What to expect from a career in Mechanical Engineering, Electro-Mechanics and more
Mechanical professionals are needed in nearly every industry, to fill roles from equipment maintenance and system design to research and development. Mechanical engineering tech programs at Ontario colleges give students a combination of skills training and theoretical knowledge in the mechanical industry to prepare them for multi-faceted careers in the field.
If you’re interested in the inner workings of machines and mechanics, and want to take on a challenging career in the mechanical engineering field, here’s what you need to know.
Mechanical Engineering Tech Courses
Ontario college mechanical engineering tech programs are offered at a variety of different levels, from one-year introductory certificate programs to degree programs. The most common program offerings include:
- Mechanical Techniques. Mechanical techniques programs are one-year introductory certificate programs that prepare students with basic mechanical skills, such as welding, electrical work, machining, blueprint reading and more. Many mechanical techniques programs also focus on one mechanical specialty, such as CNC programming, machining, plumbing and more. These programs allow students to begin their careers in entry-level positions across many industries or to continue their education in other mechanical engineering programs.
- Mechanical Technician / Mechanical Engineering Technician. These programs are typically two-year diploma programs that prepare students for work across a number of industries, from aerospace and robotics to machinery and automotive. They may focus on a variety of the broad subject areas under mechanical engineering, with skills in mathematics, engineering design, manufacturing processes and more, or focus on one particular area, such as design, electro-mechanics, maintenance and control or tool and die.
- Mechanical Technology / Mechanical Engineering Technology. Mechanical and mechanical engineering technology programs, generally three-year programs, cover many of the same areas as technician programs, but to a deeper level. The third year is often used for more specialized training or for greater independent study and project work.
Further program offerings include four-year Bachelor of Applied Technology programs, which focus on areas such as control systems technology or mechanical systems engineering, and one-year graduate certificate programs, which build on prior mechanical program credentials in areas such as advanced electro-mechanical design.
General Mechanical Engineering Tech Program Requirements
Ontario college mechanical engineering tech programs require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. A grade 12 English and specific math and science credits may also be required, but will vary by program.
Mechanical Engineering Tech Jobs and Salaries
Graduates will have many opportunities to choose from in mechanical engineering, whether they complete an apprenticeship, jump into an entry-level position or further their education. Common job titles in the mechanical engineering sector include (but aren’t limited to):
- Mechanical or Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Mechanic
- Welder
- Mechanical Salesperson
- Equipment Manufacturer
Average starting salaries for mechanical engineering technicians and technologists are typically between $30,000 and $40,000 a year, and increase to an industry average of roughly $50,000 per year with experience. Advanced positions may see salaries as high as $70,000.
Ontario Colleges Offering Mechanical Engineering Tech Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of mechanical engineering tech programs at Ontario colleges.
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