Meet Our Graduates

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.’

Jose Andres Avecillas Andrade is an Industrial Engineer where his responsibilities include preventive and corrective maintenance of AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and automation systems, as well as support for onsite and online PLC’s and robots. 

Jose wanted to ‘learn more about PLCs and delve more deeply into programming them’ especially as works in ‘a highly automated facility. My employer has given me the opportunity contribute to other areas of the company, allowing me to put into practice what I have learned.’

‘I like the way the PLC II content was presented and explained using examples and the simulation software.

David Pimentel is a Maintenance Technician III working for Genie, a Terex brand manufacturer of boom lifts. ‘When searching for PLC training, the George Brown College PLC Technician Certificate offered the best and most affordable training program. Also, I'm getting older and want to stay relevant and with this program I was able to pursue my interest in automated systems.  

In my current role I troubleshoot electrical panels, and this program has widened my understanding of concepts, terminology and reading electrical schematics.  

Upon completion of the PLC program, I did receive a pay raise. 

Rambhai Parmar works as an Instrument Journeyman at DCM. There he’s responsible for the day-to-day maintenance activities of the instrumentation systems (including PLC and DCS) for DCMs’ customers in the oil and gas sector.

Rambhai enrolled in the PLC Technician II program as he required more advanced PLC training. Since completing the program, Rambhai says, ‘my confidence working with PLC’s has increased.’ He used the Resource Centre discussion forums to get the guidance he needed to complete the course.  Rambhai stated he” found it to be excellent”.

Eugene Alexeenko is an Electrical Instrumentation Control Technician at the City of Toronto, working at a water treatment facility.

When I first immigrated to Toronto I worked as a C++ programmer before moving to BF Goodrich where I started working on PLC’s. I have always enjoyed programming so I enrolled in PLC Technician II. I know many companies require their employees to have PLC programming skills and a Certificate from George Brown College is solid proof of your skills. In addition, as a CET I am required to upgrade my knowledge on a regular basis. But I would like to continue my education towards a PEng as I was an engineer back home. I believe George Brown College will help me to achieve my goal.

I liked the PLC simulation and I feel very comfortable with its interface. I have been able to apply my learning at work where I create programs for different PLCs to solve process control issues.

‘With government financial assistance, I was able to enroll into the PLC and PLC Technician II programs. I had one year of experience troubleshooting and programming PLCs, both the SLC500 and 5000 series, but felt that really wasn’t enough.  The PLC programs from George Brown College were the best option to increase my knowledge and allowed me to add new skills to my resume. I particularly liked the training I received using the simulation software and found it a huge benefit. The Resource Center was also very helpful whenever I had any questions.’
 
‘I started my new job, as an Electrician at Edson Forest Products, just as I was finishing the last module of the PLC Technician II program. My employer seemed very pleased with my initiative to take the programs and update my skills. I have told others about these programs and think they are a great resource for electrician’s wanting to head into maintenance.’