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Propgrammable Logic Controllers

This course equips the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to program and locate faults in a programmable logic controller (PLC) working independently or in a supervisory capacity.

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Overview

Skills to Advance Logo

This course is only available to those currently in employment and partially funded under the Skills to Advance initiative. ​

Skills to Advance is a national initiative that provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change and to those currently employed in vulnerable sectors. Skills to Advance aims to equip employees with the skills they need to progress in their current role or to adapt to the changing job market. Skills to Advance helps employers identify skills needs and invest in their workforce by providing subsidised education and training to staff.

If you would like more information on this initiative, please email our Enterprise Engagement Team at skills@kwetb.ie and they would be delighted to help.

Expression of Interest

We currently don't have this course scheduled. If you are interested in undertaking this course or looking for more information, please complete the form below and a member of our Recruitment Team will be in contact:

Course Content

This course equips the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to program and locate faults in a programmable logic controller (PLC) working independently or in a supervisory capacity.


The objectives of this certificate course are to:

  • Identify the standard components used with PLC's and describe their function to include input board,
    output board, central processing unit (CPU), power pack and program input system

  • List the major types of PLC fault

  • Explain the common logic and switching functions of a PLC to include AND, OR, NOT, TIMER, COUNTER
    and INTERNAL RELAY (FLAG)

  • Identify the standard circuit symbols for field input devices to include push buttons, levers, trip rollers,
    reed switches, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, photo-cells, relays and contactors

  • Use an allocation list to determine the condition of the inputs and outputs of the PLC

  • Test the operation of input devices to include push buttons, levers, trip rollers, reed switches, inductive
    sensors, capacitive sensors, photo-cells, relays and contactors

  • Use editing functions to locate, monitor and alter elements of programs by means of a programming
    panel

  • Locate faults using PLC programmes and documentation

  • Rectify a fault in a PLC system

  • Interpret the standard allocation (assignment) lists and input/output circuits associated with PLC
    systems

  • Formulate short PLC programs in the form of ladder logic diagrams and statement list

  • Construct a range of programs as specified in a (supplied) hardwired circuit diagram.

Suitability

Due to Skills to Advance (STA) funding, this course is only available to those in employment. 

Applicants must have prior technical experience or knowledge and/or exposure to an industrial environment.

Delivery

This course is delivered over 5 non-consecutive full days. These are all physical classes at CELTEC, Celbridge, Co. Kildare where learners will gain hands-on experience in working with PLC's.

Learners must be available for all days as this is an intensive course with much content to cover over this period.

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners will achieve a QQI Level 6 Minor Award in Programmable Logic Controllers (6N5370).

PLC Learners

 

© 2025 Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

​​Registered Charity Number: 20083465

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