Automated Packaging Systems Technician

An automated packaging student working with equipment in the lab

Automated Packaging Systems Technician

Unique in the State

Technical Diploma

63 Credits | 2 Years

Financial Aid-Eligible

New Richmond

Career Cluster: Manufacturing

The Automated Packaging Systems Technician program provides training for individuals who wish to obtain mechanical, electrical and automation skills as they relate to the industrial manufacturing environment. 

The manufacturing environment in the packaging industry is a fast-paced, technical production environment requiring skill to maintain the required output from high-speed packaging machines. The program focuses on the manufacturing industry; however, the skills you acquire will provide a foundation for entry into the dynamic field of manufacturing in positions such as maintenance technician, field service technician/engineer and machine assembly/installer. 

 


 

Tuition reimbursement may be available to assist with your training in mechatronics as part of the Housing Opportunity & Mobile Education Solutions (HOMES) Grant. To determine if you are eligible, please contact an Admission Advisor. Learn more about this opportunity here.  

Program Overview

The Automated Packaging Systems Technician program will give you the skills you need to enter a career in the packaging industry. You learn to service and repair a variety of packaging equipment and automated systems. This program emphasizes the maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, fluid power, robotics, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) components on packaging machines. Classroom and hands-on instruction on packaging machines plus visits to the packaging industry are all parts of the program. You may participate in the Institute of Packaging Professionals meetings each month as a member of the student chapter. 

Program integrates advanced manufacturing (Industry 4.0) competencies to meet the regional need for skilled employees.

Program Outcomes

Automated Packaging Systems Technician graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate safe practices and techniques
  • Install power transmission components, fluid power components, and automation components
  • Maintain power transmission components, fluid power components, and automation components
  • Troubleshoot power transmission components, fluid power components, and automation components
  • Electrically connect automation and communication components
  • Troubleshoot automated control systems
  • Create electrical systems drawings and schematics for automated machines

This program is unique in the state, so you'll obtain a unique set of skills that no other school in the state can provide. 

A student working on robotics

The instructors have years of application experience in the field that they bring to the classroom and lab to transfer the knowledge to you.

Students using equipment in WITC's automated packaging lab

You will acquire mechanical, electrical, fluid power, and automation skills on packaging machines.

Technology used in the automated packaging program

You will gain real experience while training on real machines and employing real components to complete maintenance, installation and automation tasks.


Academics

Through classroom and lab activities, you will develop knowledge and skills using real machine components. You will learn the language of industry as it relates to the mechanical, electrical, fluid power, and automation components. 

Career Pathways

As an Automated Packaging Systems Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way. Graduates of the
Automated Packaging Systems Technician program also earn a technical diploma in Mechatronics Basics and a technical certificate in Industry 4.0 Smart Automation.

Develop Mechanical Skills

You will engage in tasks that allow you to remove, repair and, if needed, replace worn-out or defective components.

Develop Automation Skills

Several courses that build on developing automation skills are included in the program such as DC and AC electricity, packaging systems equipment control, electromechanical componentry, and programmable logic controllers (PLC). 


Required Courses

The program is comprised of courses that allow you to discover and learn basic mechanical, electrical, fluid power, and automation skills. The program is aligned with the packaging industry; however, the skills you will develop will allow you to pursue opportunities throughout industry in general. Wherever there is manufacturing and automation, your skills will be valued. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Automated Packaging Systems Technician Courses

32454366
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
This course presents an overview of robotics in practice and research with topics including vision, motion planning, mobile mechanisms, kinematics, inverse kinematics, and sensors. PREREQUISITES: 32414335 DC Electricity and 32414336 AC Electricity.
32414380
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This course will provide a foundation for working with microprocessor controls. Students will learn the theory and application of electrical principles as they are applied to control systems found in industry. The learner will use trainers and machine components to provide recognition and understanding of modern microprocessor-based control systems. PREREQUISITE: 32454345 Packaging Systems Equipment Control.
32454341
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This course develops the skills required for the implementation of vacuum, air, and oil used to transmit force for performing useful functions on machines. Students will apply symbols to components and connect components to understand the assembly, operation, and maintenance of fluid power systems. The transmission of force is used in a variety of applications and can be hazardous to individuals who do not understand the related laws of physics.

Automated Packaging Systems Technician is Part of a Career Pathway

As an Automated Packaging Systems Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! 

You could take this first and get a credential.

Technical Diploma
14 Credits / 1 Year Part Time
Potential Careers
Entry Level Electro-Mechanical Assembler, Maintenance Technician, Service Technician
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Industry 4.0 Smart Automation

Technical Certificate
16 Credits / 1 Year Part Time
Potential Careers
Entry Level Electro-Mechanical Assembler, Maintenance Technician
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This is the program you’re looking at.

Technical Diploma
63 Credits / 2 Years Full Time
Potential Careers
Field Service Technician, Maintenance Technician, Electromechanical Technician/Assembler
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Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Students who accept the HOMES Grant Tuition Reimbursement may not be eligible to receive full financial aid. For more information contact your campus Financial Aid Advisor.

Learn More About Paying for College

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Automated Packaging Systems Technician

63 Credits | 2 Years

$10,801

$575 for tools, supplies and uniforms


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Automated Packaging Systems Technician Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn technical diplomas in Automated Packaging Systems Technician and Mechatronics Basics, along with a technical certificate in Industry 4.0 Smart Automation.

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

Student studying at a laptop

Smart Automation Certification Alliance

 

SACA Logo

The Automated Packaging Systems Technician program is a member of SACA.


 

Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute Partner

PMMI Mechatronics logo

The PMMI Mechatronics program helps move manufacturing forward by providing employers, schools and potential workers the tools needed to advance the workforce and close the ever expanding skills gap.

Through a series of tests based on industry-developed skill standards, the PMMI Mechatronics Certification program:

  • Helps employers assess workers for core skills
  • Guides schools in developing curriculum to prepare students for the manufacturing workforce
  • Provides a career pathway for students looking for rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing

PMMI certification tests are based on industry-developed standards and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Manufacturing Institute’s Skills Certification System. PMMI works with a growing number of PMMI Mechatronics Education and Industry Partners to further advance this program. 


Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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