TAFE NSW Ultimo is providing students with the skills to service a little-known component of technology that plays a part in most people’s lives.
The fee-free short course in Instrumentation Programmable Control Systems provides students with a skill set in servicing and troubleshooting programmable logic controllers (PLC).  
While PLCs aren’t commonly known, they are vital components in most modern industrial automation. PLCs control the automation process in the machinery used for production plants, manufacturing, traffic light controls, packaging machines, lifts, escalators, and more.
As more industries move toward automation, the demand for workers with the skills to service the technology controlling the machinery is on the rise. 
The nationally recognised skill set provides a mix of hands-on training and in-depth theory aimed at boosting the qualifications of electricians and electrical engineers.
Belmore local and electrical engineer Ahmad Aslam is working on Sydney’s Westconnex. After seeing the increasing role PLCs play behind the scenes in controlling technology, he decided to boost his PLC skills by enrolling at TAFE NSW Ultimo.
“This course means I didn’t need to buy the expensive software or a PLC to practice on at home. The equipment we use at TAFE is the same equipment we use in the industry,” Mr Aslam said.
“What I’m learning helps my day-to-day work a lot, but it has also boosted my career prospects. I added my PLC credentials to my resume, and those were skills that helped me get my contract renewed, so I’m thankful and It’s a bonus the course is free.”
TAFE NSW Teacher Ben Zhang said Ahmad was a perfect example of how the 13-week course provides people working in the electrotechnology sector an opportunity to quickly to take their skills and their career further.
“Most industries in Australia are trying to incorporate more technology and more robots, so there is a growing demand for people who can work on the components that control this equipment.
“A good example would be an electrician working in the commercial industry sector, they might be installing this technology, but they probably don’t get to troubleshoot or repair it very often.
“This course gives them the knowledge and qualification to take their skills and ability to that next level, plus having someone in-house with those skills is a real benefit to employers.”
Mr Zhang also said the course offered university students some hands-on training to complement their programming knowledge.
“This course gives university students a better understanding and the hands-on skills required when it comes to troubleshooting the controllers,” Mr Zhang said.