Professional Diploma in Automation Control & PLC Course

Professional Diploma in Automation, Control & PLC

Duration: 8 Weeks | Learning Mode: Live Online | Award: Professional Diploma

Our Professional Diploma in Automation, Control & PLC is designed to provide learners with the practical knowledge and technical skills required to understand, programme, and troubleshoot modern industrial automation systems.

This industry-focused programme introduces learners to automation principles, PLC programming, control systems, machine safety, sensors, and industrial troubleshooting techniques. Through a combination of live online theory sessions and practical laboratory workshops, learners gain hands-on experience using automation equipment and PLC-controlled systems similar to those used in manufacturing environments.

The programme is ideal for engineers, technicians, maintenance personnel, and individuals seeking to develop automation and PLC skills for careers in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, data centre, and industrial engineering sectors.

Learning Mode

Live Online & Practical Labs

Delivered through live online lectures combined with on-campus practical workshops.

• Live online theory classes
• Recorded sessions available for review
• Tuesday evening lectures (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
• Saturday practical labs (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• Delivered over 8 weeks

Fees

€950

Instalment plans may be available.

Qualification

City Colleges Professional Diploma in Automation, Control & PLC

Course Structure

The programme combines online theory sessions with practical hands-on automation and PLC laboratory exercises.

Key topics include:

• Automation and control system fundamentals
• Industrial safety standards and machine safety
• PLC architecture and operation
• Boolean logic and control sequences
• PLC input and output wiring
• PLC programming concepts and languages
• Sensors and automation devices
• Proximity and contact sensors
• PLC fault finding and troubleshooting
• Industrial automation applications

Approximately 60% of the programme focuses on practical exercises using custom-built automation training rigs designed to replicate real-world industrial environments.

Timetable

Theory Sessions (Live Online)

• Tuesday evenings
• 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Practical Labs (On Campus)

• Saturdays
• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Practical Training

Learners gain hands-on experience using industry-standard automation equipment and bespoke training rigs designed by engineering professionals.

Practical exercises include:

• PLC programming and testing
• Sensor integration
• Control circuit design
• Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting
• Machine automation simulations

Who Should Study This Programme?

This programme is suitable for:

• Maintenance Technicians
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Automation Technicians
• Production Personnel
• Electrical Technicians
• Industrial Maintenance Professionals
• Engineers seeking PLC programming skills
• Individuals wishing to enter automation-related careers

No previous PLC programming experience is required.

Career Benefits

Graduates will develop practical automation and troubleshooting skills that are highly valued across industry.

Career pathways include:

• Automation Technician
• PLC Programmer
• Maintenance Technician
• Manufacturing Technician
• Facilities Technician
• Process Technician
• Equipment Maintenance Engineer
• Industrial Automation Specialist

Why Choose This Programme?

✔️ Industry-focused automation curriculum
✔️ Live online delivery with practical workshops
✔️ Extensive hands-on PLC training
✔️ Real-world automation and control applications
✔️ Experienced industry lecturers
✔️ Suitable for beginners and experienced technicians
✔️ Develop valuable troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
✔️ Relevant to manufacturing, pharma, semiconductor and data centre sectors

Location & Start Date

Learning Mode: Live Online & On-Campus

Duration: 8 Weeks

Location: Dublin 2 City Centre