Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship

Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship

Program Number: 506201

Your Degree: Apprenticeship

Estimated Time to Complete: 27 Credits | Finish paid training and class time in 4 years

Delivery Method: 100% In Person

Area of Study: Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance

Estimated Program Cost: $5,381.49

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Program Overview
Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary branch of engineering that combines elements of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and control engineering. The primary goal of a Mechatronics technician is to design, install, maintain, and repair complex machinery and systems that integrate mechanical components with electronics and computer control.
Working Conditions
Mechatronics Technicians work in diverse industrial settings, facing a mix of office work and hands-on tasks in manufacturing or labs. Conditions vary based on industry and projects; manufacturing may involve noisy factory floors and cleanrooms for delicate electronics. Office tasks include system design, programming, and documentation. Collaboration with engineers and professionals is common, requiring attendance at meetings and teamwork. The role demands adaptability, technical expertise, and a commitment to ensuring complex mechatronic systems' functionality and efficiency, often requiring flexibility for urgent issues or system malfunctions during regular working hours.
Training
5-year training program
9,136 hours of on-the-job training
864 hours of paid related instruction
Transition-to-Trainer Course in the final year of the apprenticeship
As an apprentice, you will be taught theory and practice related to integration, programming, testing, commissioning and maintenance of automated systems. Instruction is primarily lab based and incorporates electrical fabrication and programming of automated industrial controls and robots.
Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Program Details
Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship courses are offered at the Madison Truax campus.
Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester
10-462-321
DCAC 1 DC Theory
Introduces the practical DC concepts including electrical quantities and components and measurement instruments for DC circuits used in commercial, industrial, and sustainable energy fields. Students measure voltage, current, resistance and power for single and three phase DC sources. Also covers fundamentals of magnetism in electrical components, calculations of electrical components.
1 credit
10-462-323
Controls 1
Studies basic principles related to electro-mechanical systems as well as DC Controls. Introduce various electro-mechanical devices used in Industrial Control applications including Relay controls
2 credits
10-462-329
DCAC 2 AC Theory
Introduces the practical AC concepts including electrical quantities and components and measurement instruments for AC circuits used in commercial, industrial, and sustainable energy fields. Students measure voltage, current, resistance and power for single and three phase AC sources. Also covers fundamentals of magnetism in electrical components, calculations of electrical components.
1 credit
Second Semester
10-449-100
Safety for Industry
This course reviews basic safety standards as outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Designed for workers going into industrial occupations, it focuses on the hazard recognition and control process. Those who successfully complete the requirements set forth by OSHA will receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card. Students may still pass the class without earning an OSHA card.
1 credit
10-620-100
Introduction to PLCs
Introductory study of PLC Programming overview (parts, principles of operation, size and applications), PLC components (I/O modules, specifications, CPU, memory, programming options), Number systems and codes (binary, decimal, hexadecimal, BCD, ASCII, binary arithmetic), Fundamentals of Logic (binary concept, AND, OR, NOT functions, Boolean algebra, logic gates, word level instructions), Basics of programming in RSLogix500 (memory organization, program scan, programming languages, instruction addressing, XIC, XIO, OTE instructions, creating ladder logic), PLC installation practices, editing, and troubleshooting (enclosures, electrical noise, grounding, voltages, program editing, program monitoring, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, connecting to your PLC to your PC)
1 credit
Third Semester
10-413-752
Codes for Industrial Electricians 1: Introduction to the NEC
This course introduces the apprentice to the layout and purpose of the National Electric Code. It also strives to teach the apprentice proper methodology to research a code question and correctly interpret what they are reading. Various examples in the textbook and activity sheets help guide the apprentice through this process. Apprentices will research the structure of the National Electric Code and define the requirements of the code that are common to all electrical installations. In addition, apprentices will examine the installation requirements for fire pumps, emergency systems and fire alarms. This is the first course module of 8 dealing with electrical codes applicable to the trade.
1 credit
10-413-753
Codes for Industrial Electricians 2: OCPD and Electrical Device Installations
In this module of Codes for Industrial Electricians, apprentices will learn how to plan for the installation of overcurrent protection devices and how to select the proper boxes, cabinets and conduits for industrial electrical installations as called for in the NEC and other electrical codes. This is the second of 8 course modules on the NEC.
1 credit
10-462-106
Mechanisms 1 for Industry
This course is an introduction to the mechanical systems, with lab exercises in safety procedures, Lock-out Tag-out (LOTO), key and setscrew fasteners, speed and torque measurements, efficiencies, shafts and pillow block, shaft alignment, flexible and rigid motor soft foot detection and correction. The course will survey precision measurement, lubrication, bearing types and applications, vibration analysis, and fasteners.
1 credit
10-606-201
Interpreting Engineering Drawings Part A
Basic principles of engineering drawings and manufacturing procedures. Through interpretation and sketching, students learn to visualize the part, section or assembly. Uses drawings pertinent to the trades with examples in Welding, Facilities, Piping and Instrumentation (P & ID’s), Sheet Metal, Equipment Manuals (technical documents, installation/repair manuals), Electrical Symbols, and Fluid Power Symbols.
1 credit
32-413-770
Intermediate PLCs for Industrial Electricians
This is the second of 3 courses for industrial electrician apprentices.
1 credit
Fourth Semester
10-462-104
Fluid Power 1 for Industry
Provides students with the fundamentals of fluid power (hydraulic and pneumatic) and a considerable literacy in the principles of pneumatics and hydraulics. Students will attain an understanding of basic pneumatics principles and practical circuits applying the recently learned principles. The course is intended to gain a general understanding of components and terminology as well as principles and functions. This course has a heavy emphasis on recognizing fluid power components, component symbols, units, equations, and terminology.
1 credit
32-413-771
Advanced PLCs for Industrial Electricians
The third course of 3 for industrial electrician apprentices. PLC applications and assessment projects are planned.
1 credit
Fifth Semester
10-462-102
Introduction to Logic & Troubleshooting
The course introduces basic troubleshooting tools, methods and techniques. Students will learn about interpreting schematics, Boolean logic, truth tables, and number systems. The course uses software simulations and labs to introduce relays and relay ladder logic. Students apply common troubleshooting techniques and root cause analysis.
1 credit
31-804-379
Vocational Math 1
Vocational Mathematics 1 is a review of basic mathematics that consists of an introduction to using a scientific calculator, order of operations, fractions, decimals, use of percentage, units of measurement including the metric system, the reading of analog instruments for length measurement, and practical plane geometry.
1 credit
Sixth Semester
10-620-106
Robotics 1 - Basic Operations for Industry
FANUC Robotics based introductory study of applications, operation, programming and troubleshooting of Industrial Robots. Prepares the learner to identify the component parts of a robot; describe teach pendant and robot functions; power up the robot control in proper sequence; jog in Joint and Cartesian movement; identify axis movements; navigate the teach pendant to set up the robot for desired movement; demonstrate working knowledge of arm speed and inching control; select the Frames of reference used by the coordinate system; edit an existing program.
1 credit
10-620-112
Introduction to Integration
The planning, documenting, fabrication, assembly and programming of electro-mechanical components is used to introduce students to the principles of integrating automated machines. This course applies the project management, and CAD 2D skills related to electro-mechanical automated systems. The study of motion sequences and control drawings as well as Gantt chart creation and application will be used within this class. Machine efficiencies and trouble-shooting of desktop electro-pneumatic controls is applied.
2 credits
Seventh Semester
10-462-105
Fluid Power 2 for Industry
Intended to develop an understanding of basic Fluid Power Circuits. Covers the application of basic fluid power systems to various machines along with maintenance and troubleshooting. The maintaining and design considerations of both hydraulic and pneumatic systems will be explored in this course with an emphasis on component selection and circuit efficiencies.
2 credits
10-620-108
Robotics 2 - Programming for Industry
FANUC Robotics based advanced study of applications, operation, programming and troubleshooting of Industrial Robots. Prepares the learner to establish and modify robot axis soft limits; navigate the teach pendant to set up the robot for automatic operation; define the Frames of reference used by the coordinate system; create multiple Tool Frames; create a program file; write a functional motion instruction; edit, copy and delete an existing program; demonstrate the use of a wait statement; demonstrate the use of a Call statement; demonstrate the use of an Output statement; and upload and download program memory files. Backup and restore the Controller image
2 credits
Eighth Semester
10-413-765
Power Systems & Variable Speed Drives for Industrial Electricians
This course provides the opportunity for students to learn about power systems and variable speed drives (VSD's). Topics include electricity, electronics, power transmissions, motor operations, AC and DC motor drives, servo and stepper drives, peripherals and communication. Apprentices will also explore closed loop control, feedback devices, and drive maintenance and the troubleshooting of VSD's. Course includes lab/shop and classroom lecture-lab hours.
3 credits
10-457-100
Metal Repair Techniques
This course covers safety, layout and measurement, grinding, drill press, lathe operation, filing, threading, properties of metals, oxy-acetylene welding, brazing and cutting, and SMAW, GMAW and FCAW.
2 credits
How to Apply
1. Secure an Apprenticeship Position
To get started, you'll need to secure an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. Think of it like applying for a job. You'll apply directly with employers who are hiring apprentices.
2. Apply to Madison College
After you secure an apprenticeship position, apply to the apprenticeship program at Madison College.
Application Dates
Fall 2027 Application Open
The application deadline is August 15, 2027
3. Complete the Apprenticeship Contract
Your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to complete the apprenticeship registration process.
4. Get Ready to Start Classes
Once Madison College receives your apprenticeship contract, you'll be admitted into the program and contacted with next steps.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship are prepared to work in the following areas:
System Integration: Integrating mechanical components, sensors, actuators, and control systems to create efficient and functional mechatronic systems.
Programming and Control: Writing and implementing software programs to control the operation of mechatronic systems. This involves programming microcontrollers, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and other control devices.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Conducting regular maintenance activities and troubleshooting issues in mechatronic systems to ensure optimal performance. This may involve diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, or software-related problems.
Testing and Validation: Performing tests to validate the functionality and performance of mechatronic systems. This includes conducting tests for reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Collaboration: Collaborating with engineers from different disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, to ensure seamless integration of components in mechatronic systems.
Robotics: In some cases, Mechatronics technicians may work on the design, programming, and maintenance of robotic systems, which are a common application of mechatronics.
Instrumentation: Installing and maintaining sensors and instrumentation devices that collect data for monitoring and controlling mechatronic systems.
Documentation: Creating and maintaining documentation related to mechatronic systems, including technical specifications, manuals, and reports.