Maintenance and Engineering

PLC Programming Fundamentals

Programmable logic controllers control machines and processes across industry. This hands-on course introduces PLC hardware, input and output modules, programming languages with focus on ladder logic, timers and counters, basic data handling, program structure, testing, documentation and troubleshooting.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Basic PLC skills let maintenance teams diagnose and fix control problems faster. You will learn to read, write and troubleshoot simple PLC programs.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Hands-on programming exercises with simulators, troubleshooting tasks and documentation practice.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain PLC hardware and architecture
Connect inputs and outputs
Write ladder logic programs
Use timers, counters and comparisons
Test and simulate programs
Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Maintenance and electrical technicians
Automation technicians
Junior control engineers
Instrument technicians
Engineering students

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

PLC architecture
Ladder logic
Program testing
Documentation
Troubleshooting

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1PLC Basics

09:00–10:08PLC architecture
10:08–11:00Inputs and outputs
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Inputs and outputs (continued)
11:45–12:53Scan cycle
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Ladder Logic

09:00–10:08Contacts and coils
10:08–11:00Latching
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Latching (continued)
11:45–12:53Basic circuits
12:53–14:00Hands-on

Day 3Timers and Counters

09:00–10:08Timer types
10:08–11:00Counters
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Counters (continued)
11:45–12:53Comparisons
12:53–14:00Hands-on

Day 4Program Structure

09:00–10:08Data types
10:08–11:00Subroutines
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Subroutines (continued)
11:45–12:53Documentation
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Troubleshooting

09:00–10:08Online monitoring
10:08–11:00Forcing safely
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Forcing safely (continued)
11:45–12:53Fault finding
12:53–14:00Final exercise

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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