Jonathan enrolled in the Automation Technician Program at George Brown College in the fall of 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, while working full time as a Refurbishment Technician. He was seeking a self-paced manufacturing technology program to complement his IT background allowing him to pivot into Operational Technology, Maintenance and Production roles. 

“I enjoyed the self-paced nature of learning outside of a classroom, giving me enough time to focus on my studies while maintaining a full-time job. With my background in IT support, and foundational knowledge of electronics, PLCs, Industrial controls, and robotic system, I can start to apply to roles that offer more pay and flexibility”, says Jonathan. He adds that to have accredited education from a post-secondary Institute with only high school credentials highlights the benefits of independent adult continuing education. 

Alberto Cotoniel is ETO, Automation Technician, and he selected our Automation Technician Program to achieve his career goals . "I chose this program because it aligns with my work experience back in my home country. I wanted a program that would enhance my knowledge and help me achieve my goals here in Canada.

What I like best about it is how practical and easy it is to apply. It gives me real skills and knowledge that I can use right away. This program has contributed a lot to my growth, especially as an immigrant here in Canada."

As a Zoning Examiner reviewing building permits, Rejane wanted to ‘expand my knowledge and equip myself with a new set of skills, especially considering the future impact of automation.’

‘I’m gaining a better understanding of automation and its applications across various industries, and I recognize the growing need to incorporate it into our daily operations to enhance efficiency and ease the transition.’

I haven’t had any changes in my job responsibilities yet, but I’m looking forward to future opportunities that may arise. I believe that new learning can lead to job promotions or changes. While I’m not sure where this program will take me, I hope it opens doors and inspires me to learn more within the same industry.

Waleed Menecy works in Building Systems operations and maintenance at the Toronto Metropolitan University. He enrolled in the Automation Technician program as it ‘provided amazing flexibility and fits me more than a traditional classroom.’

The program offers ‘a solid base of knowledge with simulated lab work that is perfect for me. The curriculum covered topics that I need daily at work. I now have in-depth knowledge of troubleshooting/ analysis of how my machines work and feel more competent at my job.’

Joseph Song works for Toro Aluminum at Vaughan as a maintenance technician. ‘My job is troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining CNC machines and other automatic machines. ‘

‘To work more efficiently, I need to know how these automatic machines work, and I found the Automation Technician program fits my needs well. After finishing this program, I have much more confidence in my job, and I am using the knowledge and skills I learned from this program in my job already. ‘

‘Even though my responsibility has not changed yet, I am beginning to enjoy my job more. ‘
 

Mirsad Dizdarevic is a technician at Cummins Power Generation where he is responsible for troubleshooting switch
gear equipment. Mirsad enrolled in the Automation Program to get a deeper ‘understanding of electronics which
helped secure my new position at Cummins Power Generation’.

‘I used the Discussion Forums and YouTube tutorials a few times. The YouTube tutorial was really quite helpful to
understanding Boolean theorems. In general, this program is very good and affordable. I could not find any other
program that offered a similar curriculum for the same cost.’

As a newcomer to Canada, Roland Michael Mi Pontejos wanted an in-depth training program in Automation systems and PLCs.  ‘I started the GBC Automation Technician program, while working in the hotel industry in building maintenance, and registered as the online format fit into my work schedule.’

‘I was close to completing the program when I found a new job as an Instrument Technician at Lanxess Canada [a manufacturers of chemical intermediates, additives, specialty chemicals and modern plastics]. My responsibilities include lead for plant wide instrumentation commissioning/configuration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting & repair and lead for plant automation and controls (DCS & PLC). Even though I stopped working on the program for a period of time, I was happy to find out I could resume studying and complete it to get my Certificate.'
 

Hai Lan registered in Automation Technician program to augment his career and he appreciated the online, flexible format.

Hai is an Electromechanical Technician and prior to the pandemic worked in maintenance for Jessica Pastries Inc. a dessert manufacturing company. ‘My job responsibilities covered maintenance on automated cake production lines including replacing worn bearings, lubricating rotating parts, replacing leaking pneumatic or water fittings, mechanical on poor connected electrical connectors, cables or other fittings, repairing pneumatic and electrical problems, and replacing bad air hoses, sensors, VFDs, solenoid valves, cylinders, buttons, speed controls, potentiometers, pump cores, pump sealing rings, electric motors, chains or dirty silencers.’

‘I believe Automation has a very bright future within modern factories, and I am confident I will find a job where I can apply my newly learned skills.’

Stuart Tomkinson is a 309A Electrician at Spark Power (an independent provider of end-to-end electrical contracting, operations and maintenance services, and energy sustainability solutions to the industrial, commercial, utility, and renewable asset markets). ‘My primary responsibilities are commercial/industrial electrical installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.’

‘I enrolled in the Automation program to help push my career into the industrial automation sector, thereby addressing the needs of our customers. The Certificate is proof of my new competency and as a result, my role at work will shift into more specialized areas.’