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. ‘
 

Kaveh Ehsani graduated in Electrical Engineering from his home country, Iran.

‘I enrolled in the Automation program to brush up my knowledge in automation and secure a job in Canada. Your Automation Technician program was comprehensive with perfect training methods and awesome simulation tools. ‘

‘I am optimistic that I will find a related job in automation soon. I would like to say thank you to the entire team. I am motivated to participate in more training programs from George Brown College.’

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.’

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.

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.’

"Your Automation program was the best I have ever seen online; the curriculum was very clear and well researched. I dedicated my free time to the program ensuring that I completed the module exams within a reasonable time frame. Your Support Center staff assisted me a lot, never let me down and were always ready to answers my queries. I also accessed the Resource Centre Discussion Forums to read student and tutor posts.

A little bit about my background to help you understand why I took the program. I was born in a small village in Western Kenya and completed a Mechanical Engineering diploma at the Kisumu Polytechnic. I have worked for DynCorp International, Pacific Architect and Engineers (PAE), and currently at KBR. My interest in automation was sparked while working at PAE as a Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician. I really enjoyed controlling and troubleshooting the water cooled chillers and the air handling units and  realized that many Technicians are not experienced in automation. As I started researching programs, to boost my experience, I found many required travel to a training centre and were also expensive. When I finally landed on your site, I was so impressed with what you offered that I immediately registered.

I am considering continuing taking other online classes and have recommended the training programs to two friends. Meanwhile I hope to get a job related to this program so that I put my learning into practice.

Thank you so much to the entire team that supported me throughout the program and to George Brown College for such wonderful training."                 Nicholas James Owiyo   

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.”

Sadeq Qanbari works as a robot machine operator at Multimatic Dynamic Suspension (MDS), in Markham Ontario. "The company manufactures a variety of vehicle parts for Ford and GM using different types of robotic equipment/systems. Since I started working here I felt the need to learn more about these systems. By taking the Automation Technician program I had the opportunity to learn both the practical and theoretical sides of robotics. Your program helped me reach my goal. Thank you very much, I am really appreciative."

Anton Arkhipov is a Chief Engineer working off-shore on a maritime supply vessel. He is ‘in charge of the safe and reliable operation of the vessel’s propulsion, power generation and auxiliary equipment (hydraulic, mechanical & electrical).’

After successfully completing the Electromechanical Technician Certificate program, Anton continued on to register into the Automation program, ‘to learn more about automation processes and to better understand automation equipment and how it runs. Nowadays vessels are full of automated systems and engineers working with them must have a solid knowledge of how they work. Technology is changing so fast that to stay up-to-date it’s important to continue to study, even if you are experienced or a specialist in your field.’

‘I liked the program’s flexibility to study at my own pace; not being limited by time to complete the program.’