Learn & Earn Schedules - Riverland

Automation and Robotics Foundations Learn & Earn Schedules

Learn & Earn Initiative

The Learn & Earn Initiative creates educational pathways for high-demand fields experiencing labor shortages. Students can build skills for careers in manufacturing and transportation while earning credentials and wages at the same time.

Available Schedules: Choose from fall or spring options at the Owatonna or Albert Lea campus, then complete the additional required courses listed below.

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Fall Semester Owatonna Campus

ARET1161

Mechatronic Systems

This course explores how mechatronic systems are used in industry, with emphasis on packaging, manufacturing, and product conveyance. Students examine machinery, tooling, basic metalworking, and welding concepts through hands-on learning.

Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab

ARET1200

Intro to Robotics

Students gain hands-on experience using real and virtual industrial robots. Topics include safe programming, robot operation, end-of-arm tooling, robot types, programming methods, robotic system components, and coordinate systems.

Credits: 2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab

Fall Semester Albert Lea Campus

ARET1126

Mechanical Power Transmission

This course introduces mechanical power transmission in modern manufacturing equipment. Topics include chains, belts, couplings, shaft alignment, gear trains, bearings, and machine timing using hands-on projects and packaging machinery.

Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab

ARET1175

Industrial Electricity and Electronics I

Students learn how electrical principles apply to automated production machines, packaging machinery, and robots. The course includes hands-on work with digital meters and tools for wiring, setup, and troubleshooting.

Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab

Spring Semester Albert Lea Campus

ARET1161

Mechatronic Systems

This course explores how mechatronic systems are used in industry, with emphasis on packaging, manufacturing, and product conveyance. Students examine machinery, tooling, basic metalworking, and welding concepts through hands-on learning.

Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab

ARET1200

Intro to Robotics

Students gain hands-on experience using real and virtual industrial robots. Topics include safe programming, robot operation, end-of-arm tooling, robot types, programming methods, robotic system components, and coordinate systems.

Credits: 2 Cr – 1 lect, 1 lab

Spring Semester Owatonna Campus

ARET1126

Mechanical Power Transmission

This course introduces mechanical power transmission in modern manufacturing equipment. Topics include chains, belts, couplings, shaft alignment, gear trains, bearings, and machine timing using hands-on projects and packaging machinery.

Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab

ARET1175

Industrial Electricity and Electronics I

Students learn how electrical principles apply to automated production machines, packaging machinery, and robots. The course includes hands-on work with digital meters and tools for wiring, setup, and troubleshooting.

Credits: 3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab

Other Required Courses

These courses must be completed to finish the certificate with the Learn & Earn schedule.

Questions about scheduling? Contact Kim Nelson at 507-379-3335.