Congressman Paul Tonko Explores SUNY Delhi Mechatronics

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Shane Scheckler, a fourth-year Mechatronics Technology major, illustrates to Congressman Tonko and President Vancko what he learned from his internship with Sonoco Plastics.

DELHI, NY (03/30/2016)(readMedia)-- Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, visited the SUNY Delhi campus to learn more about the college's innovative Mechatronics programs and how students prepare for the rapidly growing fields of advanced manufacturing and automation.

Congressman Tonko received a personal tour by President Candace Vancko of the college's Mechatronics learning facilities. Students and industry partners gave their insights on the importance of the field and how the college's four-year Mechatronics Technology degree can bridge the gap between technicians and engineers. Congressman Tonko learned from students how their unique skill sets are in very high demand by major companies such as IBM, Siemens and General Electric.

SUNY Delhi offers a Bachelor of Technology (BT) degree in Mechatronics Technology and an associate's degree in Mechatronics Design. Delhi's programs were developed with significant input from industry leaders.

Delhi's Mechatronics Design focuses on mechanical and electrical design and drafting, including the production of detailed industry-standard drawings using 3-D software. Two-year graduates are earning starting salaries around $45,000.

Graduates of the Mechatronics Design program can then continue and earn a bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Technology at Delhi. Mechatronics Technology majors learn to design, fabricate, install, program, operate and maintain the automated machinery commonly found in contemporary manufacturing facilities. The curriculum also integrates 3-D technology, advanced electrical controls, programming pneumatics/hydraulics and high level welding and machining with a semester-long paid internship in senior year. Interns are highly sought after by industry and are currently working in food production, pharmaceutical, lumber, telecommunications, plastics manufacture, sports equipment manufacture, and power generation equipment. Interns earn an average of $18 an hour.

The multidisciplinary talents of Mechatronics Technology graduates make them extremely attractive to employers in industries that involve manufacturing and automation. Program graduates can expect to start their careers with salaries ranging between $60,000 and $65,000 per year.

For more information about SUNY Delhi's Mechatronics programs, visit www.delhi.edu.