(FORT BEND) – Robots are a way of the future. They can be found inside manufacturing and distribution centers and state-of-the-art factories and at Texas State Technical College.

Students can now enroll in Robotics Technology, one of four new programs being offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, and learn how to program and operate a fast-growing robotic population.

“Our program offers students a path to learning cutting-edge automated system technologies in the industry,” said TSTC’s State Department Chair of Instrumentation Technology Bob Lovelace.

Robotics Technology is a five-semester program in which students learn about automated manufacturing processes, the role of robots and support equipment through instruction in areas such as motion programming, conveyor systems and computer networking.

Students in the program will also receive hands-on, real-word experience in the class with the opportunity of setting up industrial robots and designing and building electromechanical control systems.

“Our students will train with the most used industrial robots in the industry,” said Lovelace. “Because of our training they will be able to be successful in any manufacturing job they find themselves in.”

Lovelace added that a career in robotics can be diverse and gives graduates an array of options when job searching. He also proudly stated that this type of accomplishment has been evident with the Robotic Technology program in Waco since 1999.

“The demand for highly-skilled technicians is growing,” he said. “And we provide the best entry-level technicians money can buy.”

Graduates from TSTC’s Robotics Technology can expect to find jobs as robotic technicians, electro-mechanical technicians, mechanical engineering technicians and electromechanical equipment assemblers.

“We put as much emphasis on putting people to work, as we do putting them in the classroom,” said Lovelace. “It is this effort that makes TSTC students and our funding model successful.”

TSTC has an outcome-based funding model meaning TSTC gets paid based on students’ job placement and earnings after they graduate, rather than initial enrollment.

“Our students have no limits on where they can go after getting a degree from TSTC,” said Lovelace. “And in this new program it’s no different.”

For more information on Robotics Technology and to apply and register anytime, visit tstc.edu.