September 18, 1996
Board Action Item
BOARD ACTION
New Program Approval: Manufacturing Reliability Technician Associate of Arts,
Diploma and Certificate Alexandria Technical College
BACKGROUND
The program is designed to serve persons who currently are or aspire to be manufacturing reliability technicians. The program consists of an A.A.S. degree, diploma and certificate awards. The two primary areas of curriculum focus are repair of highly technical industrial machines and emphasis on predictive and preventive maintenance to reduce the need for reconditioning due to machine breakdown. The curriculum includes courses in industrial mechanics, programmable logic controls, problem solving management and control, machine design, industrial electronics, self-managed work teams, predictive maintenance and general education.
Other programs with a similar focus are located at the Eveleth Campus of Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, the Winona Campus of Red Wing/Winona Technical College, and the Albert Lea Campus of Riverland Community College. The existing programs had 21 graduates in 1994 with 85% of the graduates finding employment as industrial equipment technicians. Industrial equipment technicians were paid a median salary of $26,712.00 in 1994.
The college has verified that 600 manufacturing positions in the Alexandria region were added in 1994. In addition, 66% of the respondents indicated they intended to add personnel during the next two years. Numerous area business leaders have expressed support and indicate they will encourage their employees to participate in the program.
The proposal documents that over one hundred and fifty (150) students are interested in this program. Most of the interested students are employed in local industry.
Much of the course content for this program is built upon existing college programs. The college currently offers more than 85% of the courses required by the program. All faculty are in place to teach existing courses and to provide student consultation.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Board of Trustees approve this request by Alexandria Technical College to offer a new Associate of Applied Science Degree, Diploma and Certificate in Manufacturing Reliability Technician.
Date of Implementation: September 18, 1996,
Date of Adoption: September 18, 1996,
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