Mechatronics combines several engineering disciplines, including Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, and Robotics. The combination of these engineering disciplines fosters the design, development, and control of very complex systems used in a range of industries. Mechatronics is a field that changes daily with the rapid improvements in technology and computer systems. Students are trained to meet the necessary entry-level skills and are prepared to enter post-secondary school. Students will read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly parts or machines. Students will calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies. Students will verify the dimensions of parts using precision measuring instruments. Students will operate metalworking machines to make housings, fittings, and fixtures. Students will test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies using test instruments and install electronic parts and hardware using soldering equipment and hand tools.
Mechatronics is part of the South Carolina Manufacturing Career Cluster. Students enrolled in this program earn two high school credits each semester and can earn a combined total of eight credits upon completing the two-year program. Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation.
If you are interested in meeting Mr. Rawls and taking a tour of our Mechatronics lab, we invite you to request a program tour. After-school program tours are available to prospective students and their parents in December, January, and February. We would welcome a chance to give you a tour of our programs.
The focus of Mechatronics 1 is on Industrial Safety, proper use of hand and power tools, and basic electricity. Additionally, students learn basic shop math, the importance of the SI and metric measurement systems, and precision measurements. Students learn the basics to enable them to advance to the more complex problems encountered in the industry.
The focus of Mechatronics 2 is on mechanical power systems, industrial wiring and operation. For this course students will advance their knowledge of both electrical and mechanical systems in order to enable them to advance their knowledge and skills for industry.
This course focuses on hydraulics and pneumatics fundamentals. The student will be able to solve basic problems related to hydraulic and pneumatic circuits. This enables students to support industry-related work.
This course serves as the capstone for the Mechatronics program. Students are expected to be able to apply each of the skills learned over the last three semesters across a variety of scenarios and situations. Students who excel in their program may participate in work-based learning. The WBL experience combines classroom-based education with on-the-job training experiences to help students prepare for and explore career objectives. A work-based experience must be planned and supervised by the school and employers so that it contributes to a student’s education and employability. Students must have access to reliable transportation.
Mechanical engineers are those who can work on designing and planning engines and other equipment for the company. You will be in charge of equipment maintenance, installation, operation, and repair. You will get the customer design proposals, investigate failures, diagnose faulty equipment, and report to the maintenance team. You will also handle discussions and solve problems together with manufacturing departments, suppliers, and customers.
Salary - $75,352 per year on average, or $36.23 per hour
Automation engineers specialize in using technology to control the production and delivery of products. They work with automated machinery designing, programming, and testing processes. As an automation engineer, you will be employed by companies operating in mass production, such as automobile manufacturing or food processing plants, anywhere where operations are primarily carried out by robots or other automated machinery.
Salary - $92,597 per year on average, or $44.52 per hour
An Electronics Engineer is tasked with designing, developing, examining, and even overseeing the construction and altering of electrical equipment and devices, such as generators, electrical motors, communications, and other electrical gadgets and systems, generally meant for a wide range of private and commercial needs.
Salary - $93,985 per year on average, or $45.19 per hour
Each skill and trade requires a specific skill set to master the content and job tasks. Below are a few critical skills and requirements needed to succeed in the program and throughout a career in this field.
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NOTE: Credits earned will count as electives needed for the SC high school graduation requirements. One of the credits earned may fulfill the CATE/Foreign Language requirement for SC high school graduation. Most 4-year colleges will NOT accept career center courses as a substitute for the foreign language college admissions requirement.