Home – TechEd in the Pelican State – Advanced Manufacturing
Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) offers an Advanced Manufacturing Technology degree program designed to equip students with the skills needed for high-tech, in-demand careers. The curriculum combines hands-on training with classroom instruction, preparing graduates to work in a wide range of industries that use cutting-edge technology to produce goods more efficiently.
Program Overview and Admission Requirements
The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program at NTCC is a hands-on, career-focused degree. It’s built to respond directly to the needs of local employers, and its mission is to provide students with the professional experiences and knowledge required for excellence in advanced manufacturing.
Admission to NTCC is open, but prospective students should follow a specific five-step process:
- Submit an application and all required documents.
- Apply for financial aid, if needed.
- Submit placement scores (from ACT or Accuplacer) or previous college transcripts.
- Attend New Student Orientation.
- Schedule an advising appointment to register for classes.
The program is designed for students who are ready to build a career with technical and practical skills.
Coursework and Skills Learned
The program’s curriculum is forward-looking, incorporating the latest technologies and principles of Industry 4.0, which focuses on automation and data exchange in manufacturing. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, a Technical Diploma, or a Career and Technical Certificate, with classes in:
- Robotics and Automation: Students learn to program and operate industrial robots and automated systems.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): A core component of automation, students master the fundamentals of using PLCs to control machinery.
- Precision Measuring Instruments: The program emphasizes the use of tools like micrometers and calipers to ensure products are made to exact specifications.
- Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing: This includes hands-on experience with 3D printing and desktop CNC milling for rapid prototyping and production.
- Fluid Power Systems: Students learn to work with hydraulics and pneumatics, which are essential for many industrial machines.
- Industrial Safety: The curriculum places a strong emphasis on safety protocols to prepare students for a secure work environment.
The program also incorporates foundational skills in electrical and electronics fundamentals and data analytics, preparing students for the increasingly digital nature of the industry.
A Pathway to In-Demand Careers
The demand for skilled workers in Louisiana’s advanced manufacturing sector is high. The NTCC program directly addresses this need by producing graduates who are ready to fill jobs in diverse industries, from food production to aerospace.
Graduates of the program can pursue a wide range of careers, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing Technician: A technician who operates, maintains, and repairs the sophisticated machinery used in modern factories.
- Robotics Technician: An expert in the installation, programming, and maintenance of industrial robots.
- CNC Machinist: A skilled professional who uses computer numerical control machines to create precision parts and products.
- Industrial Automation Technician: A specialist in the automated control systems that run a factory’s operations.
These roles offer competitive wages and significant opportunities for career growth. The skills learned at NTCC are “stackable,” meaning students can continue to build on their credentials and move into leadership or specialized roles within the industry.