Electro-Mechanical Technology (Industrial Maintenance)

A Focus on Advanced Manufacturing

Community College of Philadelphia’s Electro‑Mechanical Technology program is a structured, hands‑on curriculum that prepares technicians to commission, operate and maintain modern automated systems. Coursework integrates electricity, mechanisms, fluid power, controls, PLCs, robotics and system integration. The program runs for 480 hours and is delivered in a lab‑intensive format, meeting six hours per day, four days per week. This emphasis on applied learning helps graduates enter advanced manufacturing roles with confidence.

Grow Your Career with Stackable Credentials 

Students in the certificate program follow a pathway aligned to national credentials. Embedded within the curriculum are Festo Industry 4.0 Level 1 credentials, NC3 skill standards and OSHA‑based safety practices. Upon completion, graduates are able to: 

  • Apply AC/DC theory to troubleshoot industrial power and control systems safely.
  • Install, align and maintain mechanical drive components to manufacturer specifications.
  • Design and diagnose pneumatic/hydraulic circuits using ISO symbols and best practices.
  • Implement hard‑wired controls and integrate sensors/actuators into automated processes.
  • Develop, test and document PLC ladder logic using Allen‑Bradley and Siemens platforms.
  • Operate and program industrial robots and integrate them with PLCs and safety I/O.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings and produce clear technical documentation. 

Certification exam fees and third‑party testing costs are not included in tuition.

Hours By Focus Area

  • Robotics: 132 hours
  • Controls and PLCs: 138 hours
  • Electrical Systems: 93 hours
  • Mechanical & Fluid Power: 96 hours
  • Integration: 21 hours

Course Sequence and Certification Alignment

Course TitleHoursCertification Alignment/Focus
Fluid Power 1 for Industry18Festo Fundamentals of Pneumatics
Fluid Power 2 for Industry30Festo Fundamentals of Hydraulics
DCAC 1 – DC Theory24Festo Electricity (DC) – Ohm’s Law, Series/Parallel Circuits
DCAC 2 – AC Theory24Festo Electricity (AC) – Reactance, Impedance, Transformers
Mechanisms 1 for Industry24Festo Mechanical Systems I – Belts, Pulleys, Shaft Alignment
Mechanisms 2 for Industry24Festo Mechanical Systems II – Gears, Couplings, Backlash
DCAC 3 – Electric Drives & Motors45Festo Electric Drives & Motors; VFD Concepts
Controls 145Festo Control Systems & Basic Sensor Integration
Controls 245Festo Sensor Technology; Advanced Control Circuits & Safety I/O
Introduction to PLCs48Festo Fundamentals of PLCs (Allen‑Bradley & Siemens)
Robotics 1 – Basic Operations for Industry66Festo Robotics Fundamentals / Fanuc F.A.S.T. (Teach Pendant & Safety)
Robotics 2 – Advanced Integration66Festo Advanced Robotics – Programming & Integration
Introduction to Integration21Festo Industry 4.0 Integration & Smart Factory Concepts

Total: 480 hours, featuring dominant robotics and controls, a strong electrical foundation, and balanced mechanical/fluid power.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as electro‑mechanical technician, industrial machinery mechanic, machinery maintenance worker, equipment maintenance technician and industrial equipment maintenance technician. These positions involve operating, testing and maintaining electro‑mechanical equipment, as well as installing, troubleshooting and repairing automated machinery in industrial settings. 

Demand for industrial machinery mechanics is projected to grow by about 22 percent from 2020‑2030 in Pennsylvania.

Learning Outcomes

  • Mechanical Systems & Maintenance: Machinery operation, diagnostics, preventive maintenance and repair; using blueprints and repair manuals; performing alignment and routine maintenance tasks.
  • Electrical Systems & Wiring: AC/DC principles, wiring techniques, fault diagnosis and safe work practices.
  • Fluid Power Systems: Hydraulics, pneumatics and hydrostatics; schematic interpretation; troubleshooting fluid power systems.
  • Mechanical Drives & Power Transmission: Belts, gears, pulleys, couplings and tension; assessing and selecting drive methods.
  • Industry 4.0 & Digital Transformation: Smart manufacturing concepts, cyber‑physical systems and the evolution of Industry 4.0; comparing legacy and modern manufacturing.
  • Safety & Standards: OSHA workplace safety standards and compliance practices.
  • Automation & Control Systems: PLC logic, ladder programming, robotics basics, sensor types and integration.
  • Essential Tools & Equipment Proficiency: Practical use of industry‑standard tools—pipe and tube cutters, drills, saws, bearing pullers, chain pullers and come‑alongs.
  • Foundational Knowledge Domains: Mechanical theory, customer service, public safety & security.
  • Core Work Activities: Inspection, diagnosis, repair, physical tasks, information gathering and decision‑making.
  • Workplace Environment & Conditions: Face‑to‑face interaction, frequent tool use, protective equipment, long periods standing and collaborative problem‑solving.
  • Career Interests & Motivations: Realistic (hands‑on), investigative and conventional work preferences.
  • Professional Work Styles: Integrity, attention to detail, cooperation, dependability, independence, self‑control, concern for others, adaptability, analytical thinking, initiative and persistence.
  • Workplace Values & Culture: Supportive leadership, autonomy and meaningful relationships.

Program Qualifications

The certificate program is designed for high school graduates or individuals with a GED/equivalent. Because of the program’s technical rigor, completion of the Pre‑Core: ADVM Foundations course (150 hours) is required before enrollment. Participants should have average math and language skills and a strong desire to work in manufacturing environments.

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 are granted only if the class is canceled or you withdraw before the first class. Refunds are not available after the class begins.

Questions

Need help enrolling or have questions about the certificate? Contact csinquiry [at] ccp.edu (Workforce Development) staff for assistance.

Course Dates, Times and Registration

Date and TimesLocationCourse Cost/FeesRegister

Monday through Thursday

April 20 to September 10, 2026
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Career and Advanced Technology Center 
4750 Market Street

$6,000
(Eligible for payment plan option)
Register Now

Monday through Thursday

April 20 to November 23, 2026
5 to 9 p.m.
Career and Advanced Technology Center 
4750 Market Street
$6,000
(Eligible for payment plan option)
Register Now

Course Hours: 480

 

 

Support for this Program

Community College of Philadelphia’s Electro‑Mechanical Technology certificate is supported by the Citizens Community College Accelerator in partnership with Education Design Lab’s Community College Growth Engine. This initiative invests in community colleges to develop locally relevant, inclusive pathways that lead to strong employment outcomes.