Innovation and advances in technology have radically changed the manufacturing field. From the introduction of the assembly line more than 100 years ago through the invention of the microchip (over half a century ago) to current developments in the field of robotics and automation, the business of making things is constantly evolving.
With the increased technology contribution, modern manufacturing more than ever needs talented and highly skilled people to fulfill specialized and challenging roles, ranging from precise CNC machining to designing, programming, and maintaining automation systems.
If you're interested in learning how to perform these tasks and many others, the field of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) offers you many satisfying and rewarding career choices. To get started, you'll need top-quality, hands-on training in these high-tech disciplines. Oakton Community College offers the foundation you need to begin or enhance your career in Computer Integrated Manufacturing fields corresponding to CNC machining, mechatronics, industrial automation or automated supply chain warehousing.
We offer associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degrees and certificates in Manufacturing, Mechatronics and Automation. Our courses are affordable and accessible, meeting during the day, evening and weekends. Some of our classes are also offered online. Our instructors bring years of professional experience in their disciplines to the classroom.
The Manufacturing program focus is on machining, teaching skills related to the operation, setup, and programming of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine centers. The Mechatronics program is dedicated to automation systems design and programming utilizing industrial robotics, vision systems, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The Automation program emphasizes maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing of automation systems equipment.
Students who complete our programs find employment in a wide variety of modern manufacturing, mechatronics, and automated distribution organizations throughout the Chicago area and beyond. Recent graduates hold diverse technical positions, from programming CNC machine centers for high tolerance part creation to designing products with rapid prototyping equipment to programming, and troubleshooting highly sophisticated automation lines.
Oakton was the recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to support the collaborative Advanced Technological Education (ATE) partnership between Oakton, Columbus State Community College and Sinclair Community College through September 2021. Funds were used to support the expansion of pathways for next-generation automation technicians in the region.
Oakton offers a wide array of industrial programs that prepare you for a career in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). Implementing high-tech systems to stay competitive and thrive in the global marketplace, these businesses seek talented employees with advanced technical skills. If you're ready to take the next step, Oakton will give you the skills and knowledge you need to start or advance your career in one of the CIM fields described below:
Manufacturing
Almost all types of modern manufacturing utilize computers to control the position and speed of tooling and material during the production process. Computer Numerical Controls (CNC) machines allow for high tolerance part creation at high production rates with proven reliability and repeatability. Historically divided into two groups, Turning Centers and Milling Centers, the capabilities of these machines are constantly improving to allow for precise machining of complex parts at a level never seen before. Oakton offers a number of hands-on CNC courses starting from basic machining, through CNC operation and setup, all the way to advanced CNC programming.
Mechatronics
Mechatronics is an exciting new multi-disciplinary field that combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering for the development of modern electro-mechanical automation equipment. The Mechatronics program at Oakton Community College prepares students for designing, programming, and troubleshooting of sophisticated industrial automation systems. Students enrolled in the program acquire a wide range of technical skills from multi-disciplinary areas including electronics, robotics, machine vision, programmable logic controllers (PLC), and human-machine interface (HMI) devices.
Automation
The Supply Chain Automation program at Oakton, although similar to Mechatronics, relates more to the practical application of industrial automation. The program prepares students for challenging careers in industrial maintenance and repair of automation systems equipment including automated warehousing and distribution. Technicians in this field, work with a wide range of automation equipment and a variety of technology platforms, including hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, sensing, and control systems. With a high level of problem-solving abilities and hands-on skills, these technicians are capable of troubleshooting and repairing broken or malfunctioning automation equipment.
Note: Some skills including technical print reading, hydraulics and pneumatics, robotics, and basic PLC are required for technicians in all three of the above-described areas. Therefore, some of the manufacturing courses are included in more than one of these programs.
