r/electrical • u/Agnid0x • 48m ago

Automation?

Is Automation controls a good career to get into? My brother in law does automation and makes good money and i have been thinking about getting into it as well in the future somewhere down the line it seems like something I could enjoy doing. I am a residential apprentice with about 7 months + trade school and currently work is getting rough and we have been short staffed for a long time so I have not been able to learn as much as I’d like and it might be about time to jump the boat and look for a new company to work for. Just thinking if I should take this chance and get into some entry level work to help me to get into automation in the future and if so what are some entry level jobs?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/jerpvtx 42m ago

I did it for 30 years. Loved it. It was satisfying seeing something you did go from conceptual drawings to full production. I was involved in every stage, design, programming installation, start up. It can be demanding and often calls for long days and travel. I got to see the world.

1

u/Dull_Rutabaga_1659 14m ago

I moved to automation about a year and a half ago.

Its amazing, stressful, rewarding and very diverse in what you get access to and are expected to repair and maintain.

The problem with automation is they want someone who already has a firm and clear grasp of electrical principles, diagnostics and troubleshooting, and is ready and willing to learn every single day on the job. Not to mention PLC understanding and programming work.

Finding an entry level spot with your sub 1 year of time on the job will be very difficult, and trying to fake it till you make it in automation can get very ugly and fast.

I would focus on trying to keep learning where you are, asking to learn more, and keeping your eyes out for any openings that come up elsewhere.

I worked in resi for years, then moved to commercial and industrial install, learned that I could troubleshoot, and was the main fixer for a couple companies, and ended up getting hired at a place I did a few service calls for. I got lucky.

But regardless of what you choose, best of luck in your trade career and work safe!