Meet Our Graduates

Sam Connor is an Electrical Specialist at TC Transcontinental Packaging, a packaging, commercial printing, and specialty media company. ‘I took the PLC Technician II program as I wanted to gain more knowledge and experience with the programming side of PLC’s and expand my knowledge as an Industrial Electrician.  

I liked the programs’ simulation software best; ‘it gave me great hands-on experience with programming PLC and was able to see my program in action.’

 Since completing this program my responsibilities have grown and now include taking charge of a new machine installation and being chosen to complete PLC programming projects. While I wasn’t looking for a promotion this program definitely helped me get my new job as an Electrical Specialist. 

I chose this program to refresh my knowledge of automation using PLCs. The online course offered by George Brown College provides the flexibility to complete it at your own pace. It combines theory with simulation software, making the concepts easy to understand and apply. The simulator is especially valuable, allowing practical experience without needing to invest in costly PLC training kits.

The program's resource center is also a great asset, enabling students to connect and share experiences. Additionally, the certificates earned upon completion provide industry-recognized validation of the skills gained, supported by George Brown College’s strong reputation.

Building on the knowledge acquired from this program, I’ve now established my own automation company.

Jesse Ohiro is a Production Operator at Magna Seating, assembling car seats for Ford and Lincoln. He selected the PLC II program to ‘advance my studies in PLC programming and other types of programming languages in general.’

‘The program along with the software, quizzes and projects all can be used to practice and simulate programs. This has helped me to understand the course material. 

The skills and knowledge acquired through the program to analyze and troubleshoot various programs and hardware, will eventually help start my career as a programmer or automation technician.’

Amir Sabooniha is a Process Engineer with Heidelberg Materials, an aggregate mine company producing different sand and gravels used in the construction industry. “We use PLC for control and monitoring, vital factors in processing. With this course and the knowledge gained I have better insight and understanding of PLC processes.”

Philip Heywood is a Metal Machinist at a custom fabrication company. Philip registered into the PLC program ‘to expand my expertise into the function and repair of equipment that uses PLCs and to advance my career options.’

‘I work with CNC equipment that uses PLCs to function and the program has helped me troubleshoot issues making my job easier.

As a full-time employee it is difficult to find time to accommodate classes however this program is entirely online and I could work on it at my own pace.’

Miguel Torres is a Collection's Senior Maintenance Worker, in charge of maintaining/repairing City of Riverbank lift stations and SCADA system. The program flexibility allowed him ‘to put in as many hours I could to finish it quickly.’

He hopes the PLC Technician Certificate will help him receive a position reclassification with his current employer. 

Once John Shahin graduated from the PLC and PLC Technician II programs, he was able to change jobs and is now working in HVAC manufacturing as a licensed electrician. "By graduating from these programs and getting my Certificates I was able to demonstrate my expertise in control systems overall, with a specific emphasis on PLCs."

“I liked the flexibility of studying when it was convenient for me and the progression of content from  a basic introduction and foundation of PLCs to a more complex and advanced study of PLCs.

”These programs can give you a step forward in your career.”

Eduardo Tolentino is a Supervisor, Maintenance at Sputtek Inc., a metallurgical coatings company, providing PVD, DLC and Thermal Spray surface treatment coatings services. He registered into the PLC program to expand his PLC knowledge. ‘I've had the opportunity to apply the learning from the program to my current job. Specifically, I've been using it to maintain the PLC program and make changes to the existing program as needed.’ Since completing the program, ‘the maintenance of our PLC programs has been added to my responsibilities.’

Michael Sovereign has been working for New Gold Inc in Rainy River, Ontario “for five years, first as a Maintenance Electrician and for the past two years as a Process Control Specialist. My responsibilities include administrating, configuring, and maintaining a DeltaV DCS system as well as other plant automation, including industrial communications and PLCs.”

“I wanted to learn more about PLCs because it is in-demand, and I enjoy working with computers. I had looked around for PLC courses before, but the cost was high and in-class learning was not feasible while working full time. When I found the PLC Technician II program at George Brown College, I was thrilled! The cost is reasonable, and the benefit of learning at my own pace while working allowed me to have a work/study/life balance.”

“The PLC Technician II program gave me the skills to troubleshoot PLC programs and an understanding of the concepts of PLCs, which contributed directly to my success in learning and understanding the DCS system at work. It is important to note that I spent considerable time learning the DCS so when position of Process Control Specialist open, my foreman recommended me for the job. “

Robert Simmons, an Industrial Electrician, works at West Fraser- Barwick, a wood products company producing lumber, engineered wood (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, particleboard), and other products including pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and renewable energy. He is responsible for the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment.

‘I needed a better understanding of programming as we use Rockwell RSLogix 5000 software in our plant. I liked the simulation software in the PLC Technician II program; it allowed me to create a program, run it, see the result of the programming and troubleshooting when it was not running properly.’

‘My role has not changed; however, the program did clear up some programming issues especially with regards to a control word in conjunction with masking.’