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Moises1

Laid off Mechanic asking for advice.

4 posts in this topic

Hello everyone. I worked as packaging mechanic for 8 years but the company closed in march 7/2014 . Because of this I have to consider going back to school. When recruiters call me they always ask if I know PLC or HMI . The community college in Camden,NJ offers a PLC programming certificate which includes 3 courses : PLC programming ,Advanced PLC programming and Motor,controllers and sensors. I think is a good starting point considering I have no experience with PLC. What about HMI should I take a C++ programming course ? what other courses should I take for electrical automation? I am thinking robotics,digital circuits ,electrical circuits,AC , DC,microprocessors .Please feel free to make suggestions. Should I pursue a career as a PLC programmer ? What they normally do in an everyday basis? Where do they spend most of the time in a production floor dealing with machines or sitting all day in a cubicle in front of a computer ? I like working with my hands and I loved working in the production floor taking care of machines or washing those dirty fillers I prefer that rather than staying in a cubicle all day long . I like computers and the programming part but I want to avoid working in front of one 60hours/week. In the past I worked as a computer drafter spending all day long in front of a computer and I hated it. The word "programmer" makes me think they do that. am I wrong?. I know I asked too many questions but I think it is better to ask now than later. I really appreciate any comments,suggestions or advice because I have to take a decision. THANKS. Moises.

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Did you work at the Kraft plant that just closed in north Philly? What you do with PLC skills depends largely on circumstances. For example, if you work for a large systems integrator, you'll do a lot of cubicle sitting (except when you're travelling...). I work independently and have to wear a lot of hats, but I still do a fair amount of computer work. Plant maintenance, on the other hand, do mostly troubleshooting, maintenance, and some small projects depending on capability and interest. Most of the maintenance staff I've worked with are run off their feet just trying to keep machines running, forget about major upgrades. With your current skill set and interest, you should stick with maintenance. But adding PLC and HMI programming to your skill set is a great idea. Most plants have some sort of automation, and this will only make you more marketable. And you might take a shine to it and find that it holds your interest enough that you don't mind long periods of sitting! The certification course sounds like a good start. Something like Ron Beaufort's PLC Boot Camp would be even better, as it is high quality training and aimed at maintenance and troubleshooting. There are also cheaper alternatives, such as training videos (www.plcs.net or www.plcmentor.com), but they require a little more self-discipline. I wouldn't bother with C++ or microprocessors. You likely won't see them in a factory environment. Understanding electrical circuits is important, so any learning you can do there is good. Robotics are probably not something you'll want to tackle at this stage in the game.

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Hello Jeremy . Thanks for the reply. Your input is really helpful. I worked at Medicia pharmaceutical it was located in Dayton,NJ . I believe I am going to take the two PLC programming and the motors and controllers courses. Do you think a digital circuits course would be a waste of time? I might have to consider the robotics course because includes fluid power theory and many jobs specifically ask for that kind of training. Thanks again. I really appreciate the advice of experienced professionals. Sincerely, Moises.

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Depends on what is involved in the class, but probably digital circuits would be worth taking.

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