Industrial Automation & PLC
Program, wire and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems with sensors, actuators and HMIs.
25% theory · 75% practical
- For: DAE electrical, electronics and mechatronics holders; Electricians and maintenance technicians
- You'll produce: Ladder logic programs
- Duration4–6 months
- Modules8 modules
- Learning modeOn campus · Hybrid
- EligibilityDAE or engineering background, or electrician experience
- AssessmentAutomation project + practical assessment
- Next batchDates coming soon
On Campus and Hybrid: Our Centres for This Training
Centres for this training are being confirmed. Ask a counsellor for the nearest one.
Show training fee
- On campusPKR 85,000or 3 × PKR 28,334
- HybridPKR 85,000or 3 × PKR 28,334
About This Training
ZEF's Industrial Automation & PLC training is a practical programme of 4–6 months covering automation fundamentals, PLC architecture, ladder logic, sensors, actuators, motors, HMI and SCADA, and troubleshooting. You finish with an automation project on PLC trainers.
Why 4 to 6 months? Every batch covers the same modules, practical work and assessments. Full-time weekday batches finish in about 4 months; part-time evening or weekend batches, and learners who need extra practice before the final assessment, take up to 6 months.
Benchmarked against the IEC 61131-3 PLC programming standard and the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level 1 domains.
Training Outline
- 8 modules
- 8 hands-on tasks
1Automation Fundamentals4 topics
Topics
- Automation in industry
- Control loops
- Safety in automation
- Documentation
You Will Be Able To
- Explain how automated systems work
Hands-on
- Analyse an automated machine
2PLC Architecture4 topics
Topics
- PLC hardware and I/O
- Addressing
- Communication
- Programming software
You Will Be Able To
- Set up PLC hardware and software
Hands-on
- Configure a PLC and its I/O
3Ladder Logic4 topics
Topics
- Contacts, coils and latching
- Timers and counters
- Comparisons and maths
- Program structure
You Will Be Able To
- Write ladder programs for common tasks
Hands-on
- Program traffic-light and conveyor sequences
4Sensors and Actuators4 topics
Topics
- Digital and analogue sensors
- Solenoids and valves
- Pneumatics
- Wiring I/O
You Will Be Able To
- Connect and test field devices
Hands-on
- Wire sensors and actuators to a PLC
5Motors and Drives4 topics
Topics
- Motor control from a PLC
- VFDs
- Servo basics
- Interlocks
You Will Be Able To
- Control motors and drives from a PLC
Hands-on
- Control a VFD from a PLC
6HMI and SCADA4 topics
Topics
- HMI screens
- Alarms
- SCADA concepts
- Data logging
You Will Be Able To
- Build HMI screens for operators
Hands-on
- Design an HMI for your process
7Industrial Networks3 topics
Topics
- Fieldbus and Ethernet protocols
- Modbus and Profinet basics
- Troubleshooting networks
You Will Be Able To
- Connect devices on industrial networks
Hands-on
- Connect a PLC, HMI and drive
8Troubleshooting Project3 topics
Topics
- Diagnostics
- Fault-finding
- Documentation
You Will Be Able To
- Diagnose and fix automation faults
Hands-on
- Capstone: automate and troubleshoot a mini process
Who It's for and Eligibility
Who It's For
- DAE electrical, electronics and mechatronics holders
- Electricians and maintenance technicians
- Engineering graduates entering industry
- People preparing for industrial automation work abroad
Eligibility
- DAE or engineering background, or electrician experience
- Basic electrical knowledge
- Safety boots required in the lab
Your Path Through This Training
- LearnAutomation, PLC architecture and ladder logic
- PracticeProgramming and wiring on PLC trainers
- ProveAn automation project and practical assessment
- PrepareCV, interview practice and project documentation
- ProgressPLC technician and automation roles
What You'll Produce
Ladder Logic Programs
Start-stop, timers, counters and interlocks on a PLC trainer.
HMI Screen
An operator screen controlling and monitoring a process.
Capstone: Automated Process
A sequenced process with sensors, actuators and fault handling.
Tools and Equipment You'll Use
- Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLC trainers
- TIA Portal or similar software
- HMI panels
- Sensors and pneumatic actuators
- Motor drives basics
- Multimeter
How You're Assessed
You program and test an automated process and diagnose set faults. Assessors check program logic, safety interlocks, wiring and documentation. Your result is Competent or Not yet competent, with a chance to reassess.
- Assessment 1After modules 1–3
- Assessment 2After modules 4–6
- Final assessmentAfter all 8 modules, for your certificate
Career Pathway
Roles in Pakistan
- PLC Technician Trainee
- Automation Technician
- Controls Assistant
- Maintenance Technician
International
- GCC manufacturing
- EU industrial automation
- International integrators
Subject to employer, licensing, visa and qualification-recognition requirements.
Opportunities in Pakistan and Abroad
- 727,381Pakistanis registered for jobs abroad in 2024Source: BE&OE
- $38.3 billionsent home by overseas Pakistanis in 2024-25Source: State Bank of Pakistan
- 62%of workers going abroad in 2024 went to Saudi ArabiaSource: BE&OE
Where the Jobs Are
Live listings for “PLC technician”. Opens the job site.| Country | Demand | Find jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | See live listings | Rozee.pk LinkedIn Indeed |
| Saudi Arabia | 452,562Pakistani workers who went there in 2024 | Bayt LinkedIn Indeed |
| Oman | 81,587Pakistani workers who went there in 2024 | Bayt LinkedIn Indeed |
| United Arab Emirates | 64,130Pakistani workers who went there in 2024 | Bayt LinkedIn Indeed |
| Qatar | 40,818Pakistani workers who went there in 2024 | Bayt LinkedIn Indeed |
| Bahrain | 25,198Pakistani workers who went there in 2024 | Bayt LinkedIn Indeed |
Overseas figures: all occupations, 2024, Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE). They show where Pakistani workers find jobs abroad, not vacancies for this training.
What the Same Job Pays Abroad
Official pay figures for automation and instrumentation technician roles in four countries that recruit skilled workers.
| Country and job | Pay (local) | ≈ US$ a year | ≈ Rs a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAElectro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians | US$73,900 a year (median)US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 | ≈ US$ a year: $74k | ≈ Rs a month: Rs 1,712,000 |
| CanadaInstrument technician, industrial | C$39 an hour (median)Job Bank, Government of Canada, 2023-2024 | ≈ US$ a year: $57k | ≈ Rs a month: Rs 1,319,000 |
| AustraliaElectrical engineering draftspersons and technicians | A$2,854 a week (median, full time)Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025 | ≈ US$ a year: $104k | ≈ Rs a month: Rs 2,400,000 |
| United KingdomElectronics engineering technician | £26,000–£42,000 a yearUK National Careers Service, 2026 | ≈ US$ a year: $35k–56k | ≈ Rs a month: Rs 800,000–1,292,000 |
Employee pay before tax: medians, or starter-to-experienced ranges (UK). Hourly and weekly medians are shown for a full-time year (2,080 hours or 52 weeks). Converted at European Central Bank reference rates (6 Oct 2026) and Rs 278 per US dollar. Living costs abroad are much higher than in Pakistan. Working abroad is subject to employer, licensing, visa and qualification-recognition requirements.
Jobs in Each Country
Automation and instrumentation technician: how many people do this job, openings, the outlook and the usual way in, from official labour statistics.
- USAElectro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
- People employed (2025)
- 15,700
- Openings a year
- 1,400
- Average pay a month
- US$6,160≈ Rs 1,712,000
- Outlook
- 3% (As fast as average), 2025–35
- Experience
- No prior work experience needed
- Usual entry
- Associate's degree
- CanadaIndustrial instrument technician
- People employed (2023)
- 12,100
- Average pay a month
- C$6,760≈ Rs 1,319,000
- Outlook
- Balance, 2024–2033
Counts are for the whole occupation in that country, not vacancies for ZEF students. Average pay is the official median (or the middle of the UK range) shown above, per month before tax.
Employers in This Field
Examples of organisations in Pakistan and abroad that employ people in this role. This is not a list of current vacancies: check each company’s careers page.
- Engro CorporationPakistan
- Pakistan Petroleum LimitedPakistan
- SABICSaudi Arabia
- Saudi AramcoSaudi Arabia
- ADNOCUAE
- SiemensInternational
- ABBInternational
- Schneider ElectricInternational
Company websites, checked October 2026.
These are published national figures and market benchmarks to help you plan, not a promise of a job or income. What you earn depends on your skills, experience, employer and city. Subject to employer, licensing, visa and qualification-recognition requirements.
Questions
Which PLC brands will I use?
Training uses common industrial platforms such as Siemens or Allen-Bradley trainers, depending on the lab. The logic and troubleshooting skills transfer between brands.
Do I need an electrical background?
Yes, basic electrical knowledge is needed. If you are new to electrical work, start with Industrial Electrician or Electrical Technician & Industrial Controls.
Is this training hands-on?
Yes. You program and wire PLC trainers, sensors and actuators in the lab for most of the training. Theory lessons are online.
Register Your Interest
Leave your details and a counsellor will call or WhatsApp you to answer questions, confirm fees and batch dates, and check this training fits your goals.