High School - College - Career
The Isothermal Engineering & Technology Academy (i-TECH) is a new program that brings together the best elements of high school, college and the professional world.
How does i-TECH work?
i-TECH students spend 1st and 2nd period at their county high school, and 3rd and 4th period taking college courses, tuition-free, at Isothermal Community College. Transportation to and from the College will be provided or Rutherford county students. Students in i-TECH can earn college credentials in their Junior and Senior years of high school, and can earn an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or Manufacturing Technology in just one year after graduating from high school.
i-TECH Partners
Career Exploration
i-TECH students actively participate in career exploration through a number of activities
Focus on Careers
Learning about regional industries and exploring technical careers is a major focus of the i-TECH Academy. Students participate in industry tours, interact with guest lecturers and mentors from advanced manufacturing industries and work in teams to develop real-world manufacturing solutions. Following high school, students in their final, full-time college year can apply to participate in work-based learning programs with i-TECH industry partners.
Career Options
Some Examples of careers that students with 2-year degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Technology may qualify for are:
- Mechanical Drafting and Designer
- Advanced Manufacturing Technician
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Research & Development Technician
- CNC Machinist
Earnings Potential
Below is a sampling of median salaries for careers that employ graduates with 2-year degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Technology:
- CNC Machinist $45,000
- CAD Drafting/Designer $45,000
- Mechanical Engineering Technician $54,480
- Electromechanical Technician $55,610
- Project Engineer $60,220
Based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics and payscale.com
Industry Partners
The following regional Industries are partnering with the i-TECH Academy to help provide meaningful career exploration activities:
- Allied Die Casting
- Michelin
- Trelleborg
- Timken
- Eaton
- Continental Automotive Group
- Curtis-Wright
- Baldor
- WestRock
- Parker Hannifin
i-TECH College Academics
i-TECH students can earn college credentials by completing the following college courses during their normal school day.
i-TECH students take regular high school courses required to earn a high school diploma. Additionally, they take college courses, from college instructors on the College campus. Students can earn a Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Pathway Certificate in their junior year and can then take additional courses in their senior year to complete a Mechanical Engineering Technology Pathway Diploma from Isothermal Community College. After high school students can then complete an Associate Degree at Isothermal in just one year. Students may then choose to continue their studies by pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, either as a full-time student or part-time while working in their technical career.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DFT 151 | CAD I | 3 |
| EGR 110 | Intro to Engineering Technology | 2 |
| MEC 161 | Manufacturing Process | 3 |
| MAC 141 | Machining Applications I | 4 |
| HYD 110 | Hydraulics/Pneumatics I | 3 |
| ACA 115 | Success & Study Skills | 1 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ISC 132 | Manufacturing Quality Control | 3 |
| ISC 121 | Environmental Health & Safety | 3 |
| CIS 110 | Intro to Computers | 3 |
| DFT 154 | Intro to Solid Modeling | 3 |
| MEC 180 | Engineering Materials | 3 |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry | 3 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
Want to learn more?
Complete college early and get started in a rewarding technical career.
For more information:
To learn more about the i-TECH Academy and how to attend do one of the following:
Speak with your high school advisor