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ODHE Rapids Grants Allows Owens to Expand PLC Training

Responding to a need for people with programmable logic controller (PLC) technician experience in northwest Ohio, Owens Community College received a grant totaling more than $59,000 from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) RAPIDS program to increase the student capacity in PLC classes by 50%.

The program prepares technicians and professionals with specialized training for regionally in-demand occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs associated with PLC technicians are expected to grow annually by 2% from 2024-2034, with an average of 8,400 open jobs per year. Pay for the jobs average approximately $71,000 in Ohio, according to glassdoor.com.

A PLC is an industrial computer that has been adapted for the control of manufacturing processes that require high reliability, ease of programming and fault diagnosis like assembly lines, machines and robotic devices.

The college’s current PLC classes are at maximum capacity at 12 students. The grant totaling $59,046.99 will ensure access for more students, instructors and space. Now, Owens has acquired the additional space and preparing the classrooms for multiple PLC courses as well as workforce training.

The school has purchased a Portable PLC Troubleshooting Learning System, Studio 5000 Mini PLC Programming Software and FactoryTalk View ME Programming Software.

“This grant will allow us to make our PLC classes and training more accessible to a great number of students, who will receive hands-on education to help fulfill an employment gap in the region,” said Dan Burklo, Owens dean for the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “The purchase of the equipment and software will allow our students to not only learn about programmable logic controllers but to experience it firsthand.”

Owens offers two 16-week courses in basic PLC and advanced PLC. They’re part of various degree offerings in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, including Advanced Manufacturing, Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Building Maintenance, and Electrical, and certificates in Building Maintenance and Electrical. The course and degree offerings will focus on electrical, mechanical, CAD technology, applied engineering, machining, tool and die and HVAC.

The new equipment will also allow Owens Workforce and Community Services to offer more customizable trainings for community partners.

Students will enhance their skillset and improve their understanding of PLC functionality, develop troubleshooting skills and become more proficient in maintaining automation systems.

Occupations impacted by the addition of PLC courses and equipment include electrical and electronic technologists and technicians, maintenance and repair workers, robotics engineers, mechatronics engineers, and electricians and electrician helpers.

To learn more about the Owens School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, please visit owens.edu/stem.

To learn more about Owens Workforce and Community Services, please visit owens.edu/workforce_cs.