The Industrial Mechanic program teaches technical skills in mechanical drive systems, electrical systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, laser alignment, basic welding and machining, and many other in-demand skill sets that employers are looking for. Graduates have the option of seeking employment or enrolling in the two year Electromechanical Technology program.

Graduates of this program also have the option of transferring all the credits to the two-year Electro-Mechanical Technology associate degree program.

  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    If you like to troubleshoot problems, put theory to work hands-on, and have interests in math and mechanical processes, a career in industrial maintenance may be your key to success.

    Students entering the Industrial Mechanic program should:

    • Have an interest in math and science.
    • Enjoy problem solving.
    • Think creatively.
    • Enjoy working with their hands.
    • Have good hand-eye coordination.
    • Enjoy working with people.
    • Have good communication skills.
    • Are detail-oriented.

    Program Basics

    • Technical Diploma, requiring a minimum of two semesters to complete.
    • Classes are offered, daytime, face to face, and on campus.
    • High school articulation courses accepted.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Classes start in January and August.

    Related Degrees

  • Curriculum & Costs

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $4,820
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148
    Books and Supplies $1,466
    Personal Expenses $3,608
    Transportation $4,018
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $84
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Math and science
    • Written and oral communications
    • Electricity, electronics or mechanics

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Set up and operate equipment or systems to ensure reliable performance.
    • Install, remove, and relocate equipment and systems as directed.
    • Troubleshoot and repair mechanical equipment.
    • Research preventative maintenance techniques.
    • Preform work safely
    • Select and order required parts and materials using parts list, catalogs, and standard books.

    Technical Skill Attainment (TSA)

    Portions of the TSA Scoring Guide for the Electro-Mechanical Technology degree will be used to document your attainment of technical program outcomes for the Industrial Mechanic diploma. To meet the requirements on the scoring guide, you will be asked to draw upon the skills and concepts that have been developed throughout the program and are necessary for successful employment in your field. Results will be used to inspire continual improvement of teaching and learning in Wisconsin Technical College System. In addition, this assessment will provide feedback to you about your performance.

  • Career Opportunities

  • Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

    Industrial Mechanic Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-804-113College Technical Math 1AYes
    CLEP Test - College Math
    10-804-114College Technical Math 1BYes
    CLEP Test - Pre-Calculus
  • New! Tuition Assistance

  • Eligible students that enroll in the Industrial Mechanic program and start courses August 19, 2024, will receive financial support that covers ½ of the tuition and fees for the one-year technical diploma. Funding is limited and will be awarded accordingly. This new offering creates many opportunities to students who enroll including:

    • Workforce Entry: After completing the Industrial Mechanic one-year technical diploma, find employment as a Maintenance Technician.
    • Electro-Mechanical Student: Continue your education and finish the full two-year Elector-mechanical program associate degree program.
    • Transfers: Transfer to UW-Stout.

    What's it about

    Due to employee shortage in high wage manufacturing jobs, SWTC is partnering with Southwest Wisconsin Alliance for Growth (SWAG) in Manufacturing to offer half-off Industrial Mech technical diplomas for the 2024-25 academic year for eligible students.

    Are you Eligible?

    Underemployed and unemployed individuals not yet enrolled in a SWTC degree for the fall 2024 semester.

    Schedule

    Classes are Monday through Thursday. No classes on Friday.

    How to Enroll:

    Take the first easy step and fill out this form today!

    Contact

    If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to Industrial Mechanic Advisor, Beth Cummins. Email Beth
    Contact number: 608-822-2372