Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Training Program

Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Training Course

The NJIT Makerspace is currently offering multiple cycles (across 2025 and 2026) of a Pre-Apprenticeship Skills Training Program in Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics. For each of these cycles, we would look to recruit highly motivated candidates who can commit to attending all the sessions and fully seeing the program through. Each cycle will run for about 4 months and will cover the following two modules. Trainees will be recruited for the full training program cycle and not for individual modules.

Introductory Training Module: (Contact Dr. Ashish Borgaonkar)
The Introductory Module provides a foundation through integrated lectures and laboratories on each topic. Topics include power, hand, measurement, and finishing tools, AC and CD wiring, electrical measurement tools, PLC basics, and basic PLC wiring, IO, and programming.
Advanced Training Module: (Contact Dr. Ashish Borgaonkar)
The Advanced Training Module builds on the lessons of the Introductory Training Course by integrating Introductory Training Course topics into a course-long project that students fabricate and assemble. Classes and labs focus on mechanical and electrical assembly, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair, sensors, actuators, and advanced testing and troubleshooting. Completion of the Introductory Training Course is a pre-requisite to starting the Advanced Training Course.

Apply For Training

Applications for Cycle 1 of 2025 for the Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics training course are now open. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Click here to apply.

Who Should Apply?

Individuals seeking or already working as technical/engineering staff in manufacturing-related fields
Individuals who work in technical areas (especially electrical and mechanical, engineering) and who are interested in branching into manufacturing careers
Current or prospective students of Engineering or Engineering Technology in community colleges or universities
Completion of the Introductory Course is a pre-requisite to joining the Advanced Course

Certificate of Completion

NJIT will provide an official Certificate of Completion to all participants who attended the training sessions and complete a course successfully.

Comments and Costs

Participants are expected to attend at least 85% of the sessions and complete all assignments.
The training is free to admitted participants.
Stipend per student up to $500 upon successful completion of program.

Course Information

Introductory Training

Week	Topic	Summary
1	Introduction and Overview of the Session	Students are introduced to and enrolled in the program. Confirmation of completed paperwork/requirements is conducted. Students receive information on training session locations, access to learning management system and parking. Students are introduced to the instructional team, session coordinators and the support staff. Overview of the session and the topic breakdown is provided. The session also includes discussion on career development, and safety.
1	Mechanical Hand Tools, Hardware, & Materials	Students are introduced to Mechanical Hand Tools including screw drivers, shears (i.e. scissors), hammers, saws, and wrenches. Each tool and how it interacts with respective hardware and materials will be demonstrated. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
2	Mechanical Measurement Tools	Students are introduced to Mechanical Measurement Tools including Tape Measures, scales (rulers), Squares, Thread Gauges, and Calipers. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
3	Mechanical Power Tools	Students are introduced to Mechanical Power Tools including drills, drivers, and power saws. The respective hardware and materials will be noted for each power tool. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
	Mechanical Hand Finishing Tools	Students are introduced to Mechanical Hand Finishing Tools including Files, Sand Paper, Steel Wool, Nylon Mesh, Abrasive Pads, and Painting. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
	Mechanical Power Finishing Tools	Students are introduced to Mechanical Power Finishing Tools including power grinding, sanding, and buffing. Power tools (e.g. drill and Dremel) utilizing attachments will be demonstrated as well as dedicated units. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
4	Fundamentals of AC & DC Wiring Hardware, and Materials	Students are introduced to Fundamentals of AC & DC wiring. This includes typical wire gauge, plugs, batteries, junction boxes, breakers, and grounding. Section is focused on being able to identify different components and when each process should be used. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
5	Electrical Hand & Measurement Tools	Students are introduced to Electrical Hand Tools including strippers, lineman pliers, and electrical testers. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
6	Pneumatic Systems	Students are introduced to Pneumatic Systems including regulators, filters, flow control valves, tubing/fittings, and cylinders. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
7	Basic Mechatronics: PLC Anatomy, and Programming Basics	Students will learn about the anatomy of a PLC, analog and digital input/output (I/O) ports, and memory access. They will also learn about the basics of ladder-logic programming.
	Basic Mechatronics: Programming Basics	Students will learn further techniques in ladder-logic programming including AND/OR, Analog Measures. They will also learn how ladder logic is applied through real world scenarios.
	Basic Mechatronics: Ladder Logic Applications	Students will learn further techniques in ladder-logic programming and applying it to real world scenarios.
8	Introductory Module Review and Catch-Up Session (Mandatory for anyone who needs to Make-Up any missed session)	Students will have an opportunity to revisit any of the sessions they need a refresher for and/or to make up for any session they missed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Advanced Training Module: Fundamental of Mechanical & Electrical Assembly, Maintenance and Repair

The Advanced Training Module builds on the lessons of the Basic Training Module by integrating all of the Introductory Training Module topics in hands-on sessions as well as a course-long project.

Table 2. Advanced Training Module

Students are introduced to Mechanical Assembly including reading assembly instructions, organizing a Bill of Materials (BOM), preparing tools and hardware, mechanical assembly, and measurement post assembly. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.

Week	Topic	Summary
10	Electrical Assembly	Students are introduced to Electrical Assembly including reading assembly instructions, organizing a Bill of Materials (BOM), preparing tools and hardware, electrical assembly, and measurement post assembly. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
11	Basic Mechanical Equipment Troubleshooting	Students are introduced to Basic Mechanical Equipment Trouble Shooting. This includes identifying if an assembly is aligned and balanced, the correct hardware was used, identifying damaged material, identifying corrosion. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
11	Basic Mechanical Equipment Maintenance & Repair	Students are introduced to Basic Mechanical Equipment Repair including removal of damaged hardware, cleaning, lubrication, and sanding and painting. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
12	Basic Electrical Equipment Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Repair	Students are introduced to Basic Electrical Equipment Troubleshooting. This includes identifying breaker and fuse conditions, battery conditions, and power switch/plug conditions. Students are also introduced to Basic Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Repair. This includes how to reset a breaker and how to replace a fuse. The session includes discussion and instructions on Safety.
13	Advanced Mechatronics: PLC Programming	Students will learn about event sequencing and continuous operation. They will also learn about the implementation of basic mathematical functions and logic expressions, counters, and timers.
14	Advanced Mechatronics: Sensors and Actuators, Testing and Troubleshooting	Students will conduct hands-on experiments with industrial actuators (e.g., electrical motors, pneumatic devices, grippers, and relays) and proximity sensors (ultrasound, magnetic, and optical). They will also learn about testing and troubleshooting procedures.
14	Advanced Mechatronics: Real-Word Industrial Applications	Students will conduct hands-on experiments with stepper and servo motors control. They will learn about real-world mechatronics applications including conveyors, robotics, and automated factory production lines.