After serving 4 years in the Navy as an Electronics Technician specializing in submarine weapons systems, my transition to the private sector was a challenging yet rewarding journey. Despite minimal formal training in electronics, my military experience paved the way for various roles in different industries.
Upon entering the private sector, I initially worked as a Controls Technician in the oil field before transitioning to a Maintenance Electrical Technician position in a manufacturing plant. It was during these early stages of my civilian career that I embraced the motto of "fake it til you make it." Despite facing skepticism from more experienced colleagues, I took it upon myself to acquire PLC experience and enhance my skills through self-study and hands-on practice.
Through dedication and perseverance, I expanded my role within the manufacturing plant by taking on special projects to modernize outdated machinery. This eventually led me to establish my own LLC, transitioning to full-time self-employment and achieving financial success beyond my expectations.
Reflecting on my journey, I learned valuable lessons that I believe are crucial for personal and professional growth:
- Take responsibility for your own knowledge and skill development.
- Avoid settling for less than your worth, as initial pay rates can set the tone for your entire career.
- Pursue real raises by being willing to seek opportunities elsewhere.
- Embrace risks as they often lead to greater rewards.
- Prioritize self-employment for a more fulfilling and financially rewarding career path.
My advice to others is to prioritize self-improvement, seek opportunities that value your potential, and embrace challenges outside your comfort zone to avoid stagnation in your career.
According to Strantor, in order to secure a substantial salary increase, it is often necessary to leave your current job and seek opportunities elsewhere. This can be a challenging yet ultimately fulfilling decision to make.
- 20-11-2024
- geniusintraining
In the late 1980s, I ventured into electrical controls and troubleshooting while working in Alaska. Specializing in relay logic, drives, and motor controls, I honed my skills in the field until 2000. That year, I relocated to Las Vegas and joined the team at the Las Vegas Valley Water District, a prominent non-profit utility responsible for distributing water sourced from Lake Mead across the valley. As an Electrician II, my duties extended beyond motor control troubleshooting, with each team member equipped with a laptop featuring the latest version of Rockwell RS5. Our systems revolved around PLC5/40's and antiquated panelviews, operating on Windows NT. Despite having only completed 2 semesters of electronics and 2 years of electrical engineering at university, I confidently transitioned to a contract role with an integrator/supplier in Michigan around 2015. This opportunity allowed me to independently develop projects and advance to the position of Senior Controls Engineer for various integrators and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Unfortunately, the toxic work environments prevalent among most OEMs led me to exit the controls industry due to what I refer to as the "Jacka** factor." With a journeyman's electrical license acquired in the 1990s, I smoothly transitioned to working as the Lead Electrical Inspector on the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction project in Detroit. The lucrative pay is certainly appealing, but more importantly, the positive work environment surpasses any I have encountered before. I encourage others to persist in their endeavors, drawing upon the advice and guidance of fellow controls professionals. While some may exhibit territorial behavior, remember that everyone starts somewhere.
In a recent discussion, strantor shared his journey from a Navy Electronics Technician to a successful self-employed entrepreneur. His experience underscores the importance of taking initiative and pursuing your goals proactively.
After serving in the Navy as a FT specializing in submarine weapons systems, strantor transitioned to the private sector as a Controls Tech in the oil field before settling into a Maintenance Electrical Tech role in a manufacturing plant. Despite minimal formal training, he took it upon himself to learn and excel in his field.
Strantor's story highlights the value of self-education and taking risks to advance in your career. By teaching himself PLC programming and taking on challenging projects, he was able to transform his role and lead significant technological advancements in his workplace.
His advice to take ownership of your knowledge, seek opportunities for growth, and not settle for less than you deserve resonates with many professionals. By constantly pushing boundaries and seeking new challenges, strantor was able to forge a successful path for himself.
Ultimately, strantor's journey serves as a reminder that success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking control of your career trajectory. Embracing opportunities for growth and actively pursuing your goals can lead to greater fulfillment and success in the long run.
Saultgeorge shared his journey into electrical controls and troubleshooting, starting in the late 80s in Alaska. Working for the Las Vegas Valley Water District, a major utility responsible for supplying water in Las Vegas from Lake Mead, he honed his skills with relay logic, drives, and motor controls until 2000. Transitioning to Michigan in 2010, he faced challenges but eventually secured a contract position with an integrator/supplier around 2015, where he started developing his own projects. Climbing the career ladder, he became a senior controls engineer for various companies before leaving the field due to undesirable work environments.
Now working as the lead electrical inspector on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in Detroit, Saultgeorge emphasizes the importance of perseverance and seeking guidance from experienced professionals in the industry. Despite encountering some resistance, he believes in the value of continuous learning and improvement, as everyone has to start somewhere. His journey from an electrician II to a respected lead inspector showcases the potential for growth and advancement in the field.
In a recent discussion, Akparjay expressed gratitude towards a mentor for sharing valuable insights and experiences. Reflecting on personal experiences of balancing work, school, and family responsibilities, they shared a journey of transitioning from community college to technical school in pursuit of their passion for Mechatronics. Despite facing challenges in various maintenance technician roles, Akparjay remained committed to their goal of pursuing automation, engineering, or controls roles with the pay they deserve.
Currently thriving in a fulfilling position with room for growth, Akparjay has showcased exceptional troubleshooting skills and a proactive approach to enhancing operational efficiency. By initiating small projects and acquiring new skills, they are laying the groundwork for advancement in their career. As they continue to aim for higher positions, Akparjay is exploring opportunities to enhance their PLC programming skills through self-directed learning.
In light of challenges in accessing necessary software, a suggestion was made to explore alternative options such as purchasing a "PLC programming laptop" on eBay. While acknowledging the potential ethical considerations, this approach could provide a cost-effective solution for personal skill development. Taking initiative in self-improvement, Akparjay is determined to invest in their professional growth and seize opportunities for advancement, even if it means exploring new career options in the future.
As an automation technician, my career journey has taken me through various paths. I initially started college in electronics but was sidelined due to poor grades from excessive partying. I then found myself in an electricity program and worked in construction for a while. When job opportunities were scarce, I returned to school in my late twenties to focus on electronics. My career has predominantly revolved around calibration and validation in the pharmaceutical sector, with a brief stint in a gold mine in Africa where I honed my skills in Schneider software and WW.
After returning to Canada and feeling burnt out from long commutes in Montreal, I made the bold decision to join a nearby calibration company. However, six months later, I received an offer from my current employer to learn various programming software. Despite being hired at 39, I often wonder where I would be if I had started programming in my twenties.
It's fascinating to see younger individuals entering the field with a plethora of opportunities to explore different aspects of the job, from conception to programming. However, some are quick to dismiss learning the fundamentals and solely focus on programming without understanding how things work. Programming may seem straightforward, but the challenge lies in knowing what to program.
I've encountered programmers who struggle with troubleshooting on-site due to incomplete code, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and continuously learning. The silent individuals often hold valuable knowledge, unlike the self-proclaimed experts who may lack actual skills. Choosing your circle wisely applies not just in programming but in every profession.
Remember, lunch breaks are over. Good luck on your journey!
When your boss is hesitant to invest in software, don't let it hinder your progress. Consider searching on eBay for a "PLC programming laptop." While the availability of these laptops may vary, you might find used computers that still have relevant software installed on them. Keep in mind that you may be paying more for the outdated hardware than it's worth, but the software could be a valuable asset at a fraction of its original cost. It's important to note that using such a method may pose ethical and professional risks, especially when it comes to business operations. However, for those looking to enhance their skills and self-worth, it could be a helpful tool. If you decide to pursue this option, it is recommended to purchase it independently rather than asking your employer to do so.
As an automation technician, my career journey has been anything but traditional. Starting off in electronics but getting kicked out of college for partying too much, I found my way back through an electricity program and work in construction. Eventually, I transitioned to calibration and validation in the pharmaceutical industry, with a brief stint in a gold mine in Africa where I learned about Schneider software and WW basics. Back in Canada, fed up with long commutes, I switched to a nearby calibration company before landing my current job where I had the opportunity to dive into programming software at the age of 39. Reflecting on the contrast between my experience and that of younger coworkers who crave only programming, I emphasize the importance of understanding how things work beyond just coding. Programming may be easy, but knowing what to program is the real challenge. Collaboration, asking questions, and continuous learning are key in any job, as seen in my encounters with different types of programmers. I've learned that the quiet ones often hold valuable knowledge, while those who boast may not be as skilled as they appear. Choose your colleagues wisely, as teamwork and problem-solving are vital in any industry. Lunch break's over – best of luck in your endeavors.
During my time in Secondary school, I developed a keen interest in electronics, sparking my passion for creating devices that move and illuminate. This passion led me to pursue a master's degree in electrical engineering, specializing in automation and industrial electronics. While completing my degree, I delved into PLCs, particularly focusing on OMRON systems. However, my fascination with microelectronics led me to explore aspects like microcontrollers and processors.
Unfortunately, being from a developing country initially limited my opportunities in the electronics industry. Despite this, I found my niche in the field while working as an assistant maintenance manager in a chemical plant. Working with PLCs allowed me to control entire buildings and plants, igniting my enthusiasm for making things move on a larger scale.
I later transitioned to a full-time role working with PLCs, which included extensive travel and time off to relish my youth. An opportunity arose to serve as an Automation Specialist in the Middle East and Africa, which was an exciting experience until industry challenges led to a demotion. Refusing further management roles, I focused on enhancing automation systems at two different plant sites.
My current role involves developing standardized code and systems for global implementation across 200 sites. In addition to project management, I oversee auditing, safety protocols, and remote assistance initiatives. While I am still passionate about my work, I am increasingly disheartened by the incompetence and resistance to change within the industry.
I believe many of us in the field are constrained by limited vision, including myself. It can be frustrating to encounter resistance to upgrading outdated systems, despite the clear benefits and return on investment. Moving forward, I strive to challenge outdated practices and implement innovative solutions for the advancement of automation technology.
After starting as a printing engineer and transitioning to a TV engineer, I furthered my education by pursuing a program in radio and TV servicing. My focus shifted towards the design of analogue electronics, before delving into the world of digital electronics at university. This new skill set proved invaluable as I embarked on designing and repairing video games for a few years. However, with the rise of consumer versions such as Atari, I foresaw the decline of amusement video games.
Seeking new opportunities, I joined a prominent company specializing in the aerospace and water industries as an electrical engineer. It was during this time that I was introduced to PLC's while tasked with programming a hydraulic press cutting machine using a Square D Symax PLC. Despite lacking previous experience, I dove into the manual and spent days mastering the program's intricacies.
This hands-on experience served as a baptism by fire, solidifying my passion for the industry. Over the past 40 years, I have continued to thrive in the field, constantly learning and adapting to new technologies and challenges.
Parky shared his career journey, starting as a printing engineer before transitioning to become a TV engineer. After obtaining a degree in radio and TV servicing, he embarked on a course focusing on analog electronics design. His interest in digital electronics was sparked by a university tutor, leading him to specialize in digital logic. Subsequently, Parky worked on designing and repairing video games, but foresaw the decline of arcade games with the rise of consumer versions like Atari.
Reflecting on his early work experiences, Parky recalled being tasked with developing microprocessor-based systems and collaborating with a PCB design expert. Despite the unique learning opportunity, he ultimately did not utilize the knowledge gained from this collaboration.
Moving forward, Parky landed a job as an electrical engineer with a company in the aerospace and water industries. His introduction to PLCs came when he was assigned to write a program for a hydraulic press cutting machine using a Square D Symax PLC. Despite having no prior experience, Parky immersed himself in learning the programming process and successfully completed the project after a week of debugging and modifications. This marked the beginning of a successful 40-year career in the industry.
In reflecting on his PLC training, Parky emphasized the importance of understanding the basics of PLC programming - reading into the processor, writing out of it, and timing functions. Once these fundamentals are mastered, the possibilities in the field are endless.
Akparjay expressed his gratitude for sharing and agreed that everyone starts somewhere. He shared that he also involves himself in overseeing and questioning those who diagnose our machines. Despite them becoming weary of his inquiries, he persists. It seems like you also took the path of being self-taught, which can result in learning a lot. The concept of "instant success" in my signature truly resonates in this scenario. It's common to hear day shift workers criticizing those on nights, so it's great to hear that you have turned the tables on them. Best of luck in your endeavors!
No, it wasn't a computer; it was actually a console with a green screen. The data backup was stored on a small tape similar to those found in dictaphones from around 1982.
Parky mentioned that the console had a green screen and the backup was a small tape similar to those used in dictaphones back in 1982. This experience helped them learn to program OMRON systems using ladder logic and converting it to IL before inputting it with a calculator. The process was quite amusing.
After graduating with a degree in Marine Engineering, I began my career in the offshore oil industry. I discovered my passion as a marine electrician on a diesel-electric workboat for 5 years before transitioning to the role of Operations Engineer in charge of maintenance management and regulatory compliance. However, a change in ownership led me to reconsider my offshore career path in favor of a more family-friendly environment.
I sought the help of a headhunter and found a new opportunity as a multicraft maintenance technician in an automotive brake pad plant. Eager for growth, I pursued further education in Electrical Engineering with the support of a company that offered tuition assistance. Following a layoff during the economic downturn of 2009, I found myself working as a plant electrical engineer producing engine bearings, thrust washers, and bushings/piston pins.
Throughout my journey, I gained experience with a variety of PLC systems, including GE 9030, AB SoftLogix, AB RSLogix, and Siemens S7. As I honed my skills as an automation specialist, I learned the importance of hands-on experience and troubleshooting real systems before diving into programming. Collaboration with skilled tradespeople taught me valuable lessons and the importance of humility in the field.
Currently, I am expanding my knowledge with AB 500/5k and Beckhoff TwinCAT 2/3 systems, continuing to challenge myself in the ever-evolving field of engineering. My advice to aspiring engineers is to prioritize hands-on learning and collaboration with experienced technicians, as well as to remain humble and eager to learn from others. Being open to new experiences and knowledge-sharing is key to growth in the industry.
I initially used CRT-based units rather than handheld devices. It wasn't until a few years later that I started using handhelds, particularly for Omron and Siemens equipment. For the C500, I used the Omron PRO13 and a similar model for the C20, as well as the Siemens PG605. Other CRT-based units I worked with included the Siemens PG's 675, 685, and 750, along with the robust Texas Instruments device that required two people to carry it any distance.
After graduating from high school, I began my career as a machinist and was given the chance to work with the latest CNC technology that was starting to replace older NC machines. Unfortunately, a downturn in the economy led to a layoff, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to pursue a college degree. I eventually worked for an AB CNC integrator, gaining valuable experience with CNC controllers from a reputable company like AB. My first PLC training was in 1984, using the renowned PLC-3 model. For the past 24 years, I have been working as a contractor, with 15 of those years being full-time.
Winning the Atari Asteroids competition at Penn Square Mall at the age of 14 was the start of my journey into the world of computing. The prize of an Atari 400 computer opened up a whole new world for me. After purchasing a BASIC cartridge, I delved into creating my own video games, immersing myself in learning about number systems and memory techniques. It was an enjoyable experience for a few years until other interests took over.
Leaving the computer behind, I transitioned from high school directly into working in a factory. It was during a stint stacking tires that I observed a maintenance technician with a sleek Snap-On toolbox, spending his time polishing wrenches, taking breaks, and fixing things. Intrigued, I set my sights on joining the maintenance team.
It took dedication and hard work, but eventually, I earned a spot in the maintenance tech training program. The discovery of PLCs controlling multimillion-dollar machines with minimal memory capacity was a revelation - reminiscent of the Atari 400 days. The simplicity of ladder logic struck me, comparing it to editable graphical assembly code. This insight led me to be labeled as the "PLC geek" among my peers, as navigating this field came naturally to me.
I began my journey in programming at the age of 14 using an IBM PC with a large VGA monitor and 5 1/2" floppy disk drive. I received a BBC Model B as a gift during my school years and delved into machine code, assembly language, and a bit of C programming. After completing college and university, I started working with the Moeller PS3 system around 40 years ago, which was similar to machine code.
My apprenticeship covered electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration fields, providing me with a strong foundation in these areas. I transitioned to working with the square D brick-type PLC before moving on to another company that was eventually acquired and no longer exists. I then worked with AB SLC range PLCs and PanelViews before transitioning to PanelView Plus and CompactLogix systems, facing challenges with firmware and mer files.
In the UK, Routeco was the sole distributor at the time, but I found their approach to be unsatisfactory, leading me to switch to Siemens S7 Range PLCs. I have experience using SSD drives, which were acquired by Parker and eventually discontinued. Currently, I primarily work with G120 drives and S7-1200 or 1500 PLCs, along with Comfort panels and newer models.
Now semi-retired, I selectively provide consultancy services for a few companies, leveraging my expertise against the turnover rate of young professionals in the industry. Keeping my mind active with these projects has been very rewarding.
Exploring others' journeys and experiences can be both enjoyable and enlightening. In my case, I pursued an Associates Degree in Industrial Electronics in the mid-80s, influenced by a family member who highlighted the demand for technicians in the industry. The curriculum covered a range of topics such as wave shaping, diacs/triacs/SCRs, basic electronics, and communications, with a specific course on PLC's that particularly resonated with me.
My career journey began with servicing personal and business computers in the late 80s, which was not the most fulfilling experience. However, I later secured a position as an Instrumentation Technician at a local wastewater utility, where I had the opportunity to work on a major modernization project involving the implementation of a DCS and advanced measuring instruments. This role provided me with valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of control systems.
During the modernization project, I worked closely with skilled programmers and took on the challenge of becoming the controls expert for a new process building equipped with multiple PLC-5s. This project not only honed my skills but also laid the foundation for my future career endeavors. Subsequently, I transitioned to roles at an integrator and eventually an A&E firm before reaching semi-retirement.
Reflecting on my journey, I believe that seeking out unique and challenging projects is crucial for professional growth and satisfaction. While my current role may not be as fulfilling as my initial PLC-5 project, I encourage others to embrace once-in-a-career opportunities and make the most of them. These experiences can shape your career trajectory and leave a lasting impact.