Information on the Electrical Control Technologies program offered at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL.

1. Electrical Control Technology www.sandburg.edu

2. ELECTRICAL CONTROL TECHNOLOGY Carl Sandburg College offers a program in Electronic Control Technology, with a focus toward electrical engineering technology, that provides students with the training necessary to attain entry level positions as an industrial electrician, electronics technician, construction electrician, bio-med technology technician, communications technician, and many other fields in industry. Additional related careers in telecommunications, alternative energy, military, transportation, building systems maintenance, and many other fields where these skills are a necessity, are made possible through participation in the Electrical Control Technology program.

3. Associates in Applied Science This two year Applied Science degree program is designed to provide students with a general understanding of electricity and electronics which can be useful in a wide variety of employment settings. By providing a generalized curriculum in electronics and electrical control, it is anticipated that graduates will posses sufficient knowledge and skill to be initially functional in a wide range of vocations, and have the potential to enter into an apprenticeship or "on-the-job", (OJT), type position in many specialized electronics fields. With careful planning, and working closely with advisors and your instructor, this degree can be your first step towards a Bachelor’s degree from a four year institution.

4. Nature of the Work Electronic controls monitor and direct processes and machines in industry, hospitals, hi-rise buildings, schools, airports, even homes. Electronic Sensors monitor pressure, temperature, direction and speed of motion, position, movement, light, liquid flow, weight, etc. and feed this information to Programmable Logic Controllers, (PLCs). The electro-mechanical or electronic devices and make adjustments to programs written and stored in the PLCs that control the various processes. These systems are growing more complex making the technician an essential and highly valued and respected member of any team. This person must understand the processes, components, programming, and troubleshooting techniques used to maintain these systems. The industrial electrician or troubleshooting technician must master troubleshooting, software, test equipment, hand tools, wiring techniques, and communication skills to be highly effective on the job. The economic viability of the enterprise, quality of the work, quality and security of the environment, even the lives of employees and customers depend on this person’s expertise and professionalism. This person must continually up-grade their skills, learn new technologies, read technical manuals and attend training seminars to remain fresh and viable in the job market.

5. Working Conditions Electrical occupations are so diverse and used in such a wide variety of industries, that the environment in which you may find employment is practically unlimited. Working at a space center in Alabama, Florida, or Texas, an industrial electrician or a troubleshooting engineer at a manufacturing or energy production facility, a medical lab at a hospital, a radar technician in a local airport, a communications technician on cell phone towers, in an electronics lab repairing industrial drive boards, selling industrial control products to factories and municipalities, installing and maintaining heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, (HVAC), elevators and escalators in buildings, electrical construction, repairing and installing PCs, an electrician in the Armed Forces or on a cruise ship, etc. Everything we touch in our everyday lives needs an electrician to service or manufacture it. Because electrical/electronic equipment is critical to industry and business, this type of work will always be in demand.

6. Employment There is a predicted shortfall of skilled technical people in the near future making a career in Electrical Control Technology a viable option. Government agencies are predicting average growth of about 7%, but expect demand to increase rapidly with attrition. Some experts are predicting we will not have enough trained people ready to enter the workforce in as little as 7 years. The median wage, as of May 06, was just under $27.00 per hour, with a low of about $17.00 per hour and a high of just under $35.00 per hour. CSC Advantages • Small class size allows for individual attention • Hands-on experience • Day and evening classes offered • Fully equipped electrical lab Special Needs Carl Sandburg College complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, orders, and regulations. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Affirmative Action Officer. Facilities are accessible for people with physical disabilities. Persons requiring special accommodations should make their needs known at the time of registration by contacting the Academic Support Services Office at (309) 341-5262.

7. Cost & Financial Aid For current tuition and fees, please refer to our Web site at www.sandburg.edu. A variety of scholarships, loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available to qualified applicants. For information contact the Financial Aid Office at (309) 341-5283. Mission Statement OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner’s needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district. 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Galesburg, IL 61401 www.sandburg.edu (309) 341-5229 Toll Free (877) 236-1862, ext. 5229