Industrial Automation micro-certificate
Explore the fundamentals of modern automation
The City of Barrie and Georgian College present RapidSkills micro-certificates in support of the manufacturing sector. Learn about the Industrial Automation micro-certificate.
About the Industrial Automation micro-certificate
The RapidSkills program consists of a series of micro-certificates, which are short-term, competency-based, industry-recognized certificates based on sectoral-focused feedback from regional stakeholders and employers, designed to upskill workers in a part-time format.
In this three-module, 96-hour micro-certificate, participants explore the fundamentals of modern automation, progressively learning more advanced control techniques and technology. They gain an understanding of how devices such as sensors, cylinders and valves are integrated and controlled by a PLC. Participants with prior experience may write an assessment to prove competencies and receive an exemption from one or all sections.
Digital badges will be awarded for the completion of each micro-certificate module and for the completion of the entire RapidSkills program.
Dates and delivery
In-person training dates:
- Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the Barrie Campus (Sept. 6 to Dec. 13, 2022)
Online delivery:
- Asynchronous self-study (approximately 2 ½ hours per week)
After moving to Ontario, I needed working knowledge of industrial automation and manufacturing to find employment. While taking this course, I was able to prove key concepts to my current employer which resulted in them hiring me.— Alex Lambrecht, Maintenance Electrician
Industrial Automation micro-certificate modules
Industrial Automation module 1:
Fundamentals
Participants learn the fundamentals of pneumatic and electro pneumatic controls, including industrial sensors, control valves, and pneumatic cylinders. Participants begin with the make up and operating characteristics of control circuit components, followed by the design and troubleshooting of control circuits. Lab exercises provide hands-on experience with design, production and troubleshooting.
Industrial Automation module 2:
PLC Programming
Participants expand their knowledge of industrial inputs and outputs, learning functional design, hardware configuration, programming, and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) application. Labs incorporate design and programming of PLC control circuits, using industrial applications as examples. Participants use PLC programming software to create their programs and test their control designs.
Industrial Automation module 3:
Advanced Controls and Integration
Progressing from Automation 2, participants increase their knowledge of PLCs by learning new hardware and programming tools. Participants learn how a PLC interconnects with other PLCs to control large automation lines; how it interacts with industrial robots; and how complex input and output analog devices are used in controls design.
How the RapidSkills program works
Registration for the RapidSkills program is open to employers who would like to retrain or upskill their workers.
Intake avenues
Corporate training
- If you’re an employer in the auto or advanced manufacturing sector, we can help.
Self-identification
- You can self-identify to participate in the program by contacting RapidSkills staff.
Featured faculty
Adam Bowman
Faculty for the Industrial Automation and Robotics micro-certificates
With over 20 years experience working with robotics and automation, occupying various roles such as a new-build integrator in advanced manufacturing, and now as a college professor and corporate trainer, Adam Bowman brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience. He enjoys working with students and industrial partners to help meet their learning needs and provide companies the opportunity to keep pace with the ever-changing technology landscape.
Corporate training
If you’re an employer in the auto or advanced manufacturing sector and want to participate in corporate training, we can help.
You may refer eligible employees for participation, per the criteria above. Employees can take part in the training while continuing to work.
Register to participate in the program
For job seekers looking for a new opportunity, the RapidSkills program offers tailored skills training and employer connections so that you can quickly move into a job in the local manufacturing sector.
Potential participants will be referred to RapidSkills staff, go through an intake process to ensure eligibility requirements have been met, receive testing to gauge knowledge levels in the training areas, and partake in a program orientation.
If a participant believes they have acquired competencies gained in a micro-certificate module through education and/or work, they may request skill testing to challenge for completion of that module (and receipt of the applicable digital badge). Once a participant has completed each module and/or received all digital badges associated with the micro-certificate, they will be granted the full micro-certificate.
Upon completion of a micro-certificate, a participant may be eligible for credit transfers into select Georgian programs.
Contact us
Our team is always available for questions related to corporate training including group rates, custom programming and how to best utilize Georgian resources.
Contact information
rapidskills@georgiancollege.ca
548.877.0368
One Georgian Drive
Barrie, ON L4M 3X9
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Schedule a consultation
Interested in developing your workforce but not sure where to begin? We’re here to help.
Call 705.722.5149 or have one of our experts contact you to schedule a FREE, no obligation consultation!
Request a quote
Do you have questions about costs or want to discuss your company’s needs with one of our representatives?
Send us an email and let’s connect.
The RapidSkills micro-credentials program is presented by the City of Barrie and Georgian College, in partnership with the County of Simcoe and the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
