Electro-Mechanical Technology (Industrial Maintenance)

A Focus on Advanced Manufacturing

Grow Your Career with Stackable Credentials 

Electro-Mechanical Technology (Industrial Maintenance) is one of the technical skills training programs offered by Community College of Philadelphia. This micro-pathway program combines classroom and hands-on training to provide you with the fundamental skills needed to begin a high-paying career as an Electro-Mechanical Technician, which is an essential position in the manufacturing industry.

As an Electro-Mechanical Technician, you will be trained in a variety of skill areas, allowing companies to utilize your knowledge for a variety of technical and mechanical issues. Learn a combination of electrical and mechanical skills based in computer-aided drafting, and machine technology that creates a unique blend of technical knowledge desirable to industry. Gain the trouble-shooting and industrial maintenance skills that are needed by advanced manufacturing companies. Having a multi-skilled technician on staff that can address issues immediately allows companies to continue production at a minimal loss. 

Start with the first four essential Electro-Mechanical Technology modules and 21st Century Skills training and continue your learning with Introduction to Mechatronics and Introduction to Robotics to complete the Electro-Mechanical Technology micro-pathway program. 

When you complete the Electro-Mechanical Technology micro-pathway program, you will gain entry-level knowledge of mechanical technology, including electrical and electronic circuits, and be prepared to operate, test and maintain electro-mechanical equipment. This program also offers Essential Non-Technical 21st Century Skills for Workplace Success which involves verbal and nonverbal communication, growth mindset, and time management strategies. 

Upon completion of your training, be prepared to take the foundational skills testing: Festo Industry 4.0 Level One Fundamentals Certification. Specifically, the (Fundamentals of Industry 4.0); (Fundamentals of Sensor Technology); (Fundamentals of Electricity - AC/DC); (Fundamentals of Fluid Power - Pneumatics/Hydraulics); (Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems); (Fundamentals of PLCs - Allen Bradley/Siemens); and (Fundamentals of Robotics) certifications. Note: The cost for certification is not included in the training.

The Electro-Mechanical Technology noncredit micro-pathway program provides academic credits that can be used towards specific credit-bearing degree programs upon completion and enrollment in the credit degree program. Students are eligible for up to 6 college credits upon completion of this program and passing the corresponding certification exams. For more details, please view our Prior Learning Assessment. 

This program is the result of a partnership between Community College of Philadelphia and the Education Design Lab (EDL). This diverse team is comprised of experts who have worked in higher education, K-12, talent development, policy and entrepreneurship. Education Design Lab helps colleges, universities, and employers design programs for working, rural, first-in-family, and parent learners.

Career Opportunities

Entry-level salaries for the following positions can be as high as $47,800 per year, depending on the industry. Examples of jobs include:

  • Electro-Mechanical Technicians
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  • Machinery Maintenance Workers
  • Equipment Maintenance Technician  
  • Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technician

Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They operate, test and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic or electro-mechanical equipment. These technicians also install, maintain and repair automated machinery and equipment in industrial settings. 

Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machineries, such as conveying systems, production machinery and packaging equipment. Millwrights install, dismantle, repair, reassemble and move machinery in factories, power plants and construction sites. Equipment Maintenance Technician and Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technician, assemble systems, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade machinery and the associated control systems.  

O*NET Data projects employment of industrial machinery mechanics to grow 22 percent from 2020-2030 in Pennsylvania. The increased adoption of sophisticated manufacturing machinery will require more mechanics to keep machines in good working order.


Learning outcomes covered in the Electro-Mechanical Technology Micro-pathway Program: 

  • Part 1 - Technical Skills (Power-source and Process Fundamentals) |255 hours 
  • Part 1 - Essential Non-Technical 21st Century Skills | 24 hours
  • Part 2 - Technical Skills (Power-source and Process Fundamentals) |120 hours
    Technical Skill (Power-source and Process Fundamentals) Topics - Part 1: 

    Electricity 1 | Power–source Fundamentals, 45 hours 
    This module covers principles of electricity covering fundamentals, devices and components in both DC and AC circuits. Learn how to decrease production downtime, improve efficiency and increase output, by understanding electricity and how to work with it safely. This workshop has been designed to give students the knowledge and skills required to work safely and effectively with electricity in a manufacturing environment. 
     
    Students will be prepared to take the foundational skills testing: Festo Industry 4.0 Level One Fundamentals Certification – (Fundamentals of Electricity - AC/DC). Note: The cost for certification is not included in the training.

    Mechanisms 1 | Process Fundamentals, 75 hours 
    The driving force behind most industrial applications is Mechanical Systems. Gears, drives, bearings, pulleys, and more are found in nearly everything that moves. This module covers the installation, use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical drive components and systems. In addition, provides techniques for disassembly, inspection, alignment and reassembly of industrial machinery. The curriculum is divided into various topics, which deal with the components encountered within industry. Learning is based on practical, hands-on tasks to build know-how in operating and maintaining these vital systems. This includes hands-on activities involving alignment of motor and pump shaft; tension of multi-belt sheaves; and the setting of end play and backlash in a gear box. 
     
    Students will be prepared to take the foundational skills testing: Festo Industry 4.0 Level One Fundamentals Certification – (Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems). Note: The cost for certification is not included in the training.

    Applied Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and Hydrostatics | Power–source Fundamentals, 75 hours 
    Learn the fluid power system design, operation, testing, maintenance and repair. In this module, cover the fundamental concepts and components of hydraulic, pneumatic, and hydrostatic systems. Practical exercises are used to demonstrate the operations, which are based on standard symbol circuits. Maintenance and a systematic approach to fault finding are covered. An overview of compressors, storage, dryers and distribution, the design, construction and operation of a range of actuators, valves and ancillary equipment is provided. 
     
    Topics include reservoirs, pump connecting valves, cylinders, pressure regulating valves, flow control valves, hydraulic motors, and introduction to basic hydrostatic hydraulic systems. At the end of this module, students will develop a sound competence for the safe operation and maintenance of one of the most common automation elements in industry. 
     
    Students will be prepared to take the foundational skills testing: Festo Industry 4.0 Level One Fundamentals Certification –  (Fundamentals of Fluid Power - Pneumatics/Hydraulics). Note: The cost for certification is not included in the training.

    Machine Control and PLCs | Process Fundamentals, 60 hours
    This module provides an introduction to hardwired relay logic and the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) as utilized in a variety of different control tasks. Working with a PLC efficiently requires a strong familiarity with the specifics of the programming environment and languages. Cover different types of inputs and outputs in control system. In this workshop, you will work to acquire hands-on experience with industrial control equipment while working on high-end products. Realistic examples are used to gain the skills needs to work with PLC controlled systems – which surround us in our daily lives.

    Students will be prepared to take the foundational skills testing: Festo Industry 4.0 Level One Fundamentals Certification – (Fundamentals of PLCs - Allen Bradley/Siemens). Note: The cost for certification is not included in the training.

    Essential Non-Technical 21st Century Skill Topics - Part 1: 

    Oral Communication | 12 hours 
    Oral communication in the 21st century includes both verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals who are effective communicators exhibit four core sub-competencies: use stories to communicate ideas and increase engagement; awareness of the audience, use the appropriate tone and word choice. There are also active listeners who can "hear" both what is said and what is not said and can use body language effectively. Students will learn to adjust communication style and approach for different settings; build rapport; communicate up and down the organization.

    Initiative | 12 hours 
    Initiative in the 21st century includes self-efficacy and the capacity to identify needs and respond proactively. Individuals who exercise initiative show four core sub-competencies: self-awareness, learning from both “failure” and “success” as opportunities to learn and develop. Lead without an official “leader” role or title, motivate others and catalyze necessary action. Students will learn how to evaluate their own performance; recognize their motivations; and manage their anxiety. 

    Continue your Technical Skills learning with these additional stackable modules!

    Technical Skill (Power-source and Process Fundamentals) Topics - Part 2: 

    Introduction to Mechatronics | Power–source Fundamentals, 60 hours
    Establish a foundational base about the Industry 4.0. This workshop presents foundational concepts in mechatronics including analog and digital electronics, sensors, actuators, microprocessors, and microprocessor interfacing to electromechanical systems. Survey components and measurement equipment used in the design, installation, and repair of mechatronic equipment and circuits.

    This module will cover the disruptions the manufacturing industry faces, including the various industrial revolutions: Industry 4.0, internet, smart factories, and cyber-physical systems. Discuss the impact and implications that these advancements create in the manufacturing industry. Students will be introduced to various sensors common in the industrial automation field. Hands-on experience plays a central role in teaching these fundamentals of sensors. Examples are provided to demonstrate the general operational principles of different sensors. Special attention is paid to the selection of the right sensor, its connection, the correct setting and functional checking.

    Students will be prepared to take the foundational skills testing: Festo Industry 4.0 Level One Fundamentals Certification – (Fundamentals of Industry 4.0) and (Fundamentals of Sensor Technology). Note: The cost for certification is not included in the training.

    Industrial Robot Programming | Process Fundamentals, 60 hours
    The future is now. Robotics are becoming more and more common, from repetitive tasks to highly complex interactions with humans. This module is designed to introduce you to the various types of robots and ways they can increase productivity in industrial applications. Get an introduction to industrial robotics and their programming for repetitive manufacturing systems. Topics include the design of software that ensures safe operation and programming of both on- and off-line robot operations.

    Working with robotic systems requires people with the technical skills to program, operate, and maintain them. Students will work with real industrial robotic applications, which will allow you to learn how to program and edit robot programs to accomplish various tasks.

    Students will be prepared to take the foundational skills testing: Festo Industry 4.0 Level One Fundamentals Certification – (Fundamentals of Robotics). Note: The cost for certification is not included in the training.


    Program Qualifications

    This program is suitable for high school graduates with average math and language skills. High school diploma or GED/equivalent.


    Location

    The new Career and Advanced Technology Center, located in West Philadelphia, includes state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities to bring hands-on learning experiences for fields that are in demand. The course offerings at the Career and Advanced Technology Center will focus on career readiness and creating a thriving workforce in our city’s transportation, manufacturing and health care fields. 

    Workforce Development Program Scholarships

    The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and its donors are pleased to offer scholarships to students enrolling in select Workforce Development courses. To submit your scholarship application, follow the steps in this Workforce Development Program Scholarship Application Guide.

    Noncredit Program Refund Policy

    Refunds for noncredit programs will be granted if the class is canceled or if you withdraw no later than the day before the first class. Refunds are not available after class begins.

    Questions?

    Thinking about enrolling but need additional information or assistance with registering?

    Contact us with your questions here.

    Course Dates and Times

    Course Name Date and Times Location Course Cost/Fees Register

    Electro-Mechanical Technology (Industrial Maintenance) – Part 1

    Course Hours: 279 hours total (255 hours technical skills + 24 hours non-technical skills) 

    Mon. - Thurs.
    May 22, 2023 – 
    September 12, 2023 
     
    Mon. – Wed. 
    9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
    (1/2 hour lunch break) 
     
    Thurs. 
    9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

    (No class May 29, June 19, July 4, or Aug. 17 to Sep. 4, 2023)

    Hybrid 
      
    (In-Person 
    Career and Advanced Technology Center 

    Located at the southeast corner of 48th and Market. 
     
    And 
     
    24 hours of asynchronous online)

    $3,750 (Tuition: $3,350; Material: $400) 

     
    *Eligible for scholarship 

    Sign Up for More Information

    Electro-Mechanical Technology (Industrial Maintenance) – Part 2

    Course Hours: 120 hours 

    Mon. – Thurs.  
    Sept. 12, 2023 – Oct. 24, 2023 
     
    Mon. – Wed. 
    9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
    (1/2 hour lunch break) 
     
    Thurs. 
    9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

    (Sept. 26 - Last class ends at 2 p.m.) 

    In-Person

    Career and Advanced Technology Center

    Located at the southeast corner of 48th and Market.

    $1,625 (Tuition: $1,425; Material: $200) 

    *Eligible for scholarship 

    After completion of part 1 of the program, students will be able to register for part 2.

    Course Hours:

    • 399 Total Hours to complete both part 1 & 2 of the Electro-Mechanical Technology (Industrial Maintenance) micro-pathway program.

      • 279 Hours to complete part 1.

      • 120 Hours to complete part 2. 

    Community College of Philadelphia's Electro-Mechanical Technology micro-pathway program is supported by the Citizens Community College Accelerator, in partnership with Education Design Lab’s Community College Growth Engine. Through this initiative, Citizens invests in community colleges to accelerate the development of locally relevant and inclusive mobility pathways in high-growth sectors to drive strong employment outcomes for students.

    Education Design Lab