Industrial Automation Technology Program - PLC Training | SCIT Southern California Institute of Technology

Learn to install, troubleshoot and program industrial devices used in automation systems in an 8 month, hands-on program aimed at preparing you for a range of industrial technician related professions.

8 Months

PM Classes

Part-Campus, Part-Online

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Request More Info

Submit form for more program information.

We Respect Your Privacy

Information submitted on this form is sent to the SCIT Admissions Department and is not shared with any third parties.

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY

Program Overview

The Industrial Automation Technology program is an accelerated 8 month training program for students to learn how to install, troubleshoot and program various industrial and electromechanical devices commonly used for automation systems and manufacturing processes. The program also introduces students to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and how it applies to the installation of electrical devices. Students learn electrical installation, advanced electric motor control, advanced programmable logic controller (PLC) programming and troubleshooting, and pneumatics through a combination of lecture and extensive hands-on lab work. Students may choose to complete this program alongside the General Electrician program to gain broader knowledge and skillsets that include applications of the NEC as it relates to residential and commercial electrical installation.

The program is composed of 7, 5-week modules (8 months total). Courses are offered either during morning hours or evening hours with most courses scheduled between Mondays-Thursdays*. Morning hours start at 8am and evening hours start at 5pm. For details and start dates, please contact the Admissions Office or request for information.

The Industrial Automation Technology program is offered in the following formats:

BLENDED (PART-CAMPUS/PART-ONLINE)
Some courses are offered on-campus (in-person) whereas others are offered online. Courses containing substantial hands-on labs are generally those offered on-campus utilizing SCIT’s instructional lab facilities.

* Some courses may have a Friday session.

Industrial Automation Program Curriculum

The program's curriculum is designed for students to build their knowledge and skills toward entering technician related roles within industrial automation or related fields. Students begin with principles of electricity and then move toward learning foundational concepts of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Students then move toward an extended training of electric motor control and advanced programmable logic controller (PLC) programming involving PLC5000. Students are also introduced to pneumatic devices and their integration with other automation tools such as the PLC.

Click on the course topics below to learn more. Please refer to the catalog for a detailed list of course codes, titles and units.

Principles of Electricity (DC/AC)

Students learn about basic electrical theory and electronic circuits. Topics include: AC/DC concepts, circuit elements and analysis, semiconductor electronic concepts, digital electronic concepts, op-amps, and more. Students work on multiple electronic projects that reinforce concepts learned in the classroom.

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Students learn how to read and interpret the National Electrical Code (NEC) as it relates to basic electrical installation. The electrical wiring knowledge and skillsets gained can be applied within industrial contexts, including such concepts as conduit bending with electrical metallic tubing (EMT), understanding the various wire ratings and properties, and much more.

Electrical Motor Control

Students learn electric motor installation and control techniques by completing multiple lab projects involving a variety of motor types used for different use cases depending on their properties. Electric motors play a vital role in many applications, including manufacturing lines, factories and elevator systems. There are various types of electric motors and control mechanisms to ensure proper operation of electric motors.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Programmable logic controllers (PLC's) are popular programmable instruments used to orchestrate a process involving electrical or electromechanical inputs and outputs. For example, one application of a PLC is traffic light control; a traffic light is normally controlled by a PLC whereby the inputs to the PLC device are the induction coils installed in the pavement at the intersections and the outputs are the traffic lights themselves. A program is uploaded into the PLC (usually a “ladder logic” based program) that carries out instructions based on the inputs feeding the PLC device.

Students train to program Allen Bradley PLC5000 units for various real-world simulations and applications. Students learn to configure different modules on PLC’s used within industrial environments, including modules allowing for web-based, remote control and troubleshooting of PLC units that are utilized in more developed factories.

Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Students are introduced to various hydraulic based and pneumatic based devices commonly used in industrial applications, including such topics as fluid power systems, components of a hydraulic system, valves and pumps, pneumatic instruments, and troubleshooting fluid powered systems.

Industrial Automation Careers

Industrial automation is a broad field with opportunities to specialize depending on the types of devices and control systems that need servicing within the factory settings one is employed. Position titles vary and may include such roles as Engineering Technicians, Quality Control (QC) Technicians, Service Technicians, Industrial Technicians, Manufacturing Technicians, and more. Those who service and maintain the devices that support the production within a factory or plant play vital roles in ensuring safety and efficiency.

The following skills usually make for successful technicians:

Technical Skills: An ability to understand and work with a variety of electrical and electromechanical devices in a controlled environment.
Analytical Skills: Industry professionals work on technology that requires workers to read and understand the requirements and specifications of various industrial devices.
Attention to Detail: When dealing with electricity, being extremely cautious and paying attention to the smallest detail is crucial. Missing a detail can be a costly mistake that affects the safety of the job and can cause expensive damage to equipment.
Independent Problem Solving: It's not uncommon for technicians to work alone on a job; they are faced with complex problems and have to be able to problem solve with no or limited help from others to make the right decision.

Key Program
TOPICS

Learn by working hands-on with real industrial devices including different types of electric motors, PLC5000 control units, pneumatic devices, hydraulics, and much more. Explore key topics below:

NEC CODEElectrical Installation

Learn how to read and interpret the National Electrical Code (NEC) as it relates to basic electrical installation.

INDUSTRIAL DEVICESHydraulics & Pneumatics

Learn how hydraulic and pneumatic devices are used in conjunction with control systems such as PLC’s to support automated processes.

ADVANCED CONTROL METHODSElectric Motor Control

Study advanced electric motor control concepts including modeling and parameter identification of SMPM machines, fully-controlled bridge converters, modulation techniques, voltage and current regulation, control of SMPM drives, variable frequency drives (VFD), synchronous motor drives, volt/hertz induction motor drives, indirect and direct field orientation control and optimal control of induction motor drives.

ADVANCED PROGRAMMINGPLC5000 Programmable Logic Controllers

Train with advanced PLC5000 units to study such subjects as debugging ControlLogix and CompactLogix (5000), network technologies applicable to PLCs, debugging and diagnosing and PLC over TCP/IP, reading analog inputs, PID loops, and blueprint reading for automation.

B.S. Electrical Engineering Degree Opportunities

Students may have the opportunity to continue their education toward a degree to open further career opportunities.

Electrical Career Pathway

Start by completing the Industrial Automation Technology program and find entry level employment in the electrical field. Work in the field while pursuing a B.S. Electrical Engineering degree in the evenings. At the end you will have a diploma, a degree and work experience.

Learn more about BSEE program.

Degree Topics Include: Digital Electronics, Semiconductors and Circuits, Programming, MATLAB, Signal Analysis, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), 3D Modeling with SolidWorks, Embedded Systems, Robotic Engineering, Control Systems, Electric Machines, Power Systems, Power Distribution, Power Protection, Senior Capstone Project and much more.