Courses

For ELCAS Learners

EAL Level 3 Award in PLCs

£2,300

EAL Level 3 Award In Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC): A 10-day course is ideal for industry beginners who have limited to no experience working with PLCs. This program is ideal for anyone looking to build foundational knowledge and skills in this field.

By completing the course, you’ll earn a nationally recognised qualification under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 in Siemens PLCs. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience working with the latest Siemens PLCs and software, including Siemens TIA Portal and STEP7 Professional, equipping you with valuable expertise for industrial applications.

Course approved and accredited by

Overview

Designed to deliver comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for understanding what PLCs are and how they are programmed

Our EAL Award in Programmable Logic Controllers Level 3 allows you to gain the essential knowledge needed to understand the hardware and software concepts of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), their applications in the control of manufacturing and other processes and how PLCs may be programmed.

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10-day training program

On this 10-day training course, you’ll go from learning the fundamentals of PLCs to understanding how they are programmed.

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EAL Recognised

When you complete the course, you’ll earn a Level 3 Vocationally Related Qualification that’s recognised around the world.

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Dynamic Resources

You’ll get access to PLC programming software and Live PLCs, together with a customised Level 3 training workbook.

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Continuous Learning

1/year access to the relevant eLearning course to help you stay up to date with your new skillset.

Curriculum

Essential PLC training for industry beginners who have limited to no experience of PLCs.

Introduction to PLCs

Gain foundational knowledge about PLCs, where they’re used, and how they function, including an introduction to Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) and their differences from PLCs. This section also covers numbering systems (Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal), and how they relate to PLCs.

Siemens PLC Hardware Overview

Deepen your understanding of Siemens PLC hardware. Topics include the Siemens PLC range, modular vs. compact and rack-based PLCs, power supplies (PSUs), CPUs, digital input/output cards, memory cards, and part numbers. Learn how to select the right PLC for control systems and explore the Siemens website for essential resources.

PLC Wiring and Configuration

This section provides a hands-on approach to wiring Siemens PSUs, CPUs, and input/output cards, emphasizing PNP vs. NPN wiring. Learn how to expand modular PLCs and configure hardware using STEP7 Professional/TIA Portal.

PLC Programming Basics

Master the basics of programming Siemens PLCs, including logic terminology (AND, OR, NAND, NOR), steps, rungs, networks, and addressing schemes. This includes creating your first project, setting up communications, and drafting program operations in compliance with IEC 61131-3 programming standards.

Advanced Programming Techniques

Develop your skills further with advanced programming concepts. Topics include setting timers, counters, comparators, Set and Reset instructions, alarms, and the Move function. Learn to use online editing safely and understand the risks of duplication, forcing I/O, and modifying programs.

Safety and Reliability

Explore the critical role of safety in PLC programming. This section covers E-stops, safety circuits, SIL levels, safety PLCs, and interlocking techniques to improve program integrity. You’ll also learn about clock memory, verification, and creating effective backups.

Fault-Finding and Maintenance

Hone your troubleshooting skills with tools like watch tables, VAT tables, cross-references, and assignment lists. Learn how to monitor system equipment, understand program faults, and perform efficient fault-finding to maintain system reliability.

HMI Programming and IntegrationHMI Programming and Integration

Dive into HMI (Human-Machine Interface) programming and setup. This includes hardware configuration and creating templates, tags, alarms, screens, IO fields, and trends. You’ll learn to integrate HMIs into PLC projects, ensure security, and back up or restore HMI data

Practical Applications and Networking

Understand the practical applications of PLCs in industrial environments. This section covers networking to increase control capabilities, safety interlocking, working with schematics and I/O schedules, and integrating alarms and safety features into live projects.

Hands-On Training

Throughout the course, you’ll work with the latest Siemens PLCs and software, including Siemens TIA Portal and STEP7 Professional, ensuring you acquire real-world skills to excel in industrial applications.

Locations

Learn in the location that's right for you.

Discover the perfect place to learn and grow with our flexible training options. Whether you prefer hands-on practice at one of our state-of-the-art training centres or the convenience of onsite training, we’ve got you covered.

Gateshead

Our fully-equipped Gateshead training centre is located on the banks of the Tyne River, just 10 minutes from the Angel of the North.

Alderley Park

Alderley Park hosts a vibrant and fast growing community of companies, including Scantime, with our new fully-equipped training suite.

Certification

EAL Level 3 Award In Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

This Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) is part of the Qualification and Credit Framework (RQF) and has been carefully developed to meet industry standards. It’s designed to equip you with essential knowledge and, where applicable, hands-on practical skills needed to work confidently with PLCs.

Testimonials

We’ve trained engineers at Amazon, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, EDF Nuclear, Toyota and Transport for London.

Here’s what they say about Scantime’s training courses:

I recently completed the Siemens Step 7 training course. I undertake lots of courses due to the nature of my job and this is one of the best I have been to. Alan and Jay delivered the course brilliantly, very helpful and explained everything in an easy to understand format.

Will Skidmore

Siemens Energy

My colleagues and I of Essity UK wish to share our gratitude for the skills and knowledge we have gained, and continue to gain as we upskill in Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal. Many thanks to Alan, Chris, Dave and David.

Mark Horner

Essity

The course was brilliant – the content, literature, practical and delivery was exceptional. I really enjoyed it and a took away lots. Nathan was great, tonnes of real experience, really easy to get along with and delivered the training seamlessly. I would without any question, recommend Scantime and Nathan for any control system Solutions / advise / training needs in the future.

Thomas Braisby

Thorntons Chocolate

The PLC training course has been outstanding. Through attending the course I have been able to learn the foundations of PLCs as well as looking at programming and editing systems to see system responses. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and highly engaging. Overall I couldn’t recommend Scantime more.

Samuel Peacock

Anglo American

The facilities and tutors at Scantime are world class! This training has given me the knowledge and confidence to work with PLCs across our site reducing downtime and stepping up maintenance. The classrooms are kitted out with all the best equipment in an easy to understand environment. My tutors Nathan and Jay where a fountain of knowledge and I am so grateful for all their help. 10/10 would recommend!

George Claridge

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Scantime has been involved in training our maintenance staff for several years now. They have helped improve and maintain the skill set that is critical for working with processes such as ours. From these various courses, we now have maintenance staff who are more confident and capable of working and finding faults on our PLCs.

Marc Powell

JLR

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything else you need to know.

How often does this course run?

We run this course quarterly at our training centres in Gateshead and Alderley Park. Demand is high, so we advise booking your place at least three months in advance to secure your spot.

How can I apply for this training course via ELCAS?

Applying for your course is an easy three-step process to get you started on your hands-on training with Siemens PLCs.

Step 1 – Get in touch with us to confirm a training date. Once your training or resettlement officer gives you the go-ahead, you’ll be able to book your course.

Step 2 – Your Credit Authorisation Note (CAN) will be issued to your resettlement officer. Please email us a copy and bring the original with you on your first day of training. The CAN outlines your financial contribution and ELCAS funding. Once we’ve received your contribution, we’ll send you your course confirmation and joining instructions. This will also include details of our fixed-rate accommodation offer with the Marriott hotel, if required. The invoice for the ELCAS funding portion will be sent directly to the MoD finance department.

Step 3 – You’re all set to begin your PLC training! After completing the course, we’ll finalise and sign your 1748 CWA/CTA confirmation and claim form on your last day of training. Once successfully completed, your certificates will be sent to you via recorded delivery.

Can I learn more than one PLC software package during the PLC training course?

During this course, you’ll gain in-depth, hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs, using both Siemens TIA Portal and STEP7 Professional to prepare you for real-world industrial applications.

Can I attend as an individual?

Absolutely! Our courses are open to everyone, whether you’re sponsored by a company or joining as an individual. They’re especially popular with people looking to switch careers or enhance their CV with new skills.

What resources do you provide during the hands-on EAL Level 3 course?

When you join one of our training courses, you’ll have your own dedicated training station complete with a computer, PLC programming software, and a SCADA system.

You’ll also receive a Scantime workbook to track your progress throughout the course. This detailed resource is yours to keep, making it an excellent reference tool long after training is complete.

Are there any assessments on a hands-on EAL Level 3 course?

Yes, the course includes six work sheet assessments, designed to ensure you’ve understood the material. You’ll receive your results on the same day after completing each assessment.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Absolutely. We’ll give you a EAL certificate when you successfully complete the course.

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