Free online coursePLC Training Series Step

Course Description

Programmable Logic Controllers are the backbone of modern industrial automation, and knowing how to work with them can open doors in maintenance, manufacturing, and control systems. This free online course is designed to take you from the basics of PLCs to the practical thinking needed on the shop floor, helping you move beyond theory and into real electrical and automation tasks with confidence.

You begin by understanding what a PLC is and why it is used, then connect that idea to the real components found in industrial panels. You will learn how inputs and outputs interact with sensors, push buttons, relays, and contactors, and how those elements come together to control motors and processes safely. The course also builds strong hardware awareness, covering rack layout, module roles, and what to check when CPU indicators and error states appear, so you can troubleshoot systematically instead of guessing.

As you progress, you shift into programming logic in a way that mirrors daily industrial work. You will practice core ladder concepts such as AND/OR logic, memory behavior, and data handling, along with the timing and counting functions used in everyday sequences. You will also explore the differences between function and function block structures, which is essential for writing reusable, organized PLC code as projects grow in size.

To make the learning stick, the course uses realistic mini-projects that feel like the scenarios technicians and electricians meet in the field, such as garage door control, tank level control, parking automation, and safe two-direction motor control with interlocks. You will also gain a clear understanding of analog signals and scaling, an often overlooked skill that becomes crucial when working with transmitters, level sensors, and real-world process values.

By the end, you will be better prepared to read PLC programs, design reliable logic, and apply troubleshooting habits that support safer, more efficient systems. Whether you are starting in industrial electrical work or strengthening your automation profile, this course gives you practical PLC fundamentals you can use immediately.