This program is designed to provide you with the skills needed to enter the growing field of mechatronic and robotic systems. Highly paid technicians in this field are responsible for setup, troubleshooting, repairs, and modifications of programs in a wide array of computer-controlled industrial and manufacturing operation.

Competent mechatronic and robotic system technicians possess the skills to tackle the complexity of equipment used in a variety of advanced manufacturing applications. These skills include experience with sensors, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC-Industrial Computers), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI-Touch Screens), motors, motor drives, and robotics.

Additional coverage of Industry 4.0 topics such as Smart Sensors, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and machine vision systems will prepare you for both an intellectually and financially rewarding career in this field.

You may also choose to continue your education with engineering bachelor degree transfer options. See the program transfer agreements information for more details.

A promising and challenging career awaits you in a career field that continues to grow. Becoming a paralegal will immerse you in all facets of the law while working under the direction of a licensed attorney. To excel in this role, a paralegal must possess strong communication skills, enjoy collaborating with diverse individuals, demonstrate attention to detail, excel in problem-solving, and uphold ethical standards.

Western's program is proudly approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). According to the ABA, a Legal Assistant/Paralegal is defined as follows:

"A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible."

Our program covers all aspects of legal domains, including criminal, family, real estate, civil, and probate law. Graduates find careers in various sectors, including private practice, corporate legal departments, and government entities.

Our Building Construction and Cabinetmaking program helps you build on your knowledge and develop your skills to prepare for employment in the fields of construction and cabinet making.

You'll study fundamentals of building design, site development, building layout operations, concrete applications, cabinet design and construction, and materials used in the construction and cabinet making industries. You'll be instructed in safe and proper use of hand tools, portable power tools, and stationary power equipment. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to apply framing, interior finishing, and exterior finishing techniques at actual jobsites, and work on commercial framing and finishing projects in the cabinet shop and framing lab. Related mathematics, blueprint reading, estimating, building science principles, and OSHA 10 are part of the training.

Graduates are ready for a variety of careers, including cabinetmaking, residential and commercial carpentry, general construction, working at building supply stores or lumberyards, and other positions in the construction industry.

This certificate gives you the opportunity to develop the rough carpentry skills required in construction. Course topics include tools and equipment, safety, framing techniques, the construction process, and blueprint reading. The hands-on lab experiences prepare you for work as part of a framing crew.

Skilled welders are in great demand, and the outlook for employment remains good in our region and nationwide as the manufacturing and construction industries continue to grow. If you possess good math skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality work, welding could be the career for you.

In Western's program, you will receive comprehensive training that covers both theory and practical aspects in all types of welding, including shielded metal arc, oxy-fuel, gas metal arc, and gas tungsten arc welding. You'll learn about the proper use of tools and equipment, safety, and blueprint reading as you practice welding joints in different positions and on various types of metals.

Heavy construction and manufacturing sectors depend on skilled welders and offer excellent wages to those who are up for the challenge.