Overview
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial technology, the mastery of automation remains a fundamental cornerstone for technicians and operation staff. With qualifications at level 3/4 or equivalent industry experience, individuals are poised to embark on a journey through the realm of automation, a discipline essential to the smooth functioning of countless industrial processes.
Course Structure
The programme is suitable for technician/operation staff with level 3/4 qualifications (or equivalent industry experience) and apprentices who need retraining as automation systems technicians. Programme learning outcomes are:
- Introduction to industrial automation technical terms.
- Planning, developing, and building automated systems.
- Technical documentation
- Building models and creating simulations.
- Open and closed-loop control systems.
- Pneumatic and electrical actuators, sensors, and controllers.
- Using computers as tools for programming and simulation.
- Be able to detect and eliminate errors in simple automation.
- Be able to investigate PLC Technology.
- Become familiar with the internal architecture of PLCs and their application.
- Be able to explore the typical input and output devices used with PLCs.
- Become familiar with basic programming techniques used with PLCs.
- Be able to develop PLC systems to solve engineering problems.
- Become familiar with how PLCs are used in various industrial applications.
- Become familiar with different types of data in PLCs.
- Become familiar with different types of functions.
- Become familiar with different types of PLC communications.
- Become familiar with Relay control systems.
- Become familiar with Logic control.
- Become familiar with Control of direct current motors.
- Become familiar with Inductive sensors.
- Become familiar with Optical sensors.
- Become familiar with Polarity reversal circuits.
- Be able to programme conveyor modules.
- Be able to programme stack magazine modules.
- Be able to programme pick and place modules.
- Be able to programme PLCs using Ladder Diagram (LD).
- Be able to programme PLCs using Structured Text (ST).
Assessment Methods
The industrial automation CPD programme has a predominantly practical focus for many of the learning outcomes with an integrated learning approach of lectures and a workshop-based tutorial to develop attendees’ understanding of theoretical concepts with a hands-on learning experience.
Attendees will have access to the University Campus Doncaster’s (UCDon) purpose-built Engineering laboratories to undertake the automation practical sessions.
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Dates for this course
No dates are scheduled at the moment. Register your interest and we'll be in touch as soon as the next course is set.
Entry requirements
What you’ll need
The Industrial Automation CPD programme focuses on the underpinning engineering concepts that contribute to current industrial practices in automation. The programme provides attendees with the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience using our state-of-the-art laboratories whilst consolidating knowledge through the delivery of interactive theory sessions. Our purpose-built engineering laboratories house a wide range of industry-standard training equipment including Pneumatics, Mechatronics, Robotics, PLCs, Fluid Processing, and a unique Industry 4.0 Smart Factory training system enabling the study of the full range of industrial concepts.
The programme offers a learning experience which has the attendees at its centre with the team focused on providing a friendly and supportive learning environment. The programme is designed in a way that progressively prepares attendees with the knowledge and ability to analyse, comprehend and manage industrial automation resulting from the fundamentals of advanced PLC programming to the function and use of automation equipment. This flexibility will be a significant asset for the attendees, because of the continuous evolution of the technologies in the automation sector.
What it costs
£200.00
Additional costs
This program operates on an expedited schedule, spanning two days, totalling 14 hours of instruction. Over these two days, participants will engage in a comprehensive blend of theoretical lectures and hands-on practical workshops. To maximise the learning experience, independent study is essential, both to prepare for the lectures and to be fully prepared for the practical sessions.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 4
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
Careers it can lead to
- Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
- Building and Civil Engineering Technicians £30,700 a year
- Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
- Science, Engineering and Production Technicians £35,100 a year
See all 11 careers
- Planning, Process and Production Technicians £39,700 a year
With further study or experience
- Engineering Professionals £41,400 a year
- Electrical Engineers £55,000 a year
- Electronics Engineers £47,700 a year
- Production and Process Engineers £44,100 a year
- Civil Engineers £48,200 a year
- Aerospace Engineers £51,100 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Register your interest in this course
You’re enquiring about Level 4 Industrial Automation
To ask about this course or book a place, get in touch with the team.
Call 0800 358 74 74 or email ucdonenquiries@don.ac.uk