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Computer Aided Design (CAD) |
| Drafters translate the ideas and rough sketches of engineers, architects, and scientists into detailed drawings which enable other workers to manufacture the product or construct the project. Their duties may include interpreting directions given to them, making sketches, preparing drawings to scale, and specifying details. They use various drafting tools, engineering practices and math to complete drawings. Drafters increasingly use computer-aided design (CAD) systems. These systems make it easy to prepare many variations of a design and allow it to be viewed from angles not usually available with traditional drafting methods. Some work in drafting, however, continues to be done by traditional methods.
The Occupational Wage Survey for Illinois indicates that average salary for Drafting Technicians range from $23,000-$38,000/year. The average entry level salary is about $20,000/year. Salary levels tend to vary by region in the state.
Junior drafting technicians may advance to positions requiring more skill and experience such as checkers, detailers, senior technicians, designers, or supervisors. Drafters often move into related positions. These include technical report writers, sales engineers, production supervisors, and installation technicians. Continuing education is likely to enhance advancement opportunities for drafters.
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For more information, contact Kim Travers at (309)268-8851 kim.travers@heartland.edu |
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| Computer Science (CSCI) |
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Computer & Information Science is a broad field. Program graduates might choose careers as computer programmers, computer operators, or microcomputer support specialists:
- Computer programmers write programs and other instructions which enable computers to perform desired tasks.
The 1994 Occupational Wage Survey for Illinois reports a starting salary for computer programmers of about $26,790/year. Average salaries range from $30,660 to $42,000/year.
- Computer Operators load, monitor, and run computers to process data according to operating instructions. Duties vary with the size of the installation and type of equipment used.
- The 1994 Occupational Wage Survey for Illinois reports average salaries ranging from $17,510 to $27,040/year.
- Microcomputer Support Specialists keep microcomputer systems operating by providing technical assistance and training to system users.
- Microcomputer support specialists may also perform minor repairs and assist with upgrade and replacement decisions.
- Nationally, average entry-level salaries for microcomputer support specialists range from about $18,000 to $20,000/year. With experience, earnings range from approximately $25,000 to $32,000/year.
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| For more information, contact Johnny tenBroek
at (309)268-8858 johnny.tenbroek@heartland.edu |
| Computer Networking (NETW) |
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A network administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of a computer network. The administrator creates user accounts, provides access to network services, and ensures that the network is secure and is operating at its optimum level. The specific job duties assigned to an individual depend on the nature and scope of his/her employer.
- Entry-level salaries for computer network administrators with post-secondary education or network certification are generally in the upper $30,000s/year.
- According to the Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salaries for individuals with a bachelor's degree in information science was $37,469/ year, and salaries for those with a bachelor's degree in computer science was $41,949/ year/
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| For more information, contact Joy Lucht at (309)268-8861 joy.lucht@heartland.edu |
| Electronics Technology |
Electronics technicians use engineer's plans to design and develop electronic equipment and machinery. They may work in research, development, quality control, design, production, or sales. They work on radios, televisions, machine controls, computers, robots, radar, or sonar. Technicians use information from blueprints and detailed drawings to test, adjust, and inspect products. They insure that set standards and speci-fications have been met. Some electronics technicians help in the development of electronic products. Other technicians are responsible for repairing and servicing defective equipment.
The Occupational Wage Survey for Illinois indicates that average wages for electronics technicians range from $8.80 to $13.00/hour; starting wages range around $8.00/hour. Salaries for technicians with at least five years of experience average approximately $14.40/hour.
As electronics technicians gain experience, they are generally given more responsible assignments. Experienced technicians may advance to supervisory positions. Those with exceptional abilities and additional training may be promoted to professional positions. Progressive positions may include engineering technicians, production or testing supervisors, and quality assurance supervisors.
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For more information, contact Kim Travers at (309)268-8851 kim.travers@heartland.edu |
| Maintenance Technology |
Maintenance technicians install and repair industrial machinery and install new machinery based on blueprints. Maintenance mechanics, also known as industrial machine repairers and millwrights, keep equipment in sound operating condition. Maintenance technicians may have to take apart old machinery, construct foundations to support new machinery, and bolt, rivet or weld the machinery to these foundations. They fit bearings, align gears and wheels, attach motors and connect belts. They install industrial robots or other parts of a computer-aided manufacturing system. Maintenance mechanics do preventive maintenance. They clean parts, repair and replace parts when they break down and test equipment once it is fixed.
Nationally, in 1993, maintenance mechanics averaged about $15.70/hour, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. A 1994 survey conducted by the Illinois Manufacturer's Association reports millwrights in Illinois earning wages ranging from $12.79 to $17.80/hour. Most millwrights belong to unions.
Advancement for maintenance technicians usually is in the form of higher wages. Some are promoted to assignments with greater responsibilities. Others advance to supervisory positions.
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For more information, contact Chris Miller at (309)268-8855
chris.miller@heartland.edu |
| Manufacturing Technology |
Manufacturing technologists assist industrial and manufacturing engineers with problems involving efficient use of personnel, materials, and machines to produce goods. They prepare layouts of machinery and equipment, prepare charts, graphs and diagrams to illustrate workflow, develop and maintain quality control systems, program machines, design production tooling, and improve processes. Technologists also perform studies and analyze production costs.
Salary surveys indicate the average salary for Manufacturing Technicians ranges from $23,000-$38,000/year. The average entry level salary is about $20,000/year. Salary levels tend to vary by region in the state.
Manufacturing technicians are often promoted to advanced positions. Such positions might include production supervisors, plant-layout engineers, quality control engineers, and production planners. Additional education will enhance advancement opportunities. Many manufacturing technologists pursue certification by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the American Society for Quality Control, or the American Production and Inventory Control Society. |
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For more information, contact Kim Travers at (309)268-8851 kim.travers@heartland.edu |
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| Welding Technology |
| Welders use heat to permanently join pieces of metal in order to make parts used in a variety of products and construction projects. They control this process by properly concentrating heat from a gas torch or electric arc and by using metal rods to supply extra metal.
Wages vary widely with skill level, welding specialty and employment site. Nationally, welders earned an average salary of about $11.30/hour in 1993. A 1994 salary survey conducted by the Illinois Manufacturers Association reports average statewide salaries range from $10.00 to $18.70/hour.
Skilled welders may specialize in a particular type of gas or arc welding. Others may become combination welders. Some may advance to supervisors, welding inspectors, or welding instructors. Those who complete additional training may qualify to become welding technicians. A few experienced welders open their own welding and repair shops.
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For more information, contact Chris Miller at (309)268-8855
chris.miller@heartland.edu |
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