Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Technician Training Program (EPP)

The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Technician Training Program (EPP) is developed in consultation with industry experts and is geared to youth and adults who have an interest in working in the automation industry.

PLCs have become an essential device for automating manufacturing processes. Programmable logic controllers are used in various applications in industries such as the automobile industry, steel industry, energy sector, and chemical industry, among others. PLC is an electronic device used to monitor, control, and manage building systems, production processes, and power in industrial control systems. Programmable logic controllers are designed to be extremely robust, often capable of withstanding extreme vibration, humidity, temperatures, and electrical noise to meet the demand for harsh industrial environments.

The future of BC’s automation industry looks bright. Students will be prepared for entry-level jobs in designing, building, and implementing real-time operational solutions where demand is high and earning potential is good. Programmable logic controller employers will gain a highly trained and experienced workforce that supports in strengthening British Columbia’s economy.

Automation has been increasing for decades, especially in sectors like manufacturing, but in the future years, more advanced robotic and algorithmic systems are likely to speed up the process. The report found that at least one-third of activities in 60% of fields are susceptible to automation, even though less than 5% of occupations are at risk of being fully automated. This means that major workplace changes are inevitable in the majority of businesses, even if workers aren’t being completely replaced.

Successful graduates of this program may also explore opportunities to pursue further development in becoming a programmable logic controller technician or other related areas in the process and control automation sector. The most essential ingredient is a trained workforce that can perform the tasks necessary to install, commission, repair, and maintain the particular equipment associated with the technology involved. This program appeals to learners who enjoy change and adapting to new technology and want to seize the opportunity to take positive action to ensure an improved future environment.

This program emphasizes hands-on, practical training, using equipment typically encountered in the automation and manufacturing industry in ACE Community College 3200 sq feet workshop totally focused on industry practice.

Practical application of theory is demonstrated in the shop of our campus. Contained within the program is training towards certification for WHMIS, confined spaces, and ladder safety training.

Graduates will be able to work in entry-level positions in process control, PLC programming, maintaining automated systems, component testing, quality control, and system integration. They will have essential safety certifications and skills training to start their career in the industrial automation sector as technicians, which will allow them to contribute in various projects.

Prior to acceptance, applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview and meet each of the following requirements listed under items 1) and 2) below.

1) Fulfill Math Assessment Requirement

• a) Successful completion of a math assessment conducted in-house by Ace Community College with a minimum score of 50%

• b) Successful completion of provincially recognized Grade 10, 11, or 12 Mathematics with a minimum passing score of C.

2) Fulfill Language Proficiency Requirement

All applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria (a, b, c, or d)

• a) Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages*.

  *Applicants are advised to contact ACE Community College to confirm whether their country is officially recognized as one where English is the principal language of instruction for the purpose of meeting this requirement.

• b) 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).

  *Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.

• c) Provide official, verified transcripts showing results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below, with scores that meet or exceed the minimum requirements specified for each test. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.5
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum overall score of 40
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
  • Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
  • The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
  • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
  • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Mature student applicants ONLY:

• d) Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above:
  • I. Applicant must provide attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages.

• II. Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
  • Reading: 230
  • Writing: 230
  • WritePlacer: 4

• Select, install, connect, maintain and troubleshoot basic features of PLCs
• Configure operating and PLC programming software
• Develop and design ladder and function block programs
• Test ladder and function block programs in simulation and connect to peripherals
• Communication setup between PLC and PC locally
• Design basic input and output wiring
• Basics of conversion to and from analog values
• Sensor and transducers installation, connection, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting
• Common feedback systems installation, connection, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting
• Communication systems installation, connection, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting
• Design basic HMI touchscreen display for control and alarms
• Barcode reader installation and configuration
• Interface configuration between PLC and a scrolling message display
• Install, connect, maintain and troubleshoot PLCs and HMI in automated control systems
• Ethernet communication setup between a PLC, HMI, variable frequency device and a system
• DeviceNet network configuration for remote input and output devices

• Weekly on-campus tests will be conducted
• In the end, students will be given a final exam

• Successful completion of all on-campus tests with a minimum of 50% overall average.
• Successfully passing final exam with a minimum of 50% overall average.
• Successful completion of Confined spaces, ladder safety and WHMIS training which will be completed during the program

• The total program hours are 180.
• The full-time program length is 6 weeks.

Students can expect to complete 1-3 hours of homework per day

• In-class instruction, Distance education
• Combined delivery (both in-class and distance)

• Programmable Logic Controller Technician Training E-book.
  • AUTHOR: ACE Community College
  • PUBLISHER: ACE Community College