Clark College Mechatronics Open House is October 30
For Immediate Release
October 23, 2024
Tour the mechatronics lab, meet faculty, view equipment
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College is hosting a mechatronics technology open house on Wednesday, October 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clark College Columbia Tech Center, 18700 East Mill Plain Boulevard, Room 109, Vancouver. Get a hands-on tour of the Clark College mechatronics facility, meet instructors, ask questions. Learn more about this in-demand field that is a good fit for people who love working with their hands, solving problems, and doing something different every day.
Mechatronics is a growing technical field that integrates mechanical and electronic components managed by control systems. Mechatronics technicians troubleshoot, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment controlled by electrical, electronic, and computer systems. The systems are used in a wide variety of manufacturing and related technical applications, especially in high-tech industries.
Mechatronics at Clark College
Clark’s mechatronics students can earn an Associate in Applied Technology (AAT) degree in mechanical and instrumentation automation in two years.
Classes emphasize current concepts and technology by providing practical, hands-on experiences with the latest, industry-standard equipment. Coursework includes process control, instrumentation/automation, conveyor, palletizer, and robotics systems.
CHIPS and Science Act: Why mechatronics jobs are in demand
High-tech manufacturing jobs—including mechatronics—are on the rise, thanks in a large part to the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS) of 2022. CHIPS is aimed at bolstering U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, reestablishing United States’ leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, shoring up global supply chains, and strengthening national and economic security. Washington is one of the top states for semiconductor manufacturing, especially here in Southwest Washington. In August 2024, two years after CHIPS was signed, the Biden-Harris administration is celebrating historic achievements in bringing semiconductor supply chains home to the U.S. and creating family-wage jobs.
What Clark mechatronics students say about the program:
- Zak, a maintenance technician at SEH, said, “Clark’s program will help me go further in my career.”
- Melissa, a mechanical engineering degree, worked in the field for five years but said she realized “I wanted hands-on work where I would put math and theory into practice.” Clark’s hands-on mechatronics program has been a good fit.
- Austin was taking engineering classes at Clark but decided he wanted to work in manufacturing and thought mechatronics would be a better fit for him. He said, “Clark is a good umbrella program” for graduates to step into jobs in various manufacturing industries.
- Brayson was an operator at Analog Devices, Inc (ADI), a company that manufactures integrated circuits for electronics. He was watching the technicians working and realized he wanted to do that job. After he registered for Clark’s mechatronics program, ADI promoted him to technician.
- Kyle, a machinist at Sigma Design, said with automation happening more frequently across industries, earning a mechatronics degree and learning these skills will increase his job security.
Questions about Mechatronics at Clark College? Contact Tina Jenkins at tjenkins@clark.edu or (360) 992-6171.
If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office.
- Phone: 360-992-2105
- Email: hr@clark.edu
About Clark College
Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.
For additional information (media inquiries & photo requests):
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2243 E: mhefflin@clark.edu
Mechatronics program:
Tina Jenkins, Professor
T: 360-992-6171 E: tjenkins@clark.edu