June 10, 2003
New online PLC Technician Program announced by George Brown College
Full integration of PLC simulation with the most up-to-date course material.
TORONTO, CANADA, June 10, 2003 - George Brown College today announced the launch of its new Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Technician CBT program with full emulation of the Rockwell ControlLogix PLC system.
Although the program is new, it has been in the planning stages for over 6 years, according to Colin Simpson, Dean of the College's Centre for Continuous Learning. "One of the greatest challenges we faced with the development of this program was the integration of PLC simulation software. We needed to re-create a fully-functioning PLC on a student's desktop computer and provide all the learning resources required for self-study". Simpson adds, "It would have been impossible to have implemented this program without strong support from partners such as Logic Design Inc., who invested over $1 million in the development of the software to support the curriculum".
The PLC computer-based training package provides a fully functioning PLC simulator with 19 modular lessons covering everything from relay logic to counters, timers, sequencers, math functions, advanced programming languages, and an introduction to Robotics. According to Simpson, the course material was developed in direct partnership with industry leaders. "We had already established strong partnerships with over 200 companies in the manufacturing industry through our development of the Electro-Mechanical CBT, and it was a great benefit to us to have this direct connection with industry. The end result is a very power learning resource and a highly interactive and engaging learning environment".