5 Resources to Kickstart (or Level Up) Your Early Career in Industrial Automation

Starting out in industrial automation or looking to sharpen your skills? Whether you’re new to the world of PLCs and control systems or already deep into ladder logic, having the right learning resources can make all the difference.

We asked some of our candidates what’s helped them. Here are a few of their top picks:

1. Programmable Logic Controllers: An Emphasis on Design and Application by Kelvin T. Erickson

A solid textbook that’s often mentioned by both students and working engineers. Erickson’s approach balances theory and hands-on design principles, making it a great reference whether you’re learning or troubleshooting in the field.

2. Tim Wilborne on YouTube

Tim’s YouTube channel is a go-to for anyone learning PLCs. His videos cover everything from the basics of automation hardware to real-world programming examples all explained in a practical, down-to-earth way.

3. So You Want To Be An Instrument Technician?

Download here A fantastic free guide that introduces the fundamentals of instrumentation. It’s clear, approachable, and ideal for anyone exploring how measurement and control systems fit into industrial processes.

4. PLC Talk Forum

Visit the forum If you’re ever stuck, chances are someone here has faced the exact same problem. It’s also a great place to pick up tips from engineers across different industries.

5. Siemens TIA Portal Tutorial Center

Watch the tutorials?dti=0&lc=en-WW) If you’re looking to work with Siemens hardware, these official tutorials are a goldmine. They walk through everything from project setup to diagnostics, helping you make the most of the TIA Portal environment.

These are just a few resources we have highlighted but we know there’s plenty more out there.