Industrial Maintenance Training Program
Build a Good Career Solving Practical Problems
Modern factories are clean, safe workplaces. They need capable people to keep the machinery running well. It’s an interesting line of work if you:
- Enjoy solving puzzles
- Like working with your hands
- Appreciate fixing things
- Understand everyday math and science
A Green Occupation with Lots of Demand
Your job is likely to be reliable—and yet the work will change every day. What needs adjustment? Why are those numbers odd today? Is there a software update? You’ll be taking care of the planet by repairing machinery and keeping it running efficiently.
At Hawkeye, you receive hands-on training and gain the skills to maintain production equipment that uses a range of technologies:
- Direct and alternating current (electricity)
- Hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power
- Single and three-phase motor controls
- Mechanical power systems
Your training and skills open the doors to a variety of positions, such as Industrial Mechanic, Maintenance Electrician, and Fluid Power Technician.
Example Careers and Average Wages
| Entry | Average | Experienced |
| Machinery Maintenance Workers | $42,900 | $55,200 | $61,400 |
| General Maintenance and Repair Workers | $30,300 | $43,400 | $49,900 |
Source: 2022 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development
Industrial and electrical maintenance personnel often find themselves in roles where dedication and expertise are rewarded. While the rewards are great, it's important to note that the nature of the job may require overtime, and wages mentioned do not include overtime compensation.
Hawkeye Community College cannot guarantee employment or promotion.
8 Months to Prep for Your New Career
Your learning shift runs seven hours a day, four days a week in a factory-like setting near downtown Waterloo. The Automation and Robotics Center has dozens of specialized workstations where you learn to troubleshoot various systems.
As you practice with different machines, there’s a lab instructor to call on. You also have classroom instructors to walk you through the thinking behind your work. You will practice the math and science you need and test the theories that drive the industrial systems.
Upcoming Classes
January Session
Start date: January 9, 2025
Class meets: Monday – Thursday, 7:00am – 2:00pm
Price: $3,995
June Session
Start date: June 5, 2025
Class meets: Monday – Thursday, 7:00am – 2:00pm
Price: $3,995
Financial Assistance
This program is not eligible for federal financial aid. Still, sponsorships or other assistance can help you pay for your training.
If you are interested in working for Tyson, you should consider the Tyson Industrial Maintenance Mechanics program. It has a different application process, yet the training (facilitated by Hawkeye) is similar.
Courses
Learn the proven system of 5S to improve organization, cleanliness/sanitary conditions, and safety at home, work or school. 5S is more than a methodology, it is a philosophy of continuous improvement and sends a clear message throughout that orderliness, cleanliness/sanitary conditions and safety is priority one!
5S is based on the following five principles: Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize and Sustain.
This course covers fundamental measurement principles, encompassing basic measurement techniques, precision measurement, direct and indirect gauging methods, and dimensional measurements using both the U.S. customary and S.I. metric systems.
Key topics include tape measurement, measurement conversion, utilization of precision measurement tools such as dial calipers, digital calipers, micrometers, dimensional gauges, and dial indicator measurements.
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of fluid power, offering hands-on experience with pneumatic components and operations.
Through lectures, labs, online curriculum, and practical exercises, students will learn to identify fluid power symbols, understand terminology, read blueprints, and work with essential pneumatic components.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-209 Pneumatic Systems 1 Certification.
This introductory math course offers an engaging exploration of essential mathematical concepts and tools. Designed with practicality in mind, it covers a wide range of topics from arithmetic and fractions to ratios and percentages. Emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the practical math needs of today.
This course instructs learners in the interpretation and utilization of technical drawings. It is essential to print reading principles, practical applications, multi-view drawings, and various line type meanings.
The curriculum addresses print dimensioning, ranging from fundamental concepts to the intricacies of first-angle projection.
Special emphasis is placed on assembly drawings, fasteners, and concludes with an introductory exploration of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
This immersive course offers an in-depth study of electrical laws and principles, focusing on both DC and AC circuits.
Through a blend of lectures, labs, online simulations, and hands-on experience, students will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in electrical systems.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-201 Electrical Systems 1 Certification.
This course provides an introduction to electrical system wiring and fosters a foundational understanding of electrical wiring and components.
Topics include basic electrical system wiring, interpretation of wire installation plans, safe handling of non-metallic cable, and application of fundamental components like switches, outlets, lighting, and the connection of electrical services.
This course covers a wide range of electrical power distribution topics, starting with an introduction to raceways, including conduit basics, electric metallic tube (EMT) conduit cutoff and preparation, conduit bodies and boxes, and conduit fittings.
It then progresses to basic conduit bending, including conduit benders, basic conduit bending, and offset bends.
Advanced topics are also covered, such as intermediate metal conduit (IMC) and flexible conduit, conductors, disconnects, and overcurrent protection, along with conduit sizing and wire pulling techniques.
Each segment of the course includes specific objectives, activities, and hands on skills.
The Basic Hydraulics course offers an introduction to the practical use and applications of hydraulic power, equipping learners with the essential skills and knowledge required for implementing hydraulics in today's industries.
This comprehensive program delves into crucial subjects such as hydraulic power and safety, hydraulic circuits, hydraulic schematics, the fundamentals of hydraulic pressure and flow, and hydraulic speed control circuits.
The curriculum encompasses topics ranging from pumps and fluid friction to connecting hydraulic circuits, hydraulic cylinders, and various valves, including flow control valves.
Additionally this course will cover major topics like hydraulic filter and fluid maintenance, fittings and seals, hose and clamping devices, and tubing and component installation.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-255 Hydraulic Systems 1 Certification and C-256 Hydraulic Maintenance 1 Certification
This course provides essential knowledge on mechanical drives training, encompassing motor mounting, key fasteners, power transmission systems, V-belt drives, chain drives, spur gear drives, and multiple shaft drives.
Learners will focus on objectives such as measuring motor shaft speed, calculating rotary mechanical power, understanding flexible jaw coupling operation, adjusting belt tension, managing chain sag in different applications, comprehending backlash function, and performing sleeve coupling alignment procedures.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-210 Mechanical Power Systems 1 Certification.
This course provides an introduction to electrical circuits and covers a range of essential topics in rotating electrical machines.
These topics include DC series motors, DC shunt and compound motors, motor speed and torque, motor performance, split-phase AC motors, capacitor-start AC motors, permanent-capacitor and two-capacitor motors, as well as three-phase AC induction motors. DC generator, AC alternator for mobile generation as well as synchronous, for power factor correction will be covered.
This course delves into significant subjects such as AC and DC motor malfunctions, standard diagnostic techniques employing multimeters and megger meters, and the troubleshooting process for these issues. Specific goals encompass identifying typical failures in the stator windings of three-phase AC motors, grasping prevalent approaches for diagnosing DC motor problems, and applying a megger meter to assess the armature of a DC electric motor.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-303 Electrical Motor Troubleshooting 1 Certification.
This course expands upon foundational hydraulic skills, providing in-depth knowledge of hydraulic components and their practical applications.
Students will acquire industry-relevant expertise in various areas, encompassing operation, installation, performance analysis, and design. These topics encompass accumulator sizing, system design, circuit applications, component operation and installation, pilot-operated directional control valves (DCVs), two-stage directional control valves, cam-operated directional control valves (DCVs), DCV spool center types and applications, cylinder types and mountings, pressure-compensated flow control valves, pilot-operated check valves, direct-operated relief valves, non-compensated flow control valves, rapid traverse and slow feed circuits, cylinder sequencing, remote pressure control, pump unloading circuits, and p-port check valves.
Furthermore, students will gain industry-relevant skills associated with these advanced topics, including operation, installation, performance analysis, maintenance, and design. These subjects encompass heat exchangers, reservoirs, fluid conductors, fluid conditioning, filtration, motor performance, pump performance, system design, and maintenance.
This course encompasses the construction, functioning, setup, and alignment of robust V-belt drives, synchronous belt drives, and heavy-duty chain drives.
It also includes V-belt maintenance, problem-solving, timing belt drives, proper lubrication practices, flange couplings, grid and gear couplings, as well as chain selection.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-301 Mechanical Power.
Laser Shaft Alignment has gained global popularity in industries due to its ability to facilitate faster and more precise shaft alignments compared to traditional methods like dial indicators or straight edge and feeler gauges. Laser shaft alignment systems eliminate issues like indicator sagging, reading resolution errors, and parallax errors.
The course 97-ME2A provides instruction on setting up, operating, and applying laser shaft alignment to various industrial applications.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-302 Laser Shaft Alignment 1 Certification.
This hands-on course teaches various control methods of 3 phase AC electric motors found in industrial and commercial applications.
Learners gain understanding of the operation, installation, design, and basic troubleshooting of AC electric motor control circuits. Develops skills in interpreting schematics, system design, motor start / stop circuits, motor sequence control, reversing motor control, and motor jogging.
Safety is emphasized throughout, highlighting motor safety, lockout/tagout and safety interlocks.
Certification Preparation: The course content is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-202 Certification.
This course covers variable frequency AC solid-state control for 3-phase electric motors.
Participants will gain expertise in operating, installing, analyzing performance, troubleshooting, and designing AC solid-state control systems using various methods, including 2-wire, 3-wire, manual, and open-loop speed control.
The course also emphasizes motor jogging, dynamic braking, and programmable acceleration and deceleration techniques.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-203 AC Variable Frequency Drives Certification.
This course offers a thorough lesson on electrical wiring and its components, including their function, operation, installation, and construction.
It specifically addresses topics such as electrical control system wiring, pneumatic control circuit wiring, conductors, disconnects, and overcurrent protection.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-206 Electrical System Installations 1 Certification.
This course explores two prevalent process control systems: flow and liquid level. The course encompasses aspects like process control safety, instrument tags, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and level measurement. It then delves into system control functions, including liquid level control, automatic control methods, fundamental flow measurement and control, and control loop performance.
This course is designed as an introduction to the common welding and cutting processes encountered in the maintenance trade. You will obtain entry-level welding and cutting skills.
The basics of shielded metal arc welding (stick welding), gas metal arc welding (wire welding), oxy-fuel cutting, and plasma cutting will be discussed and practiced.
In addition, electric arc welding and oxy-fuel safety procedures are an integral component of this course.
This class is part of the Industrial Maintenance program.
The Hydraulic Troubleshooting course offers an in-depth exploration of hydraulic components and the various methods for troubleshooting fluid power components and systems in typical industrial applications.
With a focus on electro-hydraulic controlled systems, the course prepares individuals to identify, analyze, and remedy faults, adhering to safety rules and industry standards.
Through hands-on exercises and theoretical studies, students will gain essential skills in systems troubleshooting, component testing, and the use of test equipment and status indicators.
This course covers troubleshooting manual and magnetic motor starters; control transformers; basic motor control and reversing motor circuits.
Students will be testing components of an electrical control circuit, the operation of selector switches, float switches, on-delay timers, and the operation of control relays, as well as systems-level troubleshooting.
Certification Preparation: The course is tailored to prepare students for the Smart Automation Certification Alliance SACA C-204 Motor Control Troubleshooting 1 Certification.
Earn Your Degree Later
If you find you want a college degree, you may be able to turn your Industrial Maintenance training experience into college credits. These credits would apply towards Hawkeye's Industrial Automation Technology program.
You must apply for admission to Hawkeye and provide the transcript of the classes taken in the Industrial Maintenance Mechanics program to receive the credits.
AAS in Industrial Automation Technology
Ready to Learn More?
Reach out to the Automation and Robotics Center by completing the form below, emailing us, or calling 319-296-4447.