Manufacturing Engineering Pathway
In cohesion with the State of Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, the Manufacturing and Engineering Pathway is designed to align with the strategic initiatives of Connecticut’s industry for workforce development, leveraging innovation to ease the strain on labor. See the State of Connecticut Manufacturing Office Strategic Plan here. Included in this pathway are five tiers:
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Tier 1: Computer Aided Design User (CADU) Certification
Tier 2: Mechanical Computer Aided Design Certification
Tier 3: Mechatronics Automation Technician Certificate
Tier 4: Technology Engineering Education Associates Degree
Tier 5: Manufacturing Engineering Associates Degree
Tier 1: Computer Aided Design User (CADU) Certification
Program Description: The Computer-Aided Design (CAD) User Certificate program provides students with the basic training in creating engineering drawing and 3D models of parts. The program uses AutoCAD® and Solidworks® software to provide the students with the basic training they need in the field of computer aided drafting. The program is a stepping stone to seek lower-level mechanical drafting jobs or to continue to obtain the Mechanical CAD certificate.
Learning Outcomes:
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Create basic engineering drawings
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Create basic 3D models of parts and assemblies
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Model Course Progression:
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Year One​​
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​Total Credits = 1.5 HS credits & 9 CT State Credits
Tier 2: Mechanical Computer Aided Design Certification
Program Description: The Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (CAD) certificate program provides students with career-based training in mechanical design using computer-aided drafting/design technology. To provide the necessary technical base, the program also includes engineering drawing, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing skills. Basic training in computer technology is included to prepare students for the two-dimensional, three-dimensional and solid-modeling computer-aided design technology in the program. CAD technology in the core of the certificate program is comprised of 2D AutoCAD®, Solidworks® parametric solid modeling and rendering technology, as well as an option of Mastercam® CNC software, and NX parametric solid modeling. All manufacturing and engineering design in today’s high-technology business and industry use computer-based manufacturing and computer-aided design technologies that integrate the design, engineering and manufacturing processes of complex products, parts, and assemblies, into a single, technically coherent process.
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Notes: a. CADU is the first year of the 2-year Mechanical CAD sequence. b. Students enrolled in either AS Engineering Program can additionally complete the Mechanical CAD Certificate by adding CAD 2210 to their Spring 12th grade schedule.
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Learning Outcomes:
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Interpret complex engineering drawings.
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Exhibit competency in turning the engineering concept drawings into CAD models.
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Exhibit competency in two-dimensional, three-dimensional and solid-modeling skills as applied to complex computer-aided design technology.
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Demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of parametric CAD modeling in the simplification of the design process.
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Model Course Progression:
RETURN TO TOP
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Year One​​
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Year Two​​
- Total Credits = 3.5 HS credits & 21 CT State Credits​​
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Tier 3: Mechatronics Automation Technician Certificate
Program Description: The Mechatronics Automation Technician certificate provides students with the opportunity to train in a hands-on manufacturing lab environment. Throughout the duration of their training, students will develop an advanced level of skillsets in electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles as applied to the design and operation of modern, high-speed manufacturing and assemble equipment. Completing this certificate will provide the student requisite skills necessary to troubleshoot any electronic or mechanical problems associated with in the manufacturing environment, health industry, distribution systems, machining industry, wholesale, retail, warehouse, and engineering. These skills will lead directly into a career in the field of automation, CNC/Machine maintenance & repair, and/or robotics in manufacturing companies throughout the state and nation. This program was developed in response to Connecticut manufacturers’ needs for a highly skilled workforce to match the needs of the regional industry sector partnerships around the state of Connecticut that graduates of the program are placed with. The student who completes the Mechatronics Automation Technician certificate program has a choice to pursue employment and/or to matriculate in an associate degree program. Many students work in the field while coming through this program through an apprenticeship program or full time employment. This allows students to apply what they have learned directly to the needs of their employer.
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Learning Outcomes:
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Apply knowledge of theory and principles related to mechanics, electronics, computer science, and process control.
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Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot electromechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic automation systems.
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Apply logical reasoning and mathematics to analysis of automation systems and their components.
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Communicate technical information clearly.
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Apply soft skills effectively to help gain employment and be successful in the workplace.
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Understand and follow basic shop safety guidelines and protocol.
This certificate provides training in Mechatronics. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that includes a combination of mechanical systems, robotics, electronics, telecommunications, digital processing, and digital controls. Using both instructional techniques and hands-on practice with state-of-the-art equipment, the student will receive a comprehensive and expansive education in an ever-growing career field. The successful graduate may apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of fields such as engineering, design, manufacturing, machining, troubleshooting and repair of automated equipment. The student who completes the Robotics and Mechatronics Technician certificate program has a choice to pursue employment or to matriculate in an associate degree program.
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Model Course Progression:
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Year One​​
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Year Two​​
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Year Three​​
- Total Credits = 4.5 HS credits & 29 CT State Credits​​​​​​
Tier 4: Technology Engineering Education Associate Degree
Program Description: The rigorous Associate Degree Pathway outcome can be achieved by students entering in 9th grade. As part of the Connecticut College of Technology (COT), the Technology Studies A.S. degree provides the knowledge and skills within specific high-demand technology fields. The program consists of lecture and lab course work in engineering, technology, industrial technology, mathematics, sciences, and foundational requirements that provide a solid comprehensive background for continuation in a four-year technology degree program or entry into the workforce. Upon completion of a Technology Studies A.S. degree, students can transfer to Central CT State University or the University of Hartford to complete designated B.S. degrees.
Learning Outcomes:
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Apply mathematical, scientific and technological principles and concepts to identify and formulate solutions to technical problems.
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Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve technical problems.
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Demonstrate the ability to function on teams.
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Recognize the need to engage in life-long learning.
Note: This program of study concurrently meets the requirements of CT graduation, as well as the requirements of Technology Engineering Education Associate Degree.
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Model Course Progression:
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Year One​​
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Semester One​
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Semester Two​
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MFG 1004 - .5 HS credits & 3 CT State Credits​
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ART 1220 - .5 HS credits & 3 CT State Credits​
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Summer​
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Year Two​​
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Full Year
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HIST 1015- 1 HS credit & 3 CT State Credits​​​
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Semester One
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Semester Two
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Summer​
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Year Three​​
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Full Year​
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Semester One​
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Semester Two
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Year Four
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Summer​
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EGR 2098 (graded in spring semester, can begin as early as July 1)​ - .5 HS credits & 3 CT State Credits​​
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Full Year
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Semester One
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Semester Two
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- Total Credits = 17 HS credits & 81 CT State Credits​
Tier 5: Manufacturing Engineering Associate Degree
Program Description: The rigorous Associate Degree Pathway outcome can be achieved by students entering in 9th grade. As part of the Connecticut College of Technology (COT), the Technology Studies A.S. degree provides the knowledge and skills within specific high-demand technology fields. The program consists of lecture and lab course work in engineering, technology, industrial technology, mathematics, sciences, and foundational requirements that provide a solid comprehensive background for continuation in a four-year technology degree program or entry into the workforce. Upon completion of a Technology Studies A.S. degree, students can transfer to Central CT State University or the University of Hartford to complete designated B.S. degrees.
Learning Outcomes:
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Apply mathematical, scientific and technological principles and concepts to identify and formulate solutions to technical problems.
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Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solv technical problems.
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Demonstrate the ability to function on teams.
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Recognize the need to engage in life-long learning.
Note: This program of study concurrently meets the requirements of CT graduation, as well as the requirements of Technology Engineering Education Associate Degree.
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Model Course Progression:
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Year One​​
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Year Two​​
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Full Year
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HIST 1015 - 1 HS credit & 3 CT State Credits​​​
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Semester One
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Semester Two
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Summer​
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Year Three​​
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Full Year​
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Semester One​
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Semester Two
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Year Four
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Summer​
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EGR 2098 (graded in spring semester, can begin as early as July 1)​ - .5 HS credits & 3 CT State Credits​​
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Full Year
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Semester One
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Semester Two
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- Total Credits = 17 HS credits & 81 CT State Credits​