About the Technician/Pre-Engineering (TPE) Institute

Why the Institute?

According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, over the last five years employment in the high tech industries has grown by 23.7%.  Preparing students for a career in High Tech is necessary in order to meet future employment demands.  As technology changes the world, high-tech skills can help you find a career you’ll love.

In 2017, Texas A&M University and ACC created the Texas A&M Chevron Engineering Academy at ACC in response to this anticipated growth. In addition, Samsung begun an apprentice program that prepares students to work as technicians in the semiconductor industry, while taking classes at ACC.  Now in 2019, Applied Materials is launching their apprentice program.

The Technician/Pre-Engineering (TPE) Institute has been designed to prepare you for a career as an Electronic Technician and/or Engineer.  Upon completion of this one year program, you will have the option of continuing on to complete the Associates degree or applying for the Texas A&M Chevron Engineering Academy. In addition, if you meet the requirements, you will have the opportunity to apply for the Samsung or Applied Materials Apprenticeship program. 

What is the Technician/Pre-Engineering (TPE) Institute?

The Technician/Pre-Engineering Institute is a Cohort style learning community.   You will be placed in a block schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays) that will define your path for each semester. No more wondering which classes will make or how you will get from one campus to another.

The TPE Institute will be held at the Round Rock campus and the Riverside campus.  Here are some of the added benefits:

  • A focus on high-demand skills in Electronics, Automation, and Control Technology
  • A streamlined path to calculus (the biggest hurdle to starting an engineering degree).
  • Individual attention from faculty mentors
  • An opportunity to demonstrate your ability to handle a full-time technical course load, acquire unique engineering technology skills, and prepare for the rigorous math requirements of a four-year engineering degree.
  • Potential employment as an Apprentice once you complete the sequence
  • A competitive advantage in applying for the Texas A&M - Chevron Engineering Academy at ACC
  • Completion of an Electronics Technician Specialization Level 1 certificate

Classes

COURSE SEQUENCE
Fall Semester EDUC 1300
 Effective Learning: Strategies for College Success
  CETT 1403 DC Circuits
  MATH 1314/1414
 College Algebra OR College Algebra for Pre-calculus
 Spring Semester CETT 1405
 AC Circuits
  CETT 1425
 Digital Fundamentals
  ELMT 2441 OR
MATH 2412
 Electromechanical Systems OR Pre-Calculus

Enrollment Steps

Complete the following steps to enroll in the Pre-Engineering Institute. Note: Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to an ACC institute.

  1. Complete the ACC Application.
  2. Complete the online Engineering Technology Institute Interest Form.
  3. Receive notification of your acceptance.
  4. Register for classes with institute assistance
  5. Meet with your advisor at least once a month to review progress.