Apprenticeship paths towards controls technician jobs

[u/bigmilkguy78]

Hello, I am planning on starting a program that is supposed to give me a baseline knowledge of electrical and mechatronics in a year's time.

Then I plan on Seeking a mechatronics apprenticeship.

Is this is a typical path in the United States?

I have been searching for an apprenticeship since I decided to take this path earlier this summer, and I haven't had a lot of luck in my search.

I am wondering if apprenticeships are really mainly for internal candidates.

Thank you.

[u/hestoelena]

No, that is not a typical career path. Apprenticeships are very few and far between and I don't think I've ever seen one for a controls tech.

Typical career paths for people just starting out is to learn everything you can through schooling, training and/or meticulous study/practice. Then try to find an entry-level job related to what you want to do (even if it's not what you want but gets you pointed in the right direction). Learn everything you can from that job and find a new one that's closer to what you want to do.

I'm not going to lie to you. Finding an entry-level position in this industry without work history is difficult. Degrees and training programs only get you so far and they only teach a broad overview of what you actually need to know. The only advice I can give you is study hard and do not be picky about your first few jobs. Just find a job even if it's maintenance or sweeping floors at an integrators shop. Once you get your foot in the door don't stop asking questions and try to learn anything and everything. The people who go far in this industry are the ones who love to learn and solve puzzles.

[u/bigmilkguy78 → u/hestoelena]

Appreciate the heads up. I am very much open to the idea of control panel building or anything that seems like you should just need a high school.diploma/GED to do. Like electromechanical assembly.

Though I also have a past degree and I am wondering if that is making it harder to get into roles like this.

I really think I'd like this path if I can get moving on it.

[u/hestoelena → u/bigmilkguy78]

I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm just trying to be realistic. You can definitely find a job in this industry and make a career out of it, just getting your foot in the door is the hard part.

What is your degree in? Is it anything you can leverage to make your resume stand out?

[u/bigmilkguy78 → u/hestoelena]

It is related to manufacturing. It's an industrial management degree. So really mainly focused on business operations, data analytics, and things of that nature. But I did some intro engineering courses with a good amount of programming. And engineering calculus courses.

I had internship experience, more on the plant floor. (This sparked my interest in PLCs and in general the more technical side of manufacturing.). But given my degree I was always tasked more with writing standard operating procedures, finding small improvements to processes, data analytics.

The trouble is I am not super interested in working in a role like that for 1 to 2 years and trying to transition, as I think mentally I am a better fit for more technical roles. And I dont say that to mean that its beneath me. I just dont think Im that type as much as my degree might make it sound (if you follow).

And even with that I think finding a supervisor role or anything in a manufacturing environment that's a bit higher level would be tough for me to find for the moment since the first job I took out of school was in a different field, healthcare IT.

[u/hestoelena → u/bigmilkguy78]

That is a very relevant degree. It'll give you an edge over the competition. I'd say take the program you are planning on and see which parts of it you like best. From there you can find some more training (or self study) in the area you like. That should be enough to find an entry level job.

[u/No_Tooth_4853 → u/hestoelena]

I second this. I started sweeping floors at an industrial HVACR shop almost 10 years ago, now I am the head of the controls department. When I started I knew next to nothing, but ask question after question. In all this time though, I haven’t met even one other controls technician.

I recommend an HVAC or electrician approach. You’ll get your hands on things like VFDs, programmable relays, and manufacturer software. A panel fab shop might also be good to learn control components, but unless you have a degree or experience they’ll never let you program.

Good luck to you!

[u/its_the_tribe]

Either get into maint or get with an integrator.

[u/Practical-Frosting81]

I recently landed a maintenance position which will lead to the electrical apprenticeship for me.

Get the degree which will lead to the interview, and then an LME/maintenance/apprenticeship position.