FASTEST Way to Learn Automation and ACTUALLY Get a Job

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey in the automation industry, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right industry niche, such as smart home automation, building management systems, or industrial automation. They stress the necessity of learning foundational skills like electrical schematics and control panels before advancing to PLC programming. The speaker advocates for hands-on experience over formal education, suggesting that practical knowledge and client communication are more valuable in the field. They also highlight the benefits of their private Facebook group for industry professionals looking to develop skills in control and automation.

Takeaways

• 🔄 It took the speaker over 12 years to work in the automation industry after leaving school, following a traditional education path.
• 🏗️ The speaker suggests focusing on three main industries within automation: smart home automation, building management systems (BMS), and industrial automation.
• 🏡 Smart home automation is a growing but smaller market, often serving wealthier individuals with larger properties.
• 🏢 BMS is commercially focused and involves managing energy usage in commercial buildings, which is currently incentivized by governments for energy efficiency.
• ⚙️ Industrial automation is the most established sector with the most opportunities, focusing on process optimization and energy savings in various industries.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning electrical schematics, control panels, and then PLC programming in that order to build a strong foundation.
• 🚫 Avoid jumping straight into PLC programming without understanding the foundational skills; it's crucial for effective problem-solving in the field.
• 👐 The value of hands-on experience is highlighted over theoretical knowledge, suggesting practical experience as a priority for career advancement.
• 💼 Formal university qualifications are not a prerequisite for success in the automation industry, with many successful individuals lacking traditional degrees.
• 🤝 Client focus is on the ability to deliver results and communicate effectively rather than on formal qualifications, emphasizing skills and service quality.
• 🔗 The speaker invites interested individuals to join a private Facebook group for further development in the control and automation space.

Q & A

How long did it take the speaker to transition from school to working in the automation industry?

It took the speaker over 12 years to transition from school to working in the automation industry.

What is the speaker's role at Lockson?

The speaker is a partner coach for Lockson.

What are the three primary industries within the automation industry mentioned in the script?

The three primary industries within the automation industry mentioned are smart home automation, building management systems (BMS), and industrial automation.

What does the speaker suggest as the first skill to learn in the automation industry?

The speaker suggests learning to read and interpret electrical schematics as the first skill.

Why is it important to understand control panels before learning PLC programming according to the speaker?

Understanding control panels is important before learning PLC programming because it helps in designing, building, testing control panels, and in fault finding by understanding the system's operation.

What is the speaker's opinion on the necessity of formal university qualifications in the automation industry?

The speaker believes that formal university qualifications are not necessary and that hands-on experience and practical skills are more valuable in the automation industry.

What is the main advantage of working in the BMS sector according to the speaker?

The main advantage of working in the BMS sector is that it's easier to sell to clients because there's a clear return on investment through energy savings and efficiency improvements.

Why does the speaker recommend getting hands-on experience as quickly as possible in the automation industry?

The speaker recommends getting hands-on experience quickly because it provides practical knowledge and is more valuable in the long run than theoretical learning alone.

What is the speaker's advice for those considering university for a degree in electrical engineering?

The speaker advises against going to university for a degree in electrical engineering, suggesting that time spent gaining hands-on experience in the industry is more beneficial.

How does the speaker suggest businesses can demonstrate the value of their services in the automation industry?

The speaker suggests businesses can demonstrate the value of their services by showing potential clients the amount of energy and money they can save through automation and control systems.

What is the role of the private Facebook group mentioned by the speaker?

The private Facebook group helps businesses and individuals develop skills, knowledge, and understanding in the control and automation space.