Manufacturing Automation Technologies

If robots, electronics, and mechanical devices with flashing lights make you so curious you want to control them or take them apart, Manufacturing Automation Technologies could be the green light you need for a high-tech, high-demand, high-wage career. Maybe you rocked the robotic competition in high school with your team. Congrats, we want you! Or maybe you work in manufacturing and want to advance your skills for greater challenges and better pay. Ridgewater College is here for you too!

Program Requirements and Job Outlook

Agriculture Automation Certificate Automation & Robotic Systems Technologies AAS Manufacturing Automation Technologies AAS Manufacturing Automation Technologies Diploma Manufacturing Production Technologies Certificate

Program delivery

• Hutchinson campus
• Fall and spring starts

Skills you will learn

• Fluid power
• Mechanical components
• Electrical control systems
• Motion control
• Machine vision
• Sensors and process controls
• Robotics
• Predictive maintenance
• Programmable Logic Controller
• Computer skills needed for automated technologies

Choose Ridgewater

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are the heartbeat and brains of today’s complex machines. As a Ridgewater Manufacturing Automation Technologies student, you’ll become a master of machines in our newly expanded department. Filled with modern manufacturing equipment like that used in industry (not just simulators), our program has the highest level of industrial configuration and programming in the state. Through hands-on, project-based, affordable learning, you will gain the skills to be among the best on manufacturing teams. One in seven Minnesotans works in manufacturing. Obtain your strong foundation through daily hands-on experience in Hutchinson, known as Minnesota’s Manufacturing City.

Program Distinctions

Manufacturing Skills Standards Council Certification

Program attributes that help students thrive

• Extensive community partnerships for internships and employment during school and after graduation
• Active student club
• Small class sizes with personalized attention
• Strong emphasis on controls and machine communication and interaction
• Hands-on, real-world experiences with a close-knit class
• Flexible schedule
• Industry-experienced instructors

If you embrace technology and computer-programmable machines, and you can think sequentially and like to problem solve, then a high-paying career in automation or robotics could be just a YES away!