I want to work with plc's (Advice needed)

[Guest shay]

Hello anybody, I am a third year apprentice electrician (24) from Ireland, I am really keen on getting into this industry, I am sick of working on building site doing mind numbing work like bending conduit and wiring up simple crappy circuits. I have been told that you have to sort of qualified first befor getting into this business, If anyone has any info for me, I will really appreciate it. Thanks, Shay.

[Sleepy Wombat]

I'm not sure what the qualification requirements are for Ireland, you want to break into the industrial market, as i understand it you are predominately in the commercial market. The industrial market is a different kettle of fish, both challenging and rewarding at times. Might i suggest to get started in the industry that you try to work for a company tha specialises in industrial installations/solutions, or perhaps work as a maintenace electrician at a factory. Both instances would give you a good grounding to then move on to PLC programming, break down maintence etc and perhaps finally you might venture out on your own. Hope that gives you some ideas...

[Rebuke]

Consider working Saturdays for a machine builder wiring panels. You'll get a taste of PLCs just by wiring controls panels because the PLC programmer will probably want you present when he debugs your work. After a time you'll have enough experience to decide whether you want to persue that career or not. (worked for me)

[mick barrett]

Hi Contact F.A.S. in Athlone or Cabra. Both run a course in Industrial Automation covering PLC's, Electrical Electronic Systems and Pneumatics. This course has been designed for people like yourself - electricians , fitters and third level grads. who want to get into maintenance in industry. Best wishes, Mick