If you are a student looking for a career in industrial automation, then BC has a bachelor’s program that may be for you.   

The program manager for BC’s Industrial Automation Department, Carlos Medina, clarified some aspects of the program itself and what it entails.   

When asked about what specific skills these students learn he said, “They’re learning technical skills, for example: advance motor controls, instrumentation controls, operator terminal interface, robotic programming…they’re also learning management skills like: economic decision making, ethics, leadership, operations maintenance, industrial safety.”  

There are many traits this line of work can teach you if you choose to go down this path. But, according to Medina, “The biggest skill they learn through the program is how to learn. As new technology arises our students are having to figure out how to operate new equipment/software all on their own.”   

Coupled with the many skills students will learn from this initiative, there is also an exceptional success rate associated with it, “…we have almost a 100% employment placement from the program and many graduates from the program have excelled in their careers. Many of the graduates are becoming managers and supervisors with their current employers with just a couple years of experience,” said Medina.   

It is not that difficult to get into the program either. All you need to do is complete 7 of the core lower-division courses and some general education courses as well to qualify for the upper-division program.  

According to Medina, once you get in it’s an enjoyable experience, “The program isn’t difficult at all. Many students love the program because it’s more practical as you’re working with your hands more.”