In the 21st century, there has been unprecedented growth in automation and control systems and the demand for people to design, install and maintain these systems has never been higher. The Automation Technician program was developed in direct response to industry demand for people with broad skills and knowledge in areas including digital electronics and process control, and who also have programming skills in areas such as PLCs, Robotics, and SCADA systems.

Program Description

The program is intended to prepare graduates for career opportunities in the expanding field of industrial automation. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to design, install, and maintain electronic equipment used in modern industrial processes and work on a wide range of control systems, from the simplest fuses and motors to sophisticated electronic computer interface boards, motor drives, programmable logic controllers, solid-state devices and robotics.

The program has been developed for adult learners pursuing training through independent study, specifically students who cannot attend college full-time because of work or family commitments. No background in Automation is required and there are no post-secondary academic prerequisites, so anyone can get training in this rapidly-growing industry. The program includes eighteen modules of interactive curriculum using text, video, 2D and 3D animations, photos, audio clips and interactive lab simulations. Pre-tests, interactive exercises, sample exams, and online support prepare you for computer-based final exams. The average completion time of the eighteen training modules is thirty-two weeks of part-time study.

The program offers instruction in a wide range of applications and practical examples of automated manufacturing, including both theory and function of digital and industrial electronics, hydraulics/pneumatics, robotic systems, programming languages and alarm management. The three main areas of study in the program are electro-mechanical systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and robotics. The program also offers instruction in distributed control systems (DCS) and SCADA systems. The online course material is delivered using a combination of theory and labs which feature state-of-the-art simulation software (LogixSim). LogixSim is a suite of software products that include electronics, PLCs and robotics simulation.

One of the main features of the program is the integration of theory with laboratory experiments and projects. Students who enrol in the program receive a licensed copy of LogixSim, which includes both 2D- and 3D-simulation software and features CircuitLogix, RoboLogix, PLCLogix, and 3Dlab simulation products.