
Automated Packaging Systems Technician
Unique in the State
Technical Diploma
64 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
New Richmond
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
The Automated Packaging Systems Technician program provides training for individuals who wish to obtain mechanical, electrical and automation skills as they relate to the industrial manufacturing environment.
The manufacturing environment in the packaging industry is a fast-paced, technical production environment requiring skill to maintain the required output from high-speed packaging machines. The program focuses on the manufacturing industry; however, the skills you acquire will provide a foundation for entry into the dynamic field of manufacturing in positions such as maintenance technician, field service technician/engineer and machine assembly/installer.
Program Overview
The Automated Packaging Systems Technician program will give you the skills you need to enter a career in the packaging industry. You learn to service and repair a variety of packaging equipment and automated systems. This program emphasizes the maintenance and troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, fluid power, robotics, and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) components on packaging machines. Classroom and hands-on instruction on packaging machines plus visits to the packaging industry are all parts of the program. You may participate in the Institute of Packaging Professionals meetings each month as a member of the student chapter.
Program integrates advanced manufacturing (Industry 4.0) competencies to meet the regional need for skilled employees.
Program Outcomes
Automated Packaging Systems Technician graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe practices and techniques
- Install power transmission components, fluid power components and automation components
- Maintain power transmission components, fluid power components and automation components
- Troubleshoot power transmission components, fluid power components and automation components
- Electrically connect automation and communication components
- Troubleshoot automated control systems
- Create electrical systems drawings and schematics for automated machines

This program is unique in the state, so you'll obtain a unique set of skills that no other school in the state can provide.

The instructors have years of application experience in the field that they bring to the classroom and shop to transfer the knowledge to you.

You will have the opportunity to acquire mechanical, electrical, fluid power and automation skills on packaging machines.

You will gain real experience while training on real machines and employing real components to complete maintenance, installation and automation tasks.
Academics
Through classroom and lab/shop activities, you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills using real machine components. You will learn the language of industry as it relates to the mechanical, electrical, fluid power and automation components.
Career Pathways
As an Automated Packaging Systems Technician student at WITC, you can earn credentials each step of the way. Graduates of the Automated Packaging Systems Technician program also earn a technical diploma in Mechatronics Basics.
Develop Mechanical Skills
You will have the opportunity to engage in tasks that allow you to remove, repair and, if needed, replace worn out or defective components.
Develop Automation Skills
Several courses that build on developing automation skills are included in the program such as DC and AC electricity, packaging systems equipment control, electromechanical componentry and basic PLCs.
Curriculum
The program is comprised of courses that allow you to discover and learn basic mechanical, electrical, fluid power and automation skills. The program is aligned with the packaging industry; however, the skills you will develop will allow you to pursue opportunities throughout industry in general. Wherever machines are creating value in the economy, your skills will be valued.
Featured Automated Packaging Systems Technician Courses
Automated Packaging Systems Technician is Part of a Career Pathway
As an Automated Packaging Systems Technician student at WITC, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.

This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to obtain a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
WITC has a simple admission process that can be completed in one visit. To start the process, simply fill out an application form along with a $30 application fee. After you’ve successfully submitted your application, your next step is to schedule an admissions meeting with a WITC counselor to discuss your goals and expectations. That’s it!
Tuition and Fees
WITC breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits and scholarships.
Estimated Total Program Costs 2020-21*
Automated Packaging Systems Technician
64 Credits | 2 Years
$10,364
$575 for tools, supplies and uniforms
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the WITC Automated Packaging Systems Technician Program
Upon completion of the program, you will obtain an technical diploma in Automated Packaging Systems Technician and a technical diploma in Mechatronics Basics.

Transfer Options
After you complete your two-year Automated Packaging Systems Technician technical diploma at WITC, you can transfer to another college to continue your education and earn your bachelor's degree.
Career Outlooks
WITC's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute Partner

The PMMI Mechatronics program helps move manufacturing forward by providing employers, schools and potential workers the tools needed to advance the workforce and close the ever expanding skills gap.
Through a series of tests based on industry-developed skill standards, the PMMI Mechatronics Certification program:
- Helps employers assess workers for core skills
- Guides schools in developing curriculum to prepare students for the manufacturing workforce
- Provides a career pathway for students looking for rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing
PMMI certification tests are based on industry-developed standards and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Manufacturing Institute’s Skills Certification System. PMMI works with a growing number of PMMI Mechatronics Education and Industry Partners to further advance this program.