SJVC Introduces Industrial Technology Career Training Program

Until now there has not been a major career training resource in the Lancaster-Palmdale region to provide manufacturing and aerospace companies with well-trained technical support.

Beginning in July, San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) will offer an accelerated Industrial Technology (IT) program that will put highly-skilled technicians into pivotal roles in local plant operations. Industrial facilities and commercial plants depend on knowledgeable and sure-handed Industrial Technicians to ensure that operations run smoothly, efficiently and with minimal slow-down or shut-down. Inefficient systems and sub-standard machinery mean financial losses that negatively impact production – and jobs.

SJVC’s IT program will combine classroom study with hands-on training in the functioning and maintenance of industrial equipment and operating systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), industrial electricity, power transmission and hydraulics. Graduates earn a Certificate or an Associate of Science degree.

“Good candidates for the IT program should be good with their hands, have a high level of dexterity, some experience with wiring, high-powered machinery and some knowledge of math to pull from,” says Joel Morgan, SJVC’s Lancaster Campus Director.

The Industrial Technology program is very successful on other of the college’s 13-campuses throughout Central and Southern California.

San Joaquin Valley College worked with the local Chamber of Commerce, industrial employers and other local representatives to make certain that IT program graduates would fill an important need in the community. The new Industrial Technology program seems a perfect fit for the Antelope Valley region.

“With the expansion of the Palmdale Highway and the high-speed rail breaking ground, these corridors will better connect Victorville to Lancaster/Palmdale and Los Angeles, and all the distribution centers along the way,” says Morgan. “Greater product movement and storage means more maintenance technicians will be needed to keep things running smoothly.”

SJVC’s IT curriculum was designed to meet current employer needs and ensure graduate employability. Today’s industrial businesses are looking for well-trained technicians who can operate and maintain the specialized equipment that keeps their systems operational.  Graduates can expect to go to work as a Maintenance Mechanic, Industrial Mechanic, Maintenance Manager or Electrician or a move up to Maintenance Engineer.

San Joaquin Valley College has offered career training programs throughout California since 1977. Its Lancaster campus opened in October, 2012 and offers a variety of Medical, Business and Technical programs. (Please see sjvc.edu.) For more information about SJVC’s Industrial Technology and other program, or for a tour of the campus, please call (661) 974-8282