Additional Information
Industrial engineering technicians generally earn a two-year diploma, taken
at a college level. Those entering diploma programs usually have a high school
education, with courses in English and math. Physics and chemistry courses
are also recommended. These programs can be offered as co-operative education
programs.
Courses for industrial engineering technicians usually include computer-aided
design (CAD); oral, written and interpersonal communications; technical mathematics;
statistical quality assurance; manufacturing materials and processes; plant
layout and materials handling.
"I think it would be great if we could attract more high school students
to get associate's degrees or technical certificates, if more would take advantage
of some of the vocational technical training that's available," says Charlene
Yauch. She's the director of the Industrial Engineering Program at the Milwaukee
School of Engineering.
"That would certainly go a long ways to help meet the needs of manufacturing
companies and other businesses in the country," says Yauch. Technicians might
start out with a two-year diploma, but they have the opportunity to further
their education down the road.
"There's plenty of laddering that can take place," says Chris Blackwood,
an engineering technician instructor. "For example, somebody comes to college
and they start out as a technician and they do upgrading, take more courses,
they become a technologist, and then there are a few universities in the country
that will allow a technologist to actually go and complete an engineering
degree.
"Your education just doesn't stop," says Blackwood. "There are plenty of
opportunities for upgrading for technicians."
When getting your education, you will take courses in computer-aided design,
statistics (including statistical quality assurance), manufacturing processes
and materials, materials handling, communication skills, technical math, and
more.
"Technicians and technologists apply their math skills to solve real problems,"
says Joyner. "Some calculations require basic math, some geometry, some trigonometric
function some calculus and other statistics. The better you are in math, the
higher you will go in your career."
"The ability to read, write, understand, listen, speak and
be understood are essential," says Joyner. "Perhaps when starting as a technician
or technologist there is not too much demand on report writing or doing presentations
but being able to communicate effectively is essential. As your career progresses
the demand for better communication skills increases."