QWhat plans do you have
for the future? AThere are plans to run more
of these courses in the future,
hopefully as a rolling programme.
However, the programme currently
runs in the best, most logical
sequence to build the learning
and skillsets module-onmodule,
as delegates progress
through the quali cation. It
would prove di cult to administer
and track individuals over a
protracted period and they would not
get the greatest bene t from doing the
programme out of sequence.
The modules have been created to t
a week-long block and we are currently
working on versions of each outcome to
provide additional ‘stand-alone’ training
units for those that require them. We are
currently developing a simpli ed version of
the robot processes and function module
for production line operators, and a higherlevel
specialised version of the PLC module
for maintainers for one of our larger
customers. These courses, once complete
and tested, could be made available to
other interested parties.
The complete EAL Level 3 qualifi cation
programme costs £7,200 + VAT (for Make
UK members), though it is possible to
complete individual units on an ad hoc
basis. Anyone interested in learning more,
or wanting to arrange a visit to the site, can
make contact directly with Mark Farrant by
emailing mfarrant@makeuk.org.
ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION – TRAINING INTERVIEW
Course modules in-depth
The course consists of nine units with an optional 10th unit to achieve the full EAL
Level 3 Certi cate in Robotics and Automation. They speci cally target the broader
range of skills that a typical maintenance engineers would require to provide a
thorough and comprehensive range of support to an employer with an automated
robotics production facility. Despite their numbering, the weekly modules are listed in
what is said to be the ideal sequence for the programme (with an example of timings
available at www.is.gd/pegoso):
ROB3-04 Robot Processes and Functions & ROB3-07 Robot Programming:
These combined units enable learners to understand how to use and operate a robot,
and understand industrial robot processes and functions. Learners will need to show
they can safely operate, manipulate and program an industrial robot.
ROB3-01 Programmable Logic Controllers:
This unit enables learners to
consolidate and extend their knowledge and understanding of robotic
programmable logic control. They will be able to understand PLC systems
and associated communication methodology to edit and create PL
programmes in Ladder Logic format.
ROB3-03 Fault Finding and Diagnosis for Automation and Robotics
and ROB03-05 Automated Control Systems:
These units enable learners
to understand industrial control systems and the procedures involved with
diagnosing faults on industrial automation and robots. They will demonstrate an
understanding of the elements of control systems, the application of control
theory and carry out fault- nding techniques on an automated industrial
system.
ROB3-02A Mechanical Maintenance of Automation and ROB3-02C
Maintenance Support Activities for Automation: These units enable
learners to understand the procedures involved with the safe mechanical
maintenance and the procedures involved with maintenance support
activities on industrial automation systems. They will also be able to carry out
safe mechanical maintenance activities and develop a simple PPM schedule for given
criteria on an industrial automated system. The learner will understand and carry out
safe mechanical maintenance on industrial automation systems.
ROB3-02B Electrical Maintenance of Automation: This unit will enable learners to
understand the procedures involved with the safe electrical maintenance on industrial
automated systems. They will need to carry out safe electrical maintenance.
ROB3-06 Machine Software Design Principles: This unit aims to help understand
software design to create a program to correctly perform a speci c function. The
learner will be able to understand software design methodologies and create a
program to correctly perform a speci c task.
ROB3-08 Introduction to Simulation Engineering: This unit enables learners to
understand and appreciate simulation engineering in relation to automated systems
and robotics. They will need to model a production process using typical industrial
simulation software.
ROB3-09 Process Optimisation and ROB3-10 Innovation in Automation
(optional unit): Course delegates will understand process optimisation in relation
to industrial robotics systems and understand the considerations that in uence
the decision whether to automate or not. They will need to be able to apply
optimisation techniques to industrial robotic systems and justify and in uence
decisions to automate a process.
There June 2019 www.operationsengineer.org.uk 13
/pegoso)
/www.operationsengineer.org.uk
link