Measuring Middle-Skills Occupational Gaps within the Western New York Region

OCCUPATIONAL GROUPINGS FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES:

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES:

Mechanical engineering technicians must be able to apply mechanical engineering theory and principles to calibrate, develop, alter or test machinery and equipment under the direction of the engineering staff. Some of the typical tasks of a mechanical engineering technician include component testing, part performance analysis, component fabrication and assembly, and blueprint and design analysis based on design objectives. MECHATRONICS: Mechatronics stems from blending mechanical and electronics in a relatively new approach to product design and development, merging the principles of electrical, mechanical, computer and industrial engineering. Mechatronic systems are often referred to as “smart” devices because of the incorporation of sensors, actuators and computer control systems. Mechatronics has become synonymous with products that exhibit fast, precise performance. A mechatronics engineer unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system.

The role of Electrical Engineering technicians can be as varied as the workplaces they find themselves in: a pristine lab environment, a fabrication company, or a consulting firm. Job growth is anticipated by virtue of constant emerging technologies. Electrical Engineering technicians are prepared to research, design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial and scientific use. They test and modify developmental and operational electrical machinery, electrical control equipment, and circuitry in industrial and commercial plants and laboratories. TOOLING AND MACHINING: The precision machining industry is one of the most technologically advanced fields. Machinists with the proper skill sets are in high demand as a result of their training in quality control and metrology. Computer numerically controlled (“CNC”) machines are employed in most modern-day machine shops and mass production facilities to increase accuracy and efficiency when forming metal parts. CNC machining, laser and water jet technology, electric discharge machining (“wire EDM”), computer aided design (“CAD”), computer aided manufacturing (“CAM”) design, and manufacturing programs are all examples of this cutting edge technology. Highly specialized, skilled machinists are helping to meet the rising local and global demand of innovative products and technologies.