Job Opportunities after a Diploma in Electrical Engineering: Start with Industrial Automation Training

Electrical engineering is a field with countless applications and a solid career outlook, and a diploma in electrical engineering opens up a diverse array of job opportunities. Graduates can find employment in sectors ranging from energy to manufacturing to infrastructure. However, to gain a competitive edge and increase employability, specialized training—particularly in industrial automation and PLC SCADA—is highly recommended.

Why Choose Industrial Automation and PLC SCADA Training?

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, automation is crucial. Industries are embracing automation to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. As a result, professionals who possess knowledge and skills in industrial automation, specifically with PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, are in high demand. For diploma holders in electrical engineering, learning PLC SCADA can open doors to specialized roles in industrial automation, where they become key players in designing, managing, and maintaining automated systems.

Here’s a look at the job opportunities available after a diploma in electrical engineering with industrial automation training, along with the advantages of starting with PLC SCADA training.

Read Also: What is Industrial Training?

1. Automation Engineer (Free DEMO)

Role Overview:
Automation engineers design, implement, and oversee automated systems within manufacturing or production environments. They use PLCs to control machinery and SCADA systems to monitor entire processes, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently.

Skills Needed:

• Proficiency in PLC programming and SCADA operation.
• Understanding of various automation systems and sensors.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and optimize systems.

Career Path:
Entry-level automation engineers can advance to senior roles such as Automation Managers, or specialize in certain technologies, making them experts in their field.

2. PLC Programmer (Free DEMO)

Role Overview:
As a PLC Programmer, you’ll be responsible for developing programs for PLC systems, which are the backbone of industrial automation. This role requires designing and testing control programs that will run various types of equipment in an automated environment.

Skills Needed:

• Strong programming skills in ladder logic, function block, or structured text languages.
• Knowledge of different PLC platforms, such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Mitsubishi.
• Attention to detail for precise program development and troubleshooting.

Career Path:
PLC Programmers can progress to higher-level programming roles or become specialists in specific PLC brands, making them highly sought after for complex projects.

3. SCADA Operator/Engineer (Free DEMO)

Role Overview:
SCADA Operators or Engineers monitor and control industrial processes remotely. Using SCADA systems, they ensure that processes like water treatment, energy generation, or chemical production are running as expected.

Skills Needed:

• Familiarity with SCADA software such as Wonderware, WinCC, or Cimplicity.
• Understanding of remote monitoring and control procedures.
• Ability to analyze data to make quick decisions during abnormal conditions.

Career Path:
SCADA Engineers can grow into roles managing multiple facilities or projects, with opportunities to work across various industries, including oil and gas, utilities, and power.

4. Maintenance Engineer in Automated Systems (Free DEMO)

Role Overview:
Maintenance engineers are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of automated machinery and equipment. In many modern facilities, automation systems rely on PLCs and SCADA for operation, making knowledge of these technologies invaluable.

Skills Needed:

• Hands-on experience with PLC and SCADA troubleshooting.
• Mechanical and electrical maintenance skills.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance and repairs.

Career Path:
Starting as a maintenance engineer, you can progress to a Maintenance Supervisor or specialize as a Reliability Engineer.

5. Control Systems Engineer (Free DEMO)

Role Overview:
Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and managing control systems that operate processes in industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or aerospace. They integrate various control devices with SCADA to ensure precise operations.

Skills Needed:

• Advanced knowledge of control system design and PLC SCADA integration.
• Familiarity with control strategies like PID control, loop tuning, and HMI design.
• Critical thinking to solve control issues and implement system improvements.

Career Path:
This role can lead to senior engineering roles, consulting opportunities, or specialization in advanced control systems, where engineers can design proprietary control solutions.

Benefits of Starting with PLC SCADA Training

1. Enhanced Employability
Companies value candidates who come prepared with practical skills in automation. PLC SCADA training is a strong indicator of hands-on expertise, making diploma holders attractive candidates for entry-level and advanced roles.

1. 2. Increased Salary Potential
   Specialized skills often command higher salaries. By beginning with industrial automation training, you’re positioning yourself for roles that typically offer higher pay than standard diploma positions.

2. 3. Broad Industry Application
   PLC and SCADA systems are used across multiple sectors, including automotive, energy, water treatment, and logistics. This versatility allows you to explore various industries throughout your career.

3. 4. Foundation for Further Learning
   With a strong foundation in industrial automation, it becomes easier to learn advanced technologies like IoT, data analytics, or robotics. PLC SCADA training lays the groundwork for future growth in cutting-edge fields.

Getting Started with PLC SCADA Training

If you're looking to start PLC SCADA training, research programs that offer comprehensive hands-on experience with leading PLC brands (like Siemens or Allen-Bradley) and SCADA software. Many technical institutes and online platforms provide these courses, often with modules covering both basic and advanced levels.