Why You Need to Learn PLC Programming
With many engineers now qualified in PLC programming, some may wonder if it’s still a valuable skill or if the talent pool of PLC technicians has become diluted. However, we believe there are still compelling reasons to learn PLC programming, and here are three of them:
Responsibility for Maintaining High-Value, Complex Systems Leads to Better Pay
PLC programming skills are still in demand, offering well-paid opportunities and career advancement.
Well-trained PLC technicians are valuable problem solvers who are relied upon to quickly resolve complex software issues in high-stress environments where production and commercial impacts are at stake.
Valuable Problem Solver Equals Better Job Security
PLC technicians are essential for maintaining and troubleshooting high-value automation systems in industrial environments. Their expertise allows them to manage unexpected failures (process trips), ensuring minimal downtime and efficient operation of production lines.
More Engaging “Hands-On” Work Experience
For those looking to escape office boredom, PLC programming offers more “hands-on” roles in real industrial settings. This can include site-based roles that offer travel opportunities and rotational leave, providing a dynamic and engaging work environment.
Realistic Scenarios for PLC Technicians
To emphasize the importance of PLC skills, we provide two real-life scenarios to consider.
Operations Support
Imagine a conveyor belt line that has failed unexpectedly, causing a process trip and also a major spillage. As a PLC technician, you would need to quickly troubleshoot the system logic, review alarms and events, and analyse the sequence of events leading to the failure.
This involves identifying whether the issue is a software bug, operator error, or a design oversight and then communicating with the management and other stakeholders.
Commissioning Support
In another scenario, you might be part of a commissioning team on an offshore platform. With key vendors unable to attend due to visa issues and commercial disputes, you are tasked with troubleshooting and resolving PLC software issues for an air compressor package that is not running correctly and is essential for the plant’s operation.
This requires skills for quickly troubleshooting the online logic, identifying the bug, implementing the required changes, and enabling the package’s successful commissioning.
Choosing a PLC Training Course
Here are some important tips to consider when choosing a PLC training provider:
1 – Choose Courses Designed by Engineers with Actual Industrial Experience
When selecting a PLC training course, it’s important to choose one developed by experienced PLC technicians with proven industry experience. The best courses offer practical, hands-on coding exercises and real-world case studies to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
Unfortunately, many courses are offered by popular figures who have gained large followings on LinkedIn and claim to be subject matter experts. However, upon reviewing their LinkedIn profiles, it’s often evident that they have little or no real work experience, with much of their popularity stemming from blogging and content marketing efforts rather than practical expertise.
Make sure to research the course instructor on LinkedIn, including their work experience.
2 – Accessibility to the Course Instructor
Make sure the course has direct interaction with the instructor for questions and support for setting up simulation and/or remote access. A good course will also offer a community or forum where participants can seek answers and further assistance.
3 – Comprehensive Content and Real World Examples
The course should cover a wide range of topics and provide in-depth exploration of subjects relevant industrial automation applications (not simply covering function block definitions). This should include real-life industrial automation scenarios using specific examples and case studies.
4 – Reviews and Testimonials
Look for courses with positive feedback and testimonials from past learners. This can provide valuable insights into the quality of the course and the satisfaction levels of those who have completed it.
5 – Avoid High-Cost B2B Training
While major vendors like Rockwell and Siemens offer PLC training, these courses can be expensive and often the course content is heavily diluted. Instead, look for more affordable options from independent providers that still provide high-quality, practical training.
Who Should Do PLC training?
- Trade qualified E&I or I&C technicians or other trade technician level people with a reasonable grasp of automation concepts who want to improve their career prospects.
- Automation Engineers working in a design role who want to get more hands on and diversify their skill set and get outside of the office. Possible to pursue site based roles that provide rotational leave.
- Operations Technicians or Plant Personnel who want to better understand and be able to quickly and easily troubleshoot online logic (not necessarily undertake modification).
- Entrepreneurs / Inventors who are designing new machines that require automation.
- Home Automation Enthusiasts or people looking to automate some basic features in their homes using second-hand or lower-tier models of industrial PLCs.
- Anyone looking to develop or enhance their current skillset with a valuable industry demanded skill to open new opportunities and career advancement.
Conclusion
With an increasing number of engineers becoming qualified in PLC programming, the skill remains highly valuable in 2024.
The demand for PLC technicians continues to grow due to their essential role in maintaining high-value automation systems, solving complex software issues, and ensuring efficient production.
The hands-on nature of the job offers diverse opportunities and job security. By choosing a comprehensive training course designed by industry experts, aspiring PLC technicians can significantly enhance their career prospects and skill set in this dynamic field.
