Mid-State Technical College will offer a new Mechanical Design Technology program in fall 2024 to meet the growing local demand for mechanical designers and product designers in manufacturing. 

Applications are now being accepted for the two-year associate of applied science degree, which prepares graduates to work with engineers to design, prepare, develop and test all types of machines and products. The program will be among the programs to train in the new Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology and Apprenticeship (AMETA™) Center upon its opening in the fall.

“A career in mechanical design provides high earning potential with room for growth in its own right, but it’s also a solid foundation for a career in engineering in general,” said Ryan Kawski, Mid-State’s dean of the School of Applied Technology. “It’s the perfect choice for those with an interest in design and the design process. There’s no better time than now to train in this area, with our local employers clamoring for people with today’s manufacturing skills to help them get to the next level.”

“Paget Equipment is excited about the new Mechanical Design Technology degree from Mid-State,” said Brian Kettner, CEO of Paget Equipment Co. of Marshfield. “This degree was the foundation for our founder, Jim Reigel, who owned, developed and grew Paget Equipment from a small manufacturing company to a thriving business over the last 38 years. Our organization builds ASME Code Vessels for some of the largest companies in the world, and this degree was the foundation for that generational success. We look forward to adding to our team with intelligent leaders who are developed locally.”

Students in the Mechanical Design Technology program learn to apply knowledge of mechanical engineering technology and use 2D and 3D computer-aided design applications. They also learn about manufacturing processes, material strength, basic mechanisms and three-dimensional modeling. Hands-on projects include building parts to make mechanical systems as well as first-hand experience with scanning and modeling parts, 3D printing parts and additive manufacturing.

Learn more and apply at mstc.edu/programs.