Automation

The \/\/anderer

Does anybody here work in the field of automation/PLCs?

I'm trying to find a job in this area, but it's proving impossible. Since I was in college, I've wanted to work in this area.
Any jobs i've seen advertised require 3/4+ years experience. I have been working for over 4 years in a BMS controls company, but because I don't have relevant experience, I don't stand a chance!

What can i do?

chris85

The \/\/anderer wrote: »

Does anybody here work in the field of automation/PLCs?

I'm trying to find a job in this area, but it's proving impossible. Since I was in college, I've wanted to work in this area.
Any jobs i've seen advertised require 3/4+ years experience. I have been working for over 4 years in a BMS controls company, but because I don't have relevant experience, I don't stand a chance!

What can i do?

If you are finding it difficult even though you have what I would have thought to be good experience, it may be worth thinking about doing a postgrad masters in an area of Automation. The time taken to do the course will count as experience and more.

If you pick the right place to do it you can get funding so you will earn a bit of money while you study.

The \/\/anderer

Thats a good suggestion. Thanks.
I might look into starting something in September if I still cant find a new job by then. Do you know of any colleges that do a course like this? I'll have a look my self anyway....

chris85

Ok most colleges that have an engineering department would hav a postgrad structure. It works different ways in different colleges. I know a few people doing a two year masters. They get a grant of about €250 a week and good money for doing a few hours of tutorials each week. Its not comparable to a job but remember that this is furthering your studies so you are a student.

A masters is a good idea for someone who knows exactly what area they want to get into (like yourself ). Be sure that you like this area as when you complete the masters you will be more fixed in this area in terms of future career but you seem fine with this.

beserker

Heya,

I'm trying to get in to this field myself. I managed to get work experience last year using delta v and the experience was fantastic. It deffo convinced me to work towards doing it fulltime. I don't know where you're based but in Cork there are some companies that would be worth checking out.

(These are located close to the pharmas in Ringaskiddy)
Proscon just got taken over by Rockwell so you'd be in a good position to work all over europe. proscon will be rockwells european division i think. Another is Zenith Technologies. They are smaller than proscon but sometimes this is better for working environment. Both of these take on undergrads for work placements so you may get away with lack of exp.

(This one is in little island)
Pharmeng have advertisements all over monster.ie. I don't know anything about them except the salaries look optimistic:) Emerson have offices in cork too i think. they also take on undergrads for placement also so might be worth checking out.

try the pharma chems themselves although most would look for PLC and experience i'd imagine. if you're in dublin they have offices there too but i have no idea about jobs going or anything.

good luck with it anyways,
dar