What is the average salary of a process technician?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a process technician in the United States is $56,333.

What is a process technician? What does a process technician do?

A process technician plays a crucial role in the manufacturing and production industries, ensuring that processes run efficiently and safely. These professionals are responsible for monitoring, troubleshooting, and improving production processes to optimize productivity and quality.

What is advanced manufacturing?

According to Manufacturing.org, advanced manufacturing refers to the use of innovative technologies to create new and existing products. 

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

No.

What specific skills in advanced manufacturing will I learn in this course?

• Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Process technicians need to be adept at operating and maintaining a variety of advanced manufacturing equipment, including Programmable Logic Controller (PLC’s), robotics, and automated systems.
• Automation and Robotics: Understanding the principles of automation and robotics is increasingly important as these technologies become more prevalent in advanced manufacturing.
• Technical Drawings and Schematics: The ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics is vital for understanding equipment functionality and troubleshooting issues.
• Process Control Systems: A solid understanding of process control systems, including sensors, controllers, and feedback loops, which is essential for monitoring and optimizing manufacturing processes.

Does the course include a focus on quality control and process improvement techniques?

Yes, this course covers lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001.

How is advanced manufacturing different from traditional manufacturing, and does the course cover these differences?

In traditional manufacturing, a process technician focuses on manual monitoring and control of equipment with limited automation, relying heavily on routine checks and physical adjustments. In advanced manufacturing, the role shifts to managing highly automated, data-driven systems, using sensors, software, and real-time analytics to optimize production processes with greater precision and efficiency.

This course comprehensively covers the role shift to advanced manufacturing.

How will this course prepare me for a specific role in advanced manufacturing?

This provides you with the information and virtual hands-on training in simulations to prepare for a role as a process technician or production technician in a manufacturing environment.

Does this course cover current trends in manufacturing, such as automation, IoT, or sustainable manufacturing practices?

Yes, this covers the trends of robotics and Siemens Human Machine Interfaces (HMI).

How can I use the skills learned here to qualify for more advanced manufacturing courses or programs?

After 2-5 years of experience, you would be qualified for mid-level positions such as senior process technician or lead process technician. You could also specialize in roles related to quality, safety, automation, or maintenance in relation to the process technician role.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What hardware is included?

The course includes the Meta Quest 3 headset with the two controllers, a carrying case, and the Elite Strap.

What should I do if I encounter technical difficulties while using VR?

If there are issues with the simulations, you can contact a student advisor and/or access the VR Help Center in the Learning Management System, which includes documentation, videos, and guides to assist with any issues.

If there are any issues with the hardware, you should contact Meta for assistance.

Do I need any prior experience with VR technology to take this course?

You do not need to have any prior experience with VR technology to take the course. However, if you do not have any experience with VR, we have a Virtual Reality Navigator, a comprehensive guide with tutorials, games, glossary, and best practices in the virtual world.

Do I have to return the headset and accessories once I complete the course?

You do not have to return the headset and accessories once you complete the course, it is included in the cost of this program.

What are the benefits of using VR in learning?

Using virtual reality in learning has many benefits. Here is a link to a document summarizing the many benefits.

Will all the course content be delivered through VR, or just certain parts?

For this course, only the 10 labs/simulations are delivered through virtual reality. However, there is an option to complete the simulations on the web.

Can I participate without a VR headset, or is it mandatory?

You have the option of completing the labs in a web browser (Chrome recommended)

What are the minimum system requirements for my computer/device to run the VR content?

• Mobile App: Android and Apple
• Network bandwidth: A broadband internet connection is required for larger images, audio, video, interactive components, and Virtual Labs.
• Screen resolution: The minimum screen resolution recommended is 1024 x 768 pixel
• Ram: 8 GB is the minimum recommendation
• Graphic Card: Not required but will increase performance of Virtual Labs

Is the VR experience compatible with all VR platforms (Oculus, HTC Vive, etc.)?

This particular VR experience is only compatible with Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3.

How do I set up the VR equipment for the course? Will there be technical support?

Technical support is provided through the robust Hemp Center available in the Learning Management Systems.

What if I experience motion sickness or discomfort while using VR? Are there accommodations for that?

If you experience motion sickness or discomfort while using VR, there is an option to complete the labs in a web browser (Chrome recommended).

Is there a specific platform or app I need to download to access the VR content?

To access the VR content, you will need to download a specific app from the Meta Quest store. The information for this will be provided upon enrollment.

How do I interact with instructors and other students in the VR environment?

There is no interaction with instructors and other students in the VR environment.

Is there a way to practice or familiarize myself with the VR setup before the course begins?

We have a Virtual Reality Navigator, a comprehensive guide with tutorials, games, glossary, and best practices in the virtual world that can help you get started.

What happens if my VR equipment breaks or malfunctions? Will I be penalized for missed coursework?

You have the option of completing the labs using virtual reality or web-based simulations. If the VR equipment breaks or malfunctions, you can complete the labs using the web-based versions.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."