Northwood Tech Industrial Maintenance Technician

Summary

Tom Ziburski, the Industrial Maintenance instructor at Northwood Tech, outlines the diverse skill set students acquire in the program, including welding, machining, fluid power, and conveyor systems. The program is designed to produce well-rounded professionals in high demand, with starting wages ranging from $20 to $40 per hour. Students gain hands-on experience with real-world projects like motor alignment and conveyor building. The program is affordable, and many students secure jobs before graduation, making it a solid career choice with lasting value.

Takeaways

• 😀 Diverse skillset: The Industrial Maintenance program at Northwood Tech covers a wide range of subjects including welding, machining, fluid power, conveyors, gears, belts, and more.
• 😀 Well-rounded career preparation: The program provides a comprehensive understanding of multiple disciplines, making students highly desirable in the workforce.
• 😀 High earning potential: Graduates can earn between $20 to $40 an hour, with starting salaries around $20-$22 per hour and the potential to reach $40 per hour with experience.
• 😀 Flexibility for further specialization: Students can explore various subjects and choose to specialize in areas they find most interesting, further advancing their career.
• 😀 Career opportunities before graduation: Many students secure jobs even before they finish the program, with employers like 3M actively seeking graduates.
• 😀 Affordable education: The total cost for a two-year degree in Industrial Maintenance is $9,800, making it a cost-effective option for students.
• 😀 Practical, hands-on learning: The program includes real-world projects, such as coupling alignment and conveyor building, that prepare students for actual industry work.
• 😀 Skill-building with modern tools: Students begin with traditional tools like gauges and dials before advancing to lasers for precision work, enhancing their technical skills.
• 😀 Collaborative learning environment: Students work in teams of 3-4 people on projects like building conveyors, fostering teamwork and hands-on experience.
• 😀 Long-term value of education: A technical diploma is a valuable asset that provides lifelong skills, which can never be taken away, ensuring students' future success.

Q & A

What subjects are covered in the Industrial Maintenance program at Northwood Tech?

The program covers a wide variety of subjects including welding, machining, machinery alignment, fluid power, conveyors, gears, belts, electrical, motor control, mechanical drives, and rigging.

Why does Tom Ziburski recommend the Industrial Maintenance program to students who are unsure about their career paths?

Tom recommends the program because it provides a well-rounded skill set across various subjects, which makes graduates more versatile and desirable to employers.

How much can students expect to earn after completing the Industrial Maintenance program?

Graduates can expect to earn between $20 to $40 an hour, with starting salaries typically around $20 to $22 per hour.

What specific skills or tasks do students learn related to machinery maintenance?

Students learn to perform tasks like motor alignment, fluid power management, conveyor assembly, welding, and machinery maintenance, including diagnosing and fixing motor failures.

What is one major advantage of the Industrial Maintenance program at Northwood Tech?

One major advantage is that the program is affordable, with a total cost of approximately $9,800 for a two-year education, which can lead to high-paying job opportunities.

What makes the conveyor project a key learning experience for students?

The conveyor project involves hands-on learning where students build a conveyor from scratch, which teaches them about precision welding, machining, and mechanical assembly.

Why do students learn coupling alignment with gauges and dials before moving on to lasers?

Students start with gauges and dials because they require more skill and effort, which helps reinforce fundamental concepts before advancing to the more precise laser alignment tools.

What are the key elements of the conveyor project students are currently working on?

The students are working on building a conveyor, with key elements including constructing the head and tail pulleys, welding them, machining the parts to ensure concentricity, and assembling the entire system.

How do employers view graduates of the Industrial Maintenance program?

Employers, such as 3M and others, highly value graduates of the program. Many students find jobs before they even graduate, with employers actively seeking skilled workers.

What is Tom Ziburski’s final recommendation regarding education in Industrial Maintenance?

Tom strongly recommends obtaining a tech diploma as soon as possible because it provides valuable skills that will stay with the individual throughout their career.