Frequently Asked Questions: Automotive Mechatronics Program

What is Mechatronics? The Automotive Mechatronics Program provides students with knowledge and hands-on training in machining, electricity, pneumatics, PLC, robotics, CNC and automation. Mechatronics is a step beyond a traditional industrial maintenance program in that multiple disciplines are combined into a systems approach for troubleshooting and resolving problems in an automated manufacturing plant. Mechatronics technicians are highly-skilled and valued employees in all industrial settings.
What courses will I take? Automotive Mechatronics Program students spend five semesters studying electricity, electronics, machining, welding, mechanics, robotics, automation, and integrated systems, as well as four semesters of on-the-job (OJT) at the Volkswagen assembly plant for a total of nine sequential semesters.
Where will the program be taught? The Automotive Mechatronics Program will be taught at the state-of-the-art Volkswagen Academy.
What is the length of the program? Selected students must commit to a three year program which includes five semesters of instruction and four semesters of paid OJT at the Volkswagen plant.
Where will I spend the on-the-job (OJT) semesters? The four OJT semesters will be spent in the Volkswagen plant.
What kind of credential will I receive? Students who complete the program will receive two credentials – (1) a Technical Diploma from the Tennessee Technology Center at Chattanooga State and (2) an Industrial Mechatronics certification from the Volkswagen Group of America.
What kind of jobs are available for Mechatronics Technicians? Graduates of the program will have preferred employment status for vacancies within the Volkswagen facility (production and maintenance); however, graduates will be qualified to work in any manufacturing production facility (automotive and non-automotive) that emphasizes lean production methods.
Will I receive pay during the OJT semesters? Yes, all participants will receive an hourly starting wage of $10 per hour for the 450 clock hours of attendance during the first OJT semester; however, the hourly pay will increase throughout the four OJT semesters.
Do I register as a Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) student during the OJT semesters? Yes, and continuous registration for all nine semesters is required in order to be eligible to receive the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills grant and the clock hours for the OJT component.
How much will the program cost? The cost to attend the TTC at Chattanooga State is among the lowest in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. It is anticipated that the cost of tuition and fees for the 2012-13 academic year (fall, spring and summer) will be approximately $1,150 per semester.
Is Financial Aid Available? Yes. Eligible Tennessee residents are encouraged to apply for the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant (WNTSG), which pays $2,000 per year ($667 each semester) for a full-time program. Eligibility requirements for the grant are minimal – Tennessee resident for one year, no grade point average or test score required. A Federal Pell Grant and Student Loans may be available for participants as well. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) online to qualify for financial aid (WNTSG, Pell Grant and/or Student Loans).
How do I apply for admission? The twelve students for the summer class and the fall class will be selected through a competitive application and interview process. View application steps and the internal Automotive Mechatronics Program application. The deadline for submitting both applications (Chattanooga State and Automotive Mechatronics Program) is May 15, 2012 for th summer class and July 13, 2012 for the fall class.
What is the capstone project? Many technical programs require students to complete a capstone project. The project allows students to put into practice theories and skills they have learned throughout the program and provides tangible evidence of skill mastery.