College faculty, staff, officials, and community stakeholders gathered Monday to unveil the strategic renaming of Albany Technical College’s Mechatronics program to Automation & Robotics Technology. The update reflects evolving industry language and training expectations across Georgia’s advanced manufacturing sector and provides clearer pathways for students and employers.

Across the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), peer colleges have aligned credentials under the Automation & Robotics banner, reinforcing a statewide move toward clarity around skills in automation, robotics, PLCs, industrial controls, and smart manufacturing. Examples include Savannah Technical College, Lanier Technical College, West Georgia Technical College, and Southern Crescent Technical College.

“Renaming the program to Automation & Robotics Technology is about clarity and currency,” said Dr. Emmett Griswold, President of Albany Technical College. “Our partners run highly automated operations that change quickly, and we intend to meet them there. This update keeps our curriculum aligned with the latest technology so students graduate trained on current equipment, software, and safety standards and can step directly into high-demand roles.”

Recent program enhancements emphasize hands-on learning and employer relevance. Lab upgrades now include an industrial robotic arm used in today’s automated plants, giving students direct experience with the same platforms they will see on the job.

“Our labs integrate programmable logic controllers, robotics, industrial wiring, and fluid power, and this name makes that focus unmistakable,” said Ebony Johnson, Program Chair/Instructor for Automation/Robotics Technology and Electrical Systems. “Students learn how each subsystem connects—controls, sensors, drives, and mechanical assemblies—so they can diagnose and repair entire automated lines, not just one component.”

Graduates pursue roles such as Automation Technician, Robotics Technician, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Controls Technician, and Mechatronics Technician in manufacturing, logistics, and related industries. Regional career pathways are strengthened through on-site recruiting and interview days, employer roundtables, and paid internship partnerships—including efforts with MCLB Albany and Georgia-Pacific—supported by ATC Career Services.

Locally and nationally, workforce demand remains favorable. The federal category covering many robotics/automation technicians (Electro-mechanical & Mechatronics Technologists/Technicians) reported a $70,760 median annual wage in May 2024, with related maintenance occupations (Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Millwrights) projected to grow 13% from 2024–2034, driven by automation and retirements.

Where graduates work: Many ATC alumni have launched careers with companies such as Georgia-Pacific, Procter & Gamble, Molson Coors, Mars Wrigley, Tara Foods, and Outdoor Network, reflecting strong employer connections across Southwest Georgia and beyond.

Apply & start sooner: The program admits students on a rolling basis under Albany Tech’s Success Terms, offering multiple entry points each term.