Job readiness
CONTACT PERSON: David Sagsveen • Jack Science Center 301D • 224-5443 • David.Sagsveen@bsc.nodak.edu

Current workforce trends indicate an increased demand for engineering technicians with 2 year degrees. BSC's Engineering Technology program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Engineering Technicians assist engineers with tasks encountered in the planning and completion of projects. They are an integral part of the design and construction teams. A technician may work as a draftsperson, inspector, data collector, or as a member of a survey crew. They may also assist with engineering-related computations.

Engineering Technicians can work for a variety of employers including federal, state, county or local governments. They can also work for private engineering or testing firms, utilities, mining and power companies, and construction firms.

In the Engineering Technology program, students will learn graphic techniques used to produce engineering documents, field and lab testing techniques on building materials, surveying equipment and procedures, structural analysis and design methods, estimating and contracting methods including typical plan and specification preparation, and oral and written communication skills for lab and field work.

High school students planning to enter this field should study as much science and mathematics as possible. Because of the strong emphasis on computer applications, students should be proficient at keyboarding. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and computer programming is also helpful.