IMT takes around two years to complete, while a Bachelor's degree may take four years or more. Some IMT programs may also require students to complete an internship or co-op experience, which could add additional time to the overall length of the program.
In summary, the time it takes to earn a degree in an Industrial Manufacturing Technology (IMT) program can range from two to four years, depending on how long it takes to complete IMT classes and electives.
What is the projected career growth for IMT?
The employment outlook for Industrial Manufacturing Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), which aligns with the average growth rate for all occupations. This field is expected to have about 6,500 job openings annually due to the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force through retirement (accessed June 11, 2024).
What kind of job can I get with an IMT degree?
A degree in Industrial Manufacturing Technology can lead to various career options. Some of the popular job roles include:
- Manufacturing Engineer: Plans, designs, and improves manufacturing processes, systems, and equipment to ensure efficient production.
- Quality Control Specialist: Responsible for monitoring and evaluating the quality of products and processes to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Industrial Engineer: Responsible for designing and improving production processes, systems, and equipment to ensure quality and safety.
- Production Supervisor: Oversee manufacturing operations, manage staff, and meet production targets.
- Process Improvement Specialist: Examine and enhance production workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Learn more about the IMT/Computer Integrated Manufacturing department at ECC!
Earning an Associate Degree at Elgin Community College can set your career in motion.
Manufacturing Programs Overview
Contact
IMT / Computer Integrated Manufacturing Contact
Contact
Admissions & Recruitment
Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm
*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689
Contact
Career and Technical Education Programs
Building O, Room O125
847-214-7900