Meet Our Graduates

Mike Yakasovich currently is a Technical Sales Representative with SFC Energy Canada – a manufacturer of Methanol/Hydrogen Fuel Cells as well as the distributor for Schneider Remote Operations and Field Devices.

I have very little experience with the automation side of our business, having spent my career mostly in industrial instrumentation.  The PLC training I have done was in college was completed almost 20 years ago so I needed to brush up and expand my knowledge – particularly so I can become competent in the SCADA/RTU/PAC aspect of our portfolio. 

I have been eyeing the PLC program for several years now.  This is not the first online-style technical course I have taken - I also completed an Instrumentation course in 2016 and knew at some point I would want to learn more of the Automation side as well.  I don’t believe there are many options for online PLC courses plus as an Ontario resident I wanted to support an academic campus in the area. My favorite sections of the PLC program were Process Control, Data Communications and RTUs and PAC.

My responsibilities have not changed yet however I can speak more confidently about the SCADA portion of our offerings. I am more competent in the terminology of PLCs which will absolutely help in my future technical sales endeavors.  

The program was worth it for my own personal growth and confidence, and I intend on taking PLC Technician II as well. 

David Pimentel is a Maintenance Technician III working for Genie, a Terex brand manufacturer of boom lifts. ‘When searching for PLC training, the George Brown College PLC Technician Certificate offered the best and most affordable training program. Also, I'm getting older and want to stay relevant and with this program I was able to pursue my interest in automated systems.  

In my current role I troubleshoot electrical panels, and this program has widened my understanding of concepts, terminology and reading electrical schematics.  

Upon completion of the PLC program, I did receive a pay raise. 

As a Maintenance Technician Ken Brooks ensures the automated picking lines are up and running at all times. 

While he already worked on PLCs he felt the PLC Technician program’ deepened his understanding of them and has improved his ability to read the ladder logic, understand how changes are made and how these changes affect the outcomes.’

Ken liked the flexibility of the program; ‘all online, working at my own pace and taking my time to go over material I didn't understand.’

Waseem found  ‘the PLC Technician program detail-oriented, the curriculum material explained clearly and the short video content very engaging. Several people recommended this program at GBC and after completing my certificate, agree that it was a great experience. I have learned a lot and am very proud of my accomplishments.’ 

He hopes the PLC Technician program will help him ‘move into the automation industry and grow his career.’  

Sam Connor is an Electrical Specialist at TC Transcontinental Packaging, a packaging, commercial printing, and specialty media company. ‘I took the PLC Technician II program as I wanted to gain more knowledge and experience with the programming side of PLC’s and expand my knowledge as an Industrial Electrician.  

I liked the programs’ simulation software best; ‘it gave me great hands-on experience with programming PLC and was able to see my program in action.’

 Since completing this program my responsibilities have grown and now include taking charge of a new machine installation and being chosen to complete PLC programming projects. While I wasn’t looking for a promotion this program definitely helped me get my new job as an Electrical Specialist. 

I chose this program to refresh my knowledge of automation using PLCs. The online course offered by George Brown College provides the flexibility to complete it at your own pace. It combines theory with simulation software, making the concepts easy to understand and apply. The simulator is especially valuable, allowing practical experience without needing to invest in costly PLC training kits.

The program's resource center is also a great asset, enabling students to connect and share experiences. Additionally, the certificates earned upon completion provide industry-recognized validation of the skills gained, supported by George Brown College’s strong reputation.

Building on the knowledge acquired from this program, I’ve now established my own automation company.

Jesse Ohiro is a Production Operator at Magna Seating, assembling car seats for Ford and Lincoln. He selected the PLC II program to ‘advance my studies in PLC programming and other types of programming languages in general.’

‘The program along with the software, quizzes and projects all can be used to practice and simulate programs. This has helped me to understand the course material. 

The skills and knowledge acquired through the program to analyze and troubleshoot various programs and hardware, will eventually help start my career as a programmer or automation technician.’

Tyler Naramore works as a senior Pilot Plant Technician in the Research Department of a mining company where he programs PLCs and ensures instrument data is streaming correctly.

‘I use my PLC programming knowledge regularly in my job and expect my responsibility will change now that I have completed the program.’

“I liked how I was able to move at my own pace from home.’

Philip Heywood is a Metal Machinist at a custom fabrication company. Philip registered into the PLC program ‘to expand my expertise into the function and repair of equipment that uses PLCs and to advance my career options.’

‘I work with CNC equipment that uses PLCs to function and the program has helped me troubleshoot issues making my job easier.

As a full-time employee it is difficult to find time to accommodate classes however this program is entirely online and I could work on it at my own pace.’

Amir Sabooniha is a Process Engineer with Heidelberg Materials, an aggregate mine company producing different sand and gravels used in the construction industry. “We use PLC for control and monitoring, vital factors in processing. With this course and the knowledge gained I have better insight and understanding of PLC processes.”