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Mechanical Operator
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Industrial Technology/ Industrial Maintenance

Mechanical Operator Certificate Program CIIM-2000

Take the first steps of your career with our Mechanical Operator Certificate Program. Comprising two essential courses, this short-term training program equips you with skills in tool handling, safety protocols, electric motor and drives alignment and installation, and basic pneumatic circuit wiring and troubleshooting. Hybrid instruction provides both in-person lab work as well as online self-guided coursework. Completion of this certificate will allow students to confidently step into entry-level roles in mechanical operation and basic repair, or continue into the Industrial Maintenance Technology program. Classes include: Fundamentals of Fluid Power; Mechanical Power Transmission.

Ready to learn more? Complete our online form or contact us at 319-398-1022.

Upcoming Offerings:

Begins February 18th, Cedar Rapids

Click here to view a full list of upcoming offerings.

Tuition Assistance:
Yes. Full tuition assistance is available to support your career goals. Fill out our referral form at www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding.
*Some eligibility restrictions may apply.

Industry Credentials Earned:
None. This program does not award any nationally recognized certification upon completion.

Careers:
Source: Lightcast 2024, Kirkwood Community College Region
Industrial Machinery Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Workers
Average hourly earnings: $30.35
Starting hourly earnings: $20.38
Projected job openings: (2024-2029): 127

Entrance Requirements/Prerequisites:
None.

Delivery Method:
Hybrid

Length of Program and CEU Credits:
94 hrs, 11.52 CEUs

Program Completion Requirements:
This program is a pass/fail certificate based on attendance, satisfactory exam scores, and competency-based project completion. At least 75 percent attendance is required for each class in the program, and students must obtain 80% or higher on coursework.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • Describe and comply with all shop safety rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Use fasteners and tools common to a variety of industrial applications.
  • Explain methods of power transmission for a variety of mechanical power systems.
  • Perform calculations for a variety of mechanical power systems.
  • Demonstrate basic setup procedures for a variety of mechanical power systems.
  • Apply properties of physics that serve as the basis for fluid-powered systems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of physical and operational characteristics of common fluid-power components.
  • Assemble and operate fluid-power systems in accordance with technical specifications.
  • Interpret basic fluid-power symbols.
 

Learning Outcomes:
This course provides students with opportunities to practice the following Kirkwood Student Learning Outcomes of analytic inquiry, civic engagement, and collaboration and teamwork. Upon completion of the program, you will be able to demonstrate information literacy and quantitative reasoning along with industry skills in order to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of machines.

Other Items to Know About this Course:
An Amatrol license is required. The license can be purchased from the Kirkwood Bookstore. Safety glasses, a LOTO lock, and a calculator are required. 

Pathway to Credit Program:
ELT-796 - Fundamentals of Fluid Power; ATR-303 - Mechanical Power Transmission

Related Information: 
NA