Automation and Robotics Foundations Learn & Earn Schedules
Learn & Earn Initiative
The Learn & Earn Initiative creates educational pathways for high-demand fields experiencing labor shortages. Students can build skills for careers in manufacturing and transportation while earning credentials and wages at the same time.
Available Schedules: Choose from fall or spring options at the Owatonna or Albert Lea campus, then complete the additional required courses listed below.
Jump to a Schedule
- Fall Semester Owatonna Campus
- Fall Semester Albert Lea Campus
- Spring Semester Albert Lea Campus
- Spring Semester Owatonna Campus
- Other Required Courses
Fall Semester Owatonna Campus
ARET1161
Mechatronic Systems
This course explores how mechatronic systems are used in industry, with emphasis on packaging, manufacturing, and product conveyance. Students examine machinery, tooling, basic metalworking, and welding concepts through hands-on learning.
Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab
ARET1200
Intro to Robotics
Students gain hands-on experience using real and virtual industrial robots. Topics include safe programming, robot operation, end-of-arm tooling, robot types, programming methods, robotic system components, and coordinate systems.
Credits: 2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab
Fall Semester Albert Lea Campus
ARET1126
Mechanical Power Transmission
This course introduces mechanical power transmission in modern manufacturing equipment. Topics include chains, belts, couplings, shaft alignment, gear trains, bearings, and machine timing using hands-on projects and packaging machinery.
Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab
ARET1175
Industrial Electricity and Electronics I
Students learn how electrical principles apply to automated production machines, packaging machinery, and robots. The course includes hands-on work with digital meters and tools for wiring, setup, and troubleshooting.
Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab
Spring Semester Albert Lea Campus
ARET1161
Mechatronic Systems
This course explores how mechatronic systems are used in industry, with emphasis on packaging, manufacturing, and product conveyance. Students examine machinery, tooling, basic metalworking, and welding concepts through hands-on learning.
Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab
ARET1200
Intro to Robotics
Students gain hands-on experience using real and virtual industrial robots. Topics include safe programming, robot operation, end-of-arm tooling, robot types, programming methods, robotic system components, and coordinate systems.
Credits: 2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab
Spring Semester Owatonna Campus
ARET1126
Mechanical Power Transmission
This course introduces mechanical power transmission in modern manufacturing equipment. Topics include chains, belts, couplings, shaft alignment, gear trains, bearings, and machine timing using hands-on projects and packaging machinery.
Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab
ARET1175
Industrial Electricity and Electronics I
Students learn how electrical principles apply to automated production machines, packaging machinery, and robots. The course includes hands-on work with digital meters and tools for wiring, setup, and troubleshooting.
Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab
Other Required Courses
Questions about scheduling? Contact Kim Nelson at 507-379-3335.
