Is your automation technician certified?

Probably not unless your company developed a course, taught it and certified the graduates. But now, an alternative path exists. A national certification for automation techs does all the hard work for you, and it has three levels that allows techs to develop skills and their career path.

If you’re reading the MRO section of Modern Materials Handling, chances are you have maintenance technicians on staff. Or, you would like to. Or, someday soon you really need to.

Fact is, good technicians are not always easy to find whether you’re talking lift trucks or automated systems. There simply are not enough qualified techs for any type of materials handling equipment. You probably don’t need to be reminded of that one more time. Fortunately, this situation has the chance to change in fairly short order.

Later this year, an industry-wide effort led by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) will roll out a three-level certification program for automation technicians.

“By early December,” says MSSC chairman Leo Reddy, “we will launch both the classroom and hands-on training components of the Certified Technician – Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) program.” This is a national certification recognized by ISO, the leading body for training certifications, he adds.

The program offers three distinct certifications. The first level focuses on basic equipment maintenance. The second focuses on equipment repair, including installing, modifying, troubleshooting and repairing equipment and systems. The third focuses on network repair—think installing, modifying, troubleshooting and repairing basic controllers and networks. Those students who collect all three certifications will receive a Masters certification designation.

“These three separate certifications will enable both students and people in the workforce to gain the skills needed to keep complex automation equipment and systems up and running to meet consumer demand even during peak times,” adds Reddy.