Degree/Certificate Options

• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Automation and Controls
• Level I Certificate in Automation Fundamentals

Program Description

Amarillo College’s Automation and Controls Program prepares students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and process control systems. Students learn to install, program, troubleshoot, and maintain automated systems that control machinery, robotics, and industrial processes.

Curriculum

The curriculum combines electrical theory, mechanical systems, fluid power, and computer-based control technologies. Core courses include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), industrial networking, motor controls, and instrumentation. Through hands-on lab work and real-world simulations, students gain the skills to work with integrated systems used in industries across the Texas Panhandle and beyond.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates are prepared for a variety of technical positions, including:
• Automation Technician
• Controls Technician
• PLC Programmer
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Instrumentation and Controls Specialist
• Robotics Technician

Employment Outlook and Local Connections

The demand for skilled automation and control technicians continues to grow as industries adopt smart manufacturing technologies. Local and regional employers such as Bell Textron, Cacique Foods, Hilmar Cheese, Tyson Foods, Valero, Pantex, and Phillips 66 seek qualified professionals to operate and maintain their increasingly automated systems.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on training with industry-standard PLC's and HMI systems
• Coursework aligned with smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 principles
• Opportunities for internships and apprenticeships with local industry partners
• Excellent job placement rates and competitive salaries in the field
• Stackable credentials for entry-level employment and career advancement