Maintenance and Engineering

PLC and Industrial Automation Fundamentals

Programmable logic controllers are the backbone of industrial automation. This course covers automation system architecture, PLC hardware, inputs and outputs, programming basics in ladder logic, timers and counters, troubleshooting, HMIs and industrial networks.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Understanding PLCs helps technicians and engineers maintain and improve automated equipment. This course gives a practical foundation.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course uses simulations, programming exercises, troubleshooting scenarios and demonstrations.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain industrial automation architecture
Understand PLC hardware and I/O
Write basic ladder logic programs
Use timers, counters and comparison functions
Troubleshoot PLC systems
Understand HMIs and industrial networks

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Maintenance technicians
Electrical and instrumentation technicians
Production engineers
Automation engineers new to PLCs
Maintenance supervisors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Automation architecture
PLC hardware
Ladder logic
Timers and counters
Troubleshooting
HMI and networks

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Automation Basics

09:00–09:54Automation systems
09:54–10:48Sensors and actuators
10:48–11:00Control concepts
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Control concepts (continued)
12:12–13:06PLC role
13:06–14:00Exercise: System overview

Day 2PLC Hardware

09:00–09:54CPU and I/O modules
09:54–10:48Digital and analogue signals
10:48–11:00Wiring
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Wiring (continued)
12:12–13:06Memory
13:06–14:00Demonstration: PLC hardware

Day 3Programming

09:00–09:54Ladder logic
09:54–10:48Contacts and coils
10:48–11:00Timers and counters
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Timers and counters (continued)
12:12–13:06Program structure
13:06–14:00Lab: Ladder programming

Day 4Troubleshooting

09:00–09:54Diagnostics
09:54–10:48Online monitoring
10:48–11:00Fault finding
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Fault finding (continued)
12:12–13:06Safety
13:06–14:00Lab: Troubleshooting

Day 5HMI and Networks

09:00–09:54HMI basics
09:54–10:48Industrial networks
10:48–11:00Data integration
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Data integration (continued)
12:12–13:06Cybersecurity awareness
13:06–14:00Capstone: Automation project

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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