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Electronics & Computer Networking Department

architecture & design Welcome to the Electronics & Computer Networking Department

Electronics, computers, networking, and home automation/security technologies touch virtually every aspect of modern life. Mt. SAC’s Electronics and Computer Technology Department offers four exciting, hands-on programs to prepare students for high-paying careers in the specialties of electronics and computer engineering technology, cabling & wiring technology, computers and networking technology, and general electrician.

The Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology program provides fundamental and advanced skills training in analog and digital circuits, electronic communications, microprocessors and computers, and industrial electronics. Students prepare for national and industrial certifications in a variety of areas, including surface-mount soldering and radio-telephone communications, or for transfer to B.S. degree programs offered in the CSU system.

The Computers and Networking Technology program provides training in electronics fundamentals as well as in-depth study of operating systems, computer hardware, wired and wireless networks, and servers. Students prepare for A+, Network+, Server+, and Security+ CompTIA certifications.

The Cabling and Wiring Technology fast-track certificate offers hard and soft-skills training leading to employment with telephone, cable, or satellite providers; electrical contractors; computer and networking companies; security system specialists; and home theater/home automation contractors. The program offers hands-on training in low-voltage wiring and cabling—including fiber optic, coax, and UTP—and terminations for voice, video, and data systems.

The Electrician Trainee courses prepare you for a career as a general electrician. Our program has been approved by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards as a partial program provider for the coursework required to qualify for taking the C-10 General Electrician examination . Nearly 50% of the required coursework for Electrician Trainees is offered through the Mt. SAC Electronics Department. The remaining required courses are planned for the near future. Visit the official DAS website for additional information and requirements for electrician trainee. See Hot Links.

A more detailed description of each program, along with a suggested course sequence, can be downloaded by clicking on the hot files link at left.

Employment

Many opportunities are available for professionals with high-tech skills in the electronics, computer, and cabling and wiring fields. Employers include telephone, satellite, and radio communications organizations; manufacturers and aerospace firms; small- and medium-sized business of all types, including electrical and construction contractors and audio/video specialists; and schools and government agencies.

Electronics technicians and technologists work with engineers to develop, manufacture, calibrate, test, and repair electronic devices and systems. Technicians use complex measuring and diagnostic devices to analyze, test, and verify the operation of circuits and systems. Technicians working in the communications field may need licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Mt. SAC is an authorized test center for FCC licensing examinations administered by the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers. The U.S. Department of Labor projects greater-than-average growth in demand for Electrical and Electronic Technicians. In 2006, the average hourly rate was $25.00 for electronics technicians increasing to over $35.00 with experience.

Computer maintenance technicians maintain and repair computers and peripherals at both the hardware and software levels. Network specialists design and develop systems for linking computers with each other and with peripheral devices. Highly skilled network specialists troubleshoot systems and supervise installations. Demand for both specialties continues to grow because increasing reliance on fully networked computer systems has created a shortage of both qualified entry-level technicians and fully qualified workers. In 2006, the average hourly rate was $19.00 for computer technicians increasing to over $25.00 with experience.

Cabling & Wiring technicians work with voice, video, and data cables and associated systems. Home automation and security specialists install and maintain home networking and home security systems. The security field continues to grow as a result of national and world conditions. Additionally, high-definition television, scheduled for national implementation in 2009, is the driving force for new positions in the field of home theater installation. Qualified technicians are needed to meet projected increased demand for both security and home-theater installations. In 2006, the average hourly rate was $17.00 for fire and safety equipment installers and $25.00 for telecommunication equipment installers.

The need for electricians in California will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. There are approximately 65,000 electricians today with a forecasted growth of approximately 10,000 new jobs by 2014. In addition, there will be several thousand current workers leaving their jobs due to retirements or change in career. In 2006, starting hourly rates were approximately $17.00 for electrician trainees increasing to over $30.00 for licensed electricians.