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Prepare for a career as an Automation Service Technician. ICR's Learning Institute developed this program to provide individuals with the skills necessary to program and troubleshoot various controls and robotic systems. The extensive training provided in this program will enhance the skills of an individual that is currently working in the automation service field and provide those who wish to enter the field with the skills necessary to find an entry level position in one of the following fields:

• Automation Service Technician

• PLC (Programmable Logic Control) Programmer

• Robot Programmer

• Service Technician

The courses offered through this program are often used by the corporate sector to upgrade the skill of their workforce.

To successfully obtain a certificate in the Automation Service Technician program each student must successfully complete the various training segments, pass a stringent testing process and complete an internship requirement.

• 15-1021.00 - Computer Programmer
• 17-3023.03 - Electrical Engineering Technician
• 17-3024.00 - Electro-Mechanical Technicians

Tasks:

• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and then rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.

• Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.

• Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.

• Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs, such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.

• Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

• Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.

• Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.

• Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.

• Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, and/or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.

• Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.

Tools:

Tools used in this occupation:

• Computer servers — Computer servers

• Desktop computers — Desktop computers

• Mainframe computers — Mainframe computers; Mainframe operating systems

Technology:

Technology used in this occupation:

• Compiler and decompiler software — Code generator software; Command interpreters; Threaded code compiler; Xerces2 Java Parser

• Data base management system software — IBM DB2; mSQL software; MySQL software; Pick software

• Development environment software — C; Microsoft Visual Basic; Source code migration software; Tier generator software

• Graphical user interface development software — Basis BBx VisualPRO/5; Graphical user interface GUI development software

• Object or component oriented development software — C++; Greatis Object Inspector; PowerSoft PowerBuilder; Practical extraction and reporting language Perl

• Program testing software — Debugging software; Low-level debugger software; Source code editor software; Symbolic debugger software

• Web platform development software — Hypertext markup language HTML; Java server pages JSP; JavaScript; Macromedia ColdFusion

Knowledge:

• Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Skills:

• Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

• Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

• Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Abilities:

• Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

• Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Work Activities:

• Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

• Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Work Context:

• Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

• Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

• Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

• Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

• Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?

• Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

• Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

• Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Interests:

• Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

• Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

• Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles:

• Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

• Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

• Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

• Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

• Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

• Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

• Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.

• Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

• Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

• Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Work Values:

• Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

• Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

National Wages & Employment Trends:

Tasks:

• Provide technical assistance and resolution when electrical or engineering problems are encountered before, during, and after construction.

• Assemble electrical and electronic systems and prototypes according to engineering data and knowledge of electrical principles, using hand tools and measuring instruments.

• Install and maintain electrical control systems and solid state equipment.

• Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, and systems to correct functional deviations.

• Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate performance of developmental parts, assemblies, or systems under simulated operating conditions, and record results.

• Collaborate with electrical engineers and other personnel to identify, define, and solve developmental problems.

• Build, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment.

• Analyze and interpret test information to resolve design-related problems.

• Write commissioning procedures for electrical installations.

• Prepare project cost and work-time estimates.

Tools:

Tools used in this occupation:

• Electronic measuring probes — Current probes; Voltage probes

• Microprocessors — Microcomputers; Microprocessors

• Multimeters — Multimeters; Signal measuring equipment

• Power drills — Drills; Power drills

• Soldering or desoldering or combined stations — Desoldering stations; Soldering stations

Technology:

Technology used in this occupation:

• Analytical or scientific software — Mathworks MATLAB; Mentor Graphics ModelSim; Proportional integral derivative control PID software; Root cause analysis software

• Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD; Computer aided design CAD software; MicroSim Pspice; Prentice Hall Electronic Workbench MultiSim

• Development environment software — Assembler; C; Verilog

• Industrial control software — Rockwell RSLogix; Rockwell RSView

• Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel; Spreadsheet software

Knowledge:

• Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Skills:

• Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

• Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Abilities:

• Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

• Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Work Activities:

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

• Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Work Context:

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

• Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

• Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

• Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

• Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.

• Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?

• Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

• Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

• Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Education:

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interest:

• Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

• Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Work Styles:

• Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

• Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

• Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

• Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

• Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

• Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.

• Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

• Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

• Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

• Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Work Values:

• Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
• Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions

National Wages and Employment Trends:

Median wages data collected from Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians.

Employment data collected from Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians.

Tasks:

• Align, fit, and assemble component parts, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, and microscopes.
• Analyze and record test results, and prepare written testing documentation.
• Inspect parts for surface defects.
• Install electrical and electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
• Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
• Repair, rework, and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies and systems to meet operational specifications and tolerances.
• Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, and bridges.
• Verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
• Develop, test, and program new robots.
• Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, and fixtures.

Knowledge:

• Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Skills:

• Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.

Abilities:

• Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

• Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Work Activities:

• Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

• Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Work Context:

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

• Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?

• Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

• Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

• Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or live jackets?

Interests:

• Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

• Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Work Values:

• Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

• Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

National Wages & Employment Trends: