YORK – Mechatronics is widely understood within manufacturing circles, but to those who enjoy working with their hands, are detail oriented and are seeking a career in a high-demand field, mechatronics may be a new term that can lead to many opportunities and options.

These skills, troubleshooting and repairing electrical circuits, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and electronic and pneumatic control systems that operate manufacturing equipment, are needed in any manufacturing organization. Prospective students can learn these skills at the York Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. To get started, join the College for its next full time Mechatronics Technician Training Program beginning on Aug. 5, 2014.

HACC’s York Campus offers the full-time, 10-month program Tuesdays, 4-8 p.m., Wednesdays 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Thursdays, 4-8 p.m. A part time option is available.

The job outlook is very good for men and women who complete the program. According to Stew Fink, mechatronics instructor and owner/operator of CPU Electronic Services, ICAT^(sm), in Dover, graduates of the program can “earn a competitive wage out of the gate.” Another option is continuing at HACC for an associate degree in mechanical engineering or mechatronics. Instruction also includes assistance in job placement. Manufacturers have sent employees to the York Campus to complete the training.

“Our approach is completely student centered. We teach what students need to know,” said Fink. “Everyone has their own materials and works at their own pace. All training is done using real applications and at no time is any subject simulated. If a student needs to make up an assignment or needs extra help, we are there for them.”

Fink has more than 30 years of experience applying these skills, traveling throughout the U. S., Canada and Mexico, and has taught these skills throughout his career.

For more information about the MecTec program at HACC’s York Campus, contact Cheryl Deitz, coordinator, workforce training center, 717-221-1338, or email chdeitz@hacc.edu. To schedule an appointment with Fink, tour the training facility or to answer any further questions about the course, contact him at 717-421-2841.

About HACC

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, offers more than 150 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to nearly 20,000 students at campuses in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York and through online classes. In addition, HACC serves more than 29,000 students in noncredit workforce development, public safety, adult basic education and continuing education programs offered at all campuses and off-site locations in many communities in Central Pennsylvania. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit www.hacc.edu.