It was my first time visiting this facility for the CQC renewal course.
I obviously had access to the meeting room on the ground floor, and I must say it is spacious, well-equipped, and comfortable.
On the ground floor, there is a small room with a coffee machine and a water dispenser, so light refreshments are available during breaks.
As with any proper facility, there is a caretaker, the premises are served by parking spaces — unfortunately paid — and for those coming from Modena, it is also reachable on foot or by bike.
Industrial automation technician and PLC programming
Target Audience
Young people and adults who are unemployed or inactive, Italian or foreign citizens with at least B1 Italian language proficiency, residing or domiciled in Emilia-Romagna, holding a high school diploma (preferably technical: mechanical, electronic, IT, mechatronic).
The course is particularly suitable for those who wish to enter or re-skill in the field of industrial automation and robotics, acquiring technical skills in design, configuration, programming, and maintenance of automated systems and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) in advanced production environments.
Learning Objectives
Train a technician capable of:
Developing and integrating automated and robotic systems according to project requirements;
Configuring the mechanical, electrical, and software architecture of automated plants;
Programming and testing PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for process control;
Managing industrial protocols and communication interfaces;
Performing testing, validation, and maintenance of machines and plants;
Operating safely and according to quality standards.
Units of Competence (UC)
UC 1 – Development of automation and robotics systems
Expected result: System defined in its architecture according to automation project requirements.
Skills and main contents:
Study and simulation of automated and robotic systems;
Selection of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, IoT);
Identification of hardware components and automation tasks;
Workplace safety and relevant regulations;
Basic knowledge of automatic machines, robots, PLC, HMI, SCADA, and digital twin.
UC 2 – Configuration of automation and robotics systems
Expected result: System configured in all its parts (plants, mechanical structure, and software).
Skills and main contents:
Design and implementation of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics;
3D modeling of mechanical groups;
PLC programming and control systems;
Selection and integration of mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic components;
Technical standards and machine safety.
UC 3 – Wiring, protocols, and connection interfaces configuration
Expected result: Connection system to machines and IT systems defined.
Skills and main contents:
Wiring of PLC architectures and I/O systems;
Application of industrial protocols and integration with robotic and AGV systems;
Configuration of HMI and SCADA interfaces;
Knowledge of cybersecurity, safety, and technical standards.
UC 4 – Testing, qualification, and plant validation
Expected result: Automated machines and plants qualified and validated.
Skills and main contents:
Functional testing and fault diagnostics (electrical, electronic, IT);
Calibration and adjustment of automation systems;
Final testing and process validation;
Safety regulations and quality certification.
Employment Opportunities
Manufacturing and plant engineering companies;
Design and maintenance firms for automatic machines;
System integrators and industrial robotics companies;
Technical and process engineering offices.
Possible Roles: Automation technician, PLC programmer, mechatronic maintenance technician, plant testing and commissioning technician, industrial robotics technician.
Final Certificate
EQF level 5 Professional Qualification: “Industrial automation and robotics technician” recognized by the Emilia-Romagna Region, upon passing the final exam.
