Niswonger Campus Hosts Engineering Tech Open House Sept. 30
September 26, 2024
Niswonger Campus Hosts Engineering Tech Open House
The 蜜桔直播 Engineering Technology Program will hold an open house from 6:30-8
p.m. on Sept. 30 at the 蜜桔直播 Niswonger Campus. Instructors will demonstrate
equipment and discuss the in-demand skills students learn. Everyone is invited and
refreshments will be served.
Four engineering technology degrees are now offered at the campus: the A.A.S. in engineering
systems technology with concentrations in architectural design, mechanical design
and computer-aided design; and the A.A.S. in electrical engineering technology with
a concentration in electromechanical. The program is accredited by the Association
of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.
鈥淓ngineering technology leads to a 鈥渉ands-on鈥� career focused on applications, implementations
and design,鈥� Dr. Bob Dixon, professor and head of the engineering technology program,
said. 鈥淓ngineering technology graduates leave with a broad range of knowledge.
Engineering Technology is a relatively new addition to the Niswonger Campus, although
蜜桔直播 has offered programs at campuses in Morristown and Sevierville for years.
The program has a 100% placement rate.
鈥淭hese programs are usually completed in four semesters,鈥� Dixon said. 鈥淕raduates are
able to find a good job with a good future. You can provide for a family with these
skills.鈥�
Many manufacturing industries are always looking for employees with skills in the
areas of programmable logic control (PLC), electric systems control, robotics and
computer aided design, Dixon said. Manufacturing, though, isn鈥檛 the only place these
skills are needed. They are used at amusement parks, in logistics and in transportation.
鈥淭hese degrees are good options for adult learners who want to make a career change,鈥�
Dixon said.
Financial aid programs are available that may make the programs tuition-free for students.
Need-based programs like Pell grants are one option. Current high school students
may be eligible for Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Hope Lottery grants that pay tuition.
Adult learners may be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect. Some classes are available
for dual enrollment students currently in high school and those may be paid for through
the dual enrollment grant.
The program also participates in a state-wide apprenticeship program that can begin
in high school and continue with employment.
The development of the program at the Niswonger Campus has been guided by members
of an advisory board. These include educators and employers.
鈥淭heir assistance to the program has been invaluable,鈥� Dixon said.