Automation Technology

Build the Systems that Move the World

Adult Costs

$2,850

Program Length

16 months

Next Start Date

3/9/2026

Enroll by

February 26th

Location

Main Campus

Learn More

Your name

Power Up Your Future with Automation Technology

Learn the skills needed to launch a career in a critical field. From industrial assembly systems to programmable logic controllers, you will gain hands-on experience to prepare you to join the automation technology industry’s workforce.

Avg. Salary

$63k

for OTECH Grads

Career Growth

3.70%

by 2032 in Utah

Day in the Life

Each day is a blend of high-tech problem-solving and hands-on precision that leaves real impact. From programming PLCs to calibrating sensors, your work keeps advanced manufacturing and logistics running smoothly. Whether you’re working in a lab, factory, or field environment, you collaborate with engineers and technicians to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and implement smarter, safer solutions.

Career Skills You'll Learn:

Industrial Mechanics

Coursework includes precision mechanical assembly of systems, including motors, belts/pulleys, chains/sprockets, and gears.

Fluid Power

Learn pressure measurement, regulation, and control, as well as direct and pilot-operated directional control valves, motors, and cylinders.

Electrical Systems

Learn the basics of AC/DC electrical systems, and explore how they apply to resistance, inductance, and capacitance.

Electrical Motor Controls

Learn to read, create, and apply the symbology used in diagrams for motor control systems.

Programmable Logic Controllers

Learn the fundamentals of loading, configuring, and troubleshooting PLCs.

Robotics

Understand robot systems, motion instructions, and programming in the Fanuc industrial robot and the collaborative universal robot.

Potential Career Paths

Automation Technician

Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated systems and equipment.

Lead Process Technician

Oversee and optimize production processes, troubleshoot equipment issues, and ensure quality and efficiency.

Machine Builder

Assemble, install, and repair various types of machinery and equipment, often in manufacturing or industrial settings.

Maintenance Technician

Ensure that automated machinery and control systems function efficiently and safely.

Controls Integrater (further education needed)

Design, implement, and integrate automated control systems, ensuring seamless operation and communication.

OTECH Partners who hire our Automation Technology graduates

Program Overview

The Automation Technology program supports a wide variety of mechanical and automated systems to help students obtain the necessary skills in robotics, electrical controls, fluid power systems, industrial mechanics, PLC programming, and other relevant technologies. Designed to help students become technicians in several critical industries, this program also introduces students to industry-standard tools, practices, and procedures.

Classroom Hours:
This is a hybrid program. Complete coursework online and come to the classroom for labs and hands-on skills.

Day: M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Day: F 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Eve: M-Th 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Enrollment open to:
Adults, High school students

Credit transfer options:
Available to view here

Tuition & Cost

Estimated Adult Tuition and Fees
$2,895.00

Estimated Materials Cost
$226.21

Estimated High School Student Cost
$70.00

Financial Aid Eligibility
Scholarship: Yes
VA: Yes
Pell Grant: Yes

Program Materials
MaterialRequiredNew
Graph ruled paper$3.39
Digital Multimeter$64.95
Flash Drive (2GB or greater)$12.50
Fluid power and electrical drawing template$19.99
Safety Glasses Clear$2.99
Miller, Charles Ugly's Electrical Reference 2023 Jones & Bartlett, 2023. ISBN: 9781284275919$17.77
Subtotal of required materials$56.64
TEAM 1010 Essential Skills and Safety
MaterialRequiredNew
General OSHA Online Safety Course$35.00
See Program Material List$0.00
Subtotal of required materials$35.00
TEAM 1140 Industrial Robotics
MaterialRequiredNew
FANUC America Corp. Handling Tool Operations & Programming Student Manual$133.35
See Program Material List$0.00
Subtotal of required materials$133.35

This program has no admission requirements. You may start your admissions application anytime.

The OTECH Automation Technology program has rolling start dates throughout the year. If you are interested in enrolling in the program, please review the application deadlines and program start dates below to ensure a smooth application process.

3/9/2026
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of mechanical systems, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair techniques, and safety practices and procedures.
  • Apply system diagnostics and troubleshooting techniques.
  • Apply mathematical concepts to real-world applications.
  • Read, utilize, and design blueprints and schematics.
  • Operate, install, maintain, modify, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
  • Operate, install, maintain, modify, and troubleshoot fluid power systems.
  • Operate, install, maintain, modify, and troubleshoot electrical motor control systems.
  • Operate, modify, maintain, program, and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers.
  • Implement and properly use a variety of precision measurement tools and procedures.
Course Syllabus →
Course NumberCourse NameCreditsCost
CADT21103D Parametric Solid Modeling4$380
CADT2130Manufacturing Processes2$190
ELTT1046Electrical Equipment Basics for IAM/Welding1$95
IAMT1036Introduction to Industrial Automation3$285
IAMT1065Industrial Mechanics3$285
IAMT1075Fluid Power3$285
IAMT1085Electrical Systems for Industrial Automation3$285
IAMT1110Electrical Motor Controls4$380
IAMT1120Vision Systems1$95
IAMT1135Programmable Logic Controllers I4$380
IAMT1140Industrial Automation Troubleshooting & Workplace Skills3$285
IAMT1310Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers II3$285
IAMT1320Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers III3$285
IAMT1340Instrumentation Process Control2$190
IAMT1350Instrumentation Pressure Control2$190
IAMT1360Instrumentation Thermal Control2$190
IAMT1385Advanced Electrical Systems3$285
IAMT1395Advanced Motor Controls3$285
IAMT1430Robotics3$285
IAMT1440Control Panel Building3$285
IAMT1450Siemens Programmable Logic Controllers II3$285
IAMT1460Siemens Programmable Logic Controllers III3$285
IAMT1470Mechatronics3$285
IAMT1490Advanced Fluid Power2$190
WELD1025GMAW Welding I3$285
Mike Tolson

Mike has over 20 years of mechanical maintenance experience, including 18 years in the manufacturing industry and 12 years of industrial automated machine build, setup, and training experience. He graduated from the Ogden-Weber Technical College Industrial Automation Maintenance program in 2016. In 2017, he became a full-time instructor so that he could continue his passion for conveying his knowledge to others. Mike truly enjoys being a part of others’ success and will do what it takes to help students obtain their goals.

Office Hours (by appointment)
Monday & Friday: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00am – 6:00pm

Location
Manufacturing Tech 100D

mike.tolson@otech.edu

801-395-3771