Sevier County Campus Engineering Tech Hosts Event

The Walters State Sevier County Campus will host an open house for its engineering technology program from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 21. Adult learners, college and high school students and parents are invited to learn more about educational and career opportunities in this field. 

Two complete engineering technology programs are offered on the Sevier County Campus: A.A.S. Electrical Engineering Technology Automation Specialization and A.A.S. Engineering Systems Technology Computer-Aided (CAD) Design Specializations. Classes may be taken by high school students for dual enrollment credit. 

“These two specializations are popular with students and the skills taught are needed by employers,” Dr. Bob Dixon, head of engineering technology at the college, said. “Almost all of the manufacturing companies in East Tennessee have automated production. They need people who can program machines and robots.”

Engineering technology leads to a “hands-on” career with the skills needed to create, design and implement actions with a computer. Engineering technology students also have a broad range of knowledge. Many times, an engineering technology specialist will build something designed by an engineer. While most associate the skills with manufacturers, graduates work in many different areas.

“Amusement parks need technicians to program roller coasters and other rides,” Dixon said.

Many students may attend for free through a variety of financial resources including Pell grants and the Tennessee Hope Lottery Scholarship. Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship that makes it possible for qualified adult learners to attend tuition-free, just as Tennessee Promise does for recent high school graduates. Dual enrollment students are eligible for the dual enrollment grant.

Dixon said that almost all of his graduates have jobs lined up before graduation. The pay varies but compares favorably to other engineering technology programs. 

The lab has the same equipment used in the workplace. 

The engineering technology lab was made possible by a grant from the DENSO North American Foundation, which was used to purchase training equipment. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DENSO, a leading mobility supplier and Sevier County Employer.

This is a drop-in event and no RSVP is needed. The engineering technology lab is located in Kile-Ogle Hall.

In the photo: Dr. Jama Spicer Sutton, dean of the Walters State Sevier County Campus, left, watches as Dr. Bob Dixon, head of the college’s engineering technology department, demonstrates automation software. The Sevier County Campus will host an open house for its engineering technology labs on Feb. 21.