Industrial Systems Technology
Overview
What is Industrial Systems Technology (IST)? IST is the study of how technology is applied in various types of industrial systems that are currently used in the manufacturing and service industries. Students take this knowledge and apply it to troubleshooting and repair of industrial systems such as plastics injection/blow molding machines, metal stamping systems, CNC machines, robotic systems, material handling equipment, as well as other process equipment. The IST diploma program is designed for the student who wishes to prepare for a career as an industrial systems technician/electrician, maintenance technician/electrician, or electrical controls technician. The IST program provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. IST courses provide background skills in several areas of industrial maintenance including electronics, industrial wiring, motors, controls, PLC’s(Programmable Logic Controllers), instrumentation, fluid power (hydraulic and pneumatic), mechanical systems, pumps and piping, and computers. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to retrain or upgrade present knowledge and skills. The IST degree program enhances the technical core courses of the diploma program with studies in physics, psychology, and humanities. Students who complete the IST degree program have the opportunity to continue their education through the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) articulation agreement with Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU), in one of the following areas:
- Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Operations
- Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Logistics
Follow this link for more info on these opportunities with SPSU:
Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Operations
Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Logistics
IST courses are all hybrid and utilize the Angel learning management system. Less than 50% of each IST course is taught online via Angel. The remaining portion of each course is taught at the Currahee campus using an open lab setting. This approach allows maximum flexibility for students with busy life and work schedules as students can attend any time Monday – Thursday from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
Starting pay for IST related fields in our area range from $16.00 to $18.00 an hour with median ranges from $19.00 to $25.00 an hour. For the individual with the right combination of skills and education, the pay increases dramatically. As baby boomers in IST fields retire, new technicians will be needed to fill those positions, from US Bureau of Labor and Statistics “Job prospects. Job opportunities should be excellent, especially for those with experience in maintenance or related fields. Those who obtain certification will also face excellent opportunities. General maintenance and repair is a large occupation, generating many job openings due to growth and the need to replace those who leave the occupation. Many job openings are expected to result from the retirement of experienced maintenance workers over the next decade.” If you enjoy If you enjoy working with your hands, learning how things work, and the satisfaction that comes from performing challenging tasks, you have all the qualifications for a successful career in an IST associated field.
Job outlook for IST related fields from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos194.htm