Olney Central College’s Industrial Maintenance Technology Program has added two new certificates and an associate’s degree students can begin this fall.

 

“The industrial maintenance program was expanded to ensure that the 
students upon graduation would have the required skills that today’s
 industry requires,” said IECC Manufacturing Project Coordinator/Industrial Maintenance Instructor Mark Davidson. “The students who complete this program will possess the knowledge and a set of transferable skills in a multitude of areas that will provide them
 with many opportunities to be successful in the modern workforce.”

 

OCC launched its IMT Program in August 2012 to meet growing industry needs. With the new changes, students will be able to complete Level I, Level II and Level III certificates that can lead to an associate’s degree. Portions of the curriculum are online and include virtual lab simulators. 

 

“The students do most of the work at home online and then are coming to class where the main ideas and topics are reinforced followed by many hands-on type labs that allow them to apply what they have learned,” Davidson said. “We minimize the amount of seat time and maximize learning opportunities.”

 

Davidson said employment opportunities are continuing to expand for industrial maintenance technicians. Refineries, power plants, manufacturers, large facilities, and even hospitals need technicians with mechanical and electrical training to keep their facilities operating. The pay is also very competitive. Davidson said graduates can expect to earn between $16 and $28 an hour.

 

“Industry in the area is growing and the need for industrial maintenance technicians is increasing as well,” he added. “Businesses are having a difficult time locating qualified industrial maintenance technicians. They are reaching out to us to provide workers with that training. There is a great need for those with mechanical and especially electrical trouble-shooting skills. Job placement should be nearly 100 percent for those who complete the program.”

 

To learn more about the program, visit www.iecc.edu/occ/programs.html and click on IMT certificate or degree. If additional information is needed, contact Mark Davidson at 618-395-7777, ext. 2565, or send an email to davidsonm@iecc.edu.

 

 Those interested in enrolling in the IMT Program this fall are encouraged to meet with an advisor as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, contact the Student Services Office at 618-395-7777. Students interested in the program will need to complete CIS 1104 Introduction to Online Learning prior to Aug. 15.