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.’

Mike Varney works in industrial maintenance and has completed the Robotics, Automation and PLC Technician II programs. “With my background in electronics and maintenance these programs are exactly what I need to move into a Controls position.”

“The aspect of the programs I liked most was the simulation labs as I can continue to use them throughout my career and keep my skills up to date. In addition I have been compensated for my broader skill set.”

“Wish this was out there 20 years ago! Great job George Brown Staff.”

Yousif Ahmed Balla is an Electrical Engineer responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Low Voltage Switchgear and the supervision of a Building Automation Engineer and Technician. “I enrolled in the Automation Technician Certificate program to get the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with the building automation at the US Embassy, Khartoum.”

“The most amazing part of this program is the practical side; the LogixSim simulation software gave me the hands-on experience to build my skills and technique. The PLC lab projects were especially helpful and covered many areas that could be applied to my current job. The program has given me the confidence to get involved in other project in the automation field.”

“I would like to thank GBC for the excellent job in designing such a wonderful package of e-learning with up-to-date technology in both theoretical and practical presentation. I enjoyed every single module.”

Andrew Polito worked at a printing company that manufactures membrane switches for dishwashers, microwave panels, etc. ‘I was earning around $35,000 in the Rochester NY area  and was looking for a more challenging job that also paid more.’

‘I enrolled in the Automation Technician program in February of 2019, when my daughter was born ,and worked on it on and off for about 18 months.  Recently I updated my resume, adding the skills developed through the program and after one interview landed a new job at Lidestri Food and Drink as an Automation Technician. In this role I am one of two people managing 3 lines of brand new beverage depalletizers, sorters, and palletizers.  I have realized my goal of a more challenging job and almost doubled my salary.

I found the module content in-depth and helpful.