Controls Technician - US Veteran Trainee Program

Academy of Advanced Manufacturing Overview:

The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) is an in-residence technical training program that prepares transitioning service members and veterans with the automation, instrumentation, and controls skills required in today’s manufacturing environments. The program blends structured classroom instruction with extensive hands‑on lab experiences to build confidence, system understanding, and practical problem‑solving capabilities. Upon graduation, trainees are equipped to help fill critical technical workforce gaps across the manufacturing industry.

Job Summary:

AAM Trainees participate in an immersive, full-time training program designed to build system awareness, diagnostic thinking, and proficiency in modern industrial controls and automation technologies. The curriculum combines structured lessons, hands-on labs, software-based exercises, and scenario-driven troubleshooting aligned with real-world manufacturing needs. In addition to technical training, trainees engage in an integrated hiring process, connecting with program-affiliated manufacturing partners for full-time employment opportunities in roles closely related to the program’s curriculum.

Training Schedule & Structure

• **Program Cost: **100% free to US Military Veterans and transitioning Service Members

• Housing Location: Cambria Hotel (Downtown Milwaukee)

• Transportation: Shuttle service provided to and from training Monday–Friday

• Training Location: Rockwell Automation Global Headquarters, Milwaukee, WI

• Program Duration: 11 weeks

• Training Wage: $12/hour

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Includes a one‑hour lunch break

• Training Mix:

  • 70% hands‑on learning in advanced lab using training stations and scenario‑based exercises

  • 30% classroom instruction focused on foundational concepts

Technical Curriculum

Trainees complete coursework aligned to the following modules:

• Industrial Automation Principles

• Logix Foundation

• Logix Troubleshooting

• EOI Maintenance

• Industrial Controls Network

• Instrumentation

• Motor Control

• Variable Frequency Drives

Tools & Technologies Used

Trainees work with modern industrial technology and training equipment, including:

• Basic hand tools and electrical tools (e.g., wiring tools, multimeters)

• Industrial controllers

• Human‑machine interfaces (HMIs)

• Low‑voltage motors

• Variable frequency drives (VFDs)

• Instrumentation devices

• Industrial network equipment

• Company-Issued computer preloaded with training software

Daily Training Standards & Responsibilities

Trainees are expected to:

• Arrive prepared and on time each day.

• Attend all instructional sessions, labs, coaching, and evaluations.

• Complete assigned exercises, labs, projects, and written and practical assessments.

• Follow all safety guidelines related to Housing and Training environments.

• Participate in individual and team‑based learning and problem solving.

• Demonstrate consistent effort and growth in technical competency.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during classroom and lab activities.

• Ability to work with small components, tools, and test instruments.

• You must be able to lift 50 lbs throughout the day.

Basic Qualifications:

• U.S. military veteran or transitioning service member with favorable standing or discharge (e.g., Honorable or General under Honorable Conditions)

• Must provide a DD-214 to verify military service and discharge status

• Willingness and ability to relocate anywhere in the U.S. for job placement with program-affiliated manufacturing partners

• Must possess technical experience from either time in service or civilian career

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with 3-phase power systems

• Industrial electrical experience with medium to high voltage systems (typically 208v, 240v, 277v, 480v, and above)

• Industrial systems/equipment troubleshooting and maintenance experience

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to learn new technical concepts

• Strong computer skills

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Electrical Troubleshooting Skills
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• PCB Assembly (Printed Circuit Board Assembly)
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• CNC Programming
• Electrical Installation
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• PLC Programming Experience
• PLC Wiring Experience
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• HVAC Troubleshooting
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
• Electrical Panel Installation
• Electrical Schematic Reading
• Basic Computer Skills