Is a career in manufacturing for you? More and more students are answering that question with a “maybe” or a “yes” than ever before. And why not? Modern manufacturing facilities offer opportunities that didn’t exist just a decade or so ago.
In the not-too-distant past, students were often faced with a simple choice: go to college or enter the workforce immediately, often in a local manufacturing facility. However, manufacturing has been transformed to a great degree by advanced automation technologies.
Today, students can chart their own career path that could include other options, such as apprenticeships, certification courses, and short-term programs that build essential hands-on skills. In fact, without demonstrable skills, many modern manufacturing jobs may be beyond the reach of students wanting to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.
In a recent Automation.com article by Bryan Hellman, the author notes that, “[t]o be a competitive employee in the industrial automation industry, you have to master certain skills. Automation is changing the landscape of manufacturing, and the skills and qualities that made an employee stand out 20 years ago are very different from what they are today.”
For example, “[i]n the past, manufacturing required quite a bit of unskilled labor in order to complete certain tasks.” Today, though, “[a]utomation has replaced the need for humans to perform these repetitive tasks by creating robots designed to do it for them.”
As a result, modern manufacturing facilities need more skilled workers than they have in the past. Unfortunately, “there is a lack of skilled workers who are ready to fill these jobs. This shortage of skilled workers is only growing as the demand continues to increase.”
What skills do students need if they want to pursue a career in manufacturing? Hellman points out that “[a]s automation becomes more advanced, knowledge about electronics, programming and troubleshooting become valuable skills for employees.”
Specifically, “[o]ne of the most important skills needed to work as an automation and controls engineer is a mastery of PLC [programmable logic controllers]. Industrial digital computers are needed to control manufacturing processes and robotic devices, and employees who know how to use this software are incredibly valuable.”
Hellman explains that “PLC programmers work with mechanical and electrical engineers to design the PLC for industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, oil refineries, amusement parks and much more. They then write the computer code for the PLC to control the automation that’s desired. After that, PLC technicians are required to install and maintain the PLCs.”
Students can obtain industry-relevant PLC skills through training offered at high schools and community colleges. It’s important for students to gain hands-on experience with real industrial PLCs, such as those used by manufacturers in the modern workplace. That’s why Amatrol offers a variety of PLC training systems with a wide range of real industrial components.
For example, Amatrol’s latest Portable PLC Troubleshooting Learning System – Mitsubishi FX5U teaches PLC programming, operation, and applications using a Mitsubishi PLC and GX-Works3 PLC and GT-Works3 HMI programming software.
The system also utilizes FaultPro, the industry’s premier computer-based fault insertion system. FaultPro enables learners to develop key PLC troubleshooting skills, such as PLC input and output testing, software testing, and application troubleshooting.
Amatrol’s portable PLC troubleshooting training system provides hands-on experience with real-world components, including the powerful Mitsubishi FX5UJ-24MT/DSS Processor, HMI, Ethernet Switch, an I/O Simulator, five applications, and a master control relay circuit. Learners will study industry-relevant applications and troubleshooting skills that will build a strong foundation for a successful career in a variety of industries.
In addition to troubleshooting skills, the 990-PM5UF includes application circuits and components for thermostatic temperature control, analog temperature control, reversing constant-speed motor control, variable speed motor control with feedback, and stepper motor homing and commissioning.
The experts at Amatrol have been working hand-in-hand with industry for years to design training programs featuring eLearning curriculum and hands-on experience with trainers equipped with industrial components workers will encounter on the job.
Visit Amatrol online to learn more about its many different types of industrial training programs. For more information about how Amatrol can help you inspire and train the next generation of workers, contact an expert at Amatrol today!
