Meet Our Graduates

As a Mechanical Engineering Technologist at Stanpac Inc., I support maintenance and production by evaluating, installing, and optimizing machinery. I needed a program that could help me better understand the PLC systems I interact with daily. With the support of my organization, I successfully enrolled into the PLC program.

I was specifically drawn to the self-paced online format and the simulation software provided during the training. Some of the different things I learned during the PLC program will give me a clearer understanding of the flow and function of our existing systems.

I currently work as a Midstream Operator in the oil and gas industry, focusing on gas conditioning and water disposal. In my role, I work with automated controls and various PLCs on a daily basis, and I chose this program to further my technical education. Having specific PLC training helps me better understand the technical side of my job and gives me the confidence to perform complex tasks.  

I discovered this program while searching the web for a course that fit my requirements and I realized that the PLC Technician Program at George Brown was a perfect fit. What I liked most was the ability to work a full-time job while learning at my own pace. At 50 years old, continuing my education has been a challenge, but the George Brown representatives have been a huge help. Every time I needed information, there was a friendly, knowledgeable person available to assist me. 

I believe this training will give me a significant advantage in the industry and open doors to new roles. I am currently enrolled in the Automation Technician program and plan to complete my PLC II course as well with George Brown. Setting this goal for myself has been a rewarding challenge as I work toward a better future.

I currently work as a production technician for a pharmaceutical manufacturer. At the time I enrolled in this program, I had just finished my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, and a lot of the jobs I was applying for were process/controls engineering positions. So, I chose this program to supplement my degree with the required PLC knowledge, after first learning about it from a Reddit comment.  

I enjoyed working with the simulation tools, specifically having the simulated I/O to use with my programs was great. We use Allen Bradley controllers at my current organization, and having the ladder logic programming understanding will come in handy. I’m interested in a career in automation and I’m hoping this certificate will help open new opportunities for me in this industry.   

I selected PLC Technician program because I’m genuinely interested in the field and want to secure a relevant job in the future. What I liked most about the program was how clearly the content and concepts were explained with illustrations, animations, and simulations software. 

 I am now enrolled in the Automation program looking to acquire additional & new skills/knowledge.

After 20 years in retail, I transitioned to an Automation Specialist role at Triad Control Systems. I liked the self-paced format of the program, which also meant I didn't have to wait to take the exams at a certain time. The Studio 5000 simulation version gave me the hands-on experience to hit the ground running. 

Since I had no experience in this field prior to taking this course, I’m now utilizing almost everything I learned, in my daily operations. Huge thanks to my organization for providing me with the flexibility of paid study time each week. Because I was enrolled in this program, they also facilitated hands-on shadowing opportunities with our senior team members which allowed me to learn not only the Allen Bradley System but also the Emerson PLCs and DCS platforms.  

As a Maintenance Technician Ken Brooks ensures the automated picking lines are up and running at all times. 

While he already worked on PLCs he felt the PLC Technician program’ deepened his understanding of them and has improved his ability to read the ladder logic, understand how changes are made and how these changes affect the outcomes.’

Ken liked the flexibility of the program; ‘all online, working at my own pace and taking my time to go over material I didn't understand.’

Waseem found  ‘the PLC Technician program detail-oriented, the curriculum material explained clearly and the short video content very engaging. Several people recommended this program at GBC and after completing my certificate, agree that it was a great experience. I have learned a lot and am very proud of my accomplishments.’ 

He hopes the PLC Technician program will help him ‘move into the automation industry and grow his career.’  

Mike Yakasovich currently is a Technical Sales Representative with SFC Energy Canada – a manufacturer of Methanol/Hydrogen Fuel Cells as well as the distributor for Schneider Remote Operations and Field Devices.

I have very little experience with the automation side of our business, having spent my career mostly in industrial instrumentation.  The PLC training I have done was in college was completed almost 20 years ago so I needed to brush up and expand my knowledge – particularly so I can become competent in the SCADA/RTU/PAC aspect of our portfolio. 

I have been eyeing the PLC program for several years now.  This is not the first online-style technical course I have taken - I also completed an Instrumentation course in 2016 and knew at some point I would want to learn more of the Automation side as well.  I don’t believe there are many options for online PLC courses plus as an Ontario resident I wanted to support an academic campus in the area. My favorite sections of the PLC program were Process Control, Data Communications and RTUs and PAC.

My responsibilities have not changed yet however I can speak more confidently about the SCADA portion of our offerings. I am more competent in the terminology of PLCs which will absolutely help in my future technical sales endeavors.  

The program was worth it for my own personal growth and confidence, and I intend on taking PLC Technician II as well. 

Faheem Akhter is an Industrial Electrician with SLP trades Inc. ‘There we are responsible for electrical systems installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. While I have 7 plus years of international PLC experience I believe, and have received advice, that a PLC credential would help me grow my career.’

‘George Brown College did a great job presenting the program material and I hope to enroll in the Robotics Technician program next.’

Oleksandr Tytarchuk is an Automation Technician with a logistics service provider. ‘As an Automation Engineer in the Ukraine, I believe that the PLC Technician certificate will help me find a job as a PLC technician or industrial electrician in Canada.’