Seminole State’s Mechatronics and Robotics program filling a workforce need
Monday, July 29, 2019
Written by: Mark Richardson
Seminole State College of Florida's Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) degree in Engineering Technology Mechatronics and Robotics Specialization will be creating a workforce for the jobs of the future. Mechatronics, which combines electrical, mechanical and computer science engineering, covers advanced manufacturing, automation and electromechanical devices in almost every discipline from biomedical to theme park ride and show systems.
Mechatronics and robotics play a large role in industries around the world including advanced manufacturing, biomedical technology, aerospace and animation. The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Florida 2030 report estimates that the state will need to fill two million new jobs in the next decade and of those jobs, 200,000 will require some type of mechatronics, robotics or animation skills.
Mechatronics and Robotics expertise are the skills of the future for many industries including:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Biomedical Devices
- Biotechnology
- Theme Park Ride Automation
- Theme Park Animation
- Operations and Maintenance
- Aerospace
Seminole State’s Engineering Technology degree program, which offers a mechatronics and robotics specialization, is unique because it integrates project-based learning into the educational experience to provide a broad range of knowledge and skills. The projects allow students to go beyond the classroom and tackle current global issues such as affordable housing, renewable and clean energy, and clean air and water.
The College’s Lee Campus at Oviedo houses the Mechatronics and Robotics Lab as well as the Engineering Mechanics Lab; Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics Lab; Fabrication Lab; and Computer Design and Analysis Labs, all offering students hands-on learning.
Students who complete the Engineering Technology program will be able to find high-paying jobs and establish careers. As of May 2018, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $86,320, which was higher than the median annual wage of $38,640 for all occupations.
The Engineering Technology degree has allowed Seminole State to partner with Seminole County Public Schools magnet programs to introduce hundreds of students to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-related fields. There are currently over 300 dual enrolled high school students through the College's partnership with the Academy of Engineering at Lyman High School.
Seminole State also partners with local industry to offer training in this field.
These partnerships focus on preparing the students for prestigious careers and college programs within the engineering field and meeting workforce demand.
To learn more about Seminole State’s Engineering Technology degree program and mechatronics and robotics specialization, visit the program webpage.
Seminole State College of Florida's School of Engineering, Design and Construction offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, including bachelor's degrees in construction, engineering technology, information systems technology and interior design. The programs prepare students for a wide variety of careers in the built environment and information technology.