Skilled trades

PLC basics, I/O awareness, and industrial automation concepts for electricians.

Intermediate · 12 weeks · self-paced · The PATG Group

Twelve-week industrial automation — PLC hardware, discrete/analog I/O, ladder fundamentals, motor interfaces, HMI/safety awareness, and field troubleshooting. Prep only — does not issue a license. Included with All Access.

12 weeks with autograded assessments. Included with All Access. Finish to lock completion and keep a printable certificate.

What you'll learn

• Identify PLC hardware roles and scan/I/O basics
• Wire discrete I/O with sinking/sourcing awareness
• Read and write core ladder patterns (contacts, timers, latches)
• Interface starters/VFDs from the PLC side safely
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment without blind forces

Course content

12 sections

1. Week 1 Orientation: automation for electricians
2. Week 2 PLC hardware and architectures
3. Week 3 Discrete I/O
4. Week 4 Analog I/O awareness
5. Week 5 Ladder logic fundamentals
6. Week 6 Program structure and documentation
7. Week 7 Motor starters and VFDs from the PLC side
8. Week 8 Midterm — PLC fundamentals
9. Week 9 HMIs and operator interface awareness
10. Week 10 Sensors, safety devices, and machine interlocks (survey)
11. Week 11 Troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment
12. Week 12 Capstone ladder scenario and final