Skills gap: Automation training expands to meet market demands

Milwaukee, WI – With people retiring in droves, those left better be well-equipped for any manufacturing automation challenges, suggests Rockwell Automation . The company has announced the addition of more than 60 new instructor-led courses, a ControlLogix Certificate Program, and machine safety seminars to its training business portfolio.
The new courses, plus existing instructor-led courses and self-paced training products offered by Rockwell Automation Training Services , aim to help manufacturers and users of industrial automation to address changing business trends: fewer skilled technical workers and expanded knowledge expectations that require workers to understand subjects like management, quality, and safety. Courses combine traditional instruction, hands-on practice, and refresher exercises.
“Engineers, technicians and managers with automation-related responsibilities are retiring in droves, taking hard-earned technical knowledge and experience with them,” said Brandon Day, senior manager, training services, Rockwell Automation. “Our expanded training offering can help companies so that their staff has the right technical and management knowledge to stay ahead of the competition in this quickly evolving market landscape.”
Automation-related disciplines are addressed in instructor-led courses, including quality, manufacturing, safety, engineering, and management. They are offered throughout the United States and can be scheduled by calling a local Allen-Bradley distributor. Rockwell Automation Training Services is recognized as an authorized provider by International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET); participants earn continuing education credits upon completion.
As the qualified labor pool shrinks , manufacturers must identify reliable ways for their workforce to acquire competency in specific technical areas. The Rockwell Automation ControlLogix Certificate Program requires completion of three ControlLogix instructor-led courses related to the participant’s job responsibilities (maintenance or programming), plus one course elective. An online assessment confirms students’ understanding of course content. Certification provides a source of professional recognition and CEU credits. For employers, a certified workforce provides assurance that workers have the technical capabilities to obtain goals and objectives.
To help companies stay current on safety-related topics, Rockwell Automation Training Services will hold four new one-day machine safety seminars designed for those in leadership and technical roles between June and September at locations across the US. Michael Duta, a safety consultant with years of engineering experience, will conduct the seminars. He offers knowledge of applicable safety standards (ANSI, OSHA, EN, IEC, ISO, NFPA), and is skilled in electrical and mechanical integration for machine safety– encompassing safety relays to safety PLCs.
Topics include Components of a Successful Machine Safety Program, OSHA Compliance, Standards + Technology and Improving the Bottom Line, Safety Component Applications Based on Machine Safety Standards, Safety Circuit Design, and Risk Assessment Methodology. Upon completion, attendees will be able to reference and apply safeguarding application examples; choose the appropriate safety standard for the application; validate a safety system; determine the correct circuit architecture; understand the risk assessment process and methodology; and champion the benefits of a properly designed safety system.
Read more on filling the automation skills gap .
– Control Engineering News Desk
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