Skills in Industrial Automation: PLC

About this course

This course is an introduction to Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology. The training will include lectures in PLC theory as well as lab (hands-on) components. Hands-on activities will involve participants using the Siemens TIA Portal programming environment to create PLC and HMI programs. PLCSIM Advanced and CIROS will be used to simulate industrial automation processes using a digital twin. This program offers participants a unique opportunity to use industry standard tools to learn about automated systems. Learners who successfully complete this program will receive a UBC Okanagan Non-credit Letter of Proficiency and are eligible to write the NC3/Festo Fundamentals of PLCs – Siemens Certification exam.

Upcoming Offerings:

Date & time: Delivered online in 3 synchronous sessions on Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

  • Cohort 1 (2021): Jan. 23, Jan.30, and Feb. 6
  • Cohort 2 (2021): Feb. 13, Feb. 27, and Mar. 6
  • Cohort 3 (2021): Mar. 13, Mar. 20 and Mar. 27

Who is this for?

The training is geared toward working professionals or post-secondary students looking to break into the world of industrial automation.

What will you learn?

  • Fundamental concepts of PLCs and PLC automation systems
  • Programming in ladder logic (LAD), function block diagrams (FBD), and GRAFCET (SFC)
  • Design of human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
  • Testing and troubleshooting automation projects in the Siemens TIA Portal programming environment
  • 3D simulation of production systems using digital twin technology

Your facilitator:

  • Dean Richert (dean.richert@ubc.ca), Assistant Professor of Teaching, Manufacturing Engineering, UBC Okanagan