Case Studies

Royal Australian Navy gets PLC training

Written by Skills Lab | Jul 3, 2019 2:30:00 PM

When the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) contacted SAGE Training (now Skills Lab) to attain PLC training in regards to the controls upon their Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers, we provided a custom course focused around defence training and the specific PLC systems aboard the ships. The training resulted in the RAN crew learning skills around fault-finding, problem-solving, and PLC programming methodologies. 

Project summary

Industry - Defence: Automation Training

Outcome - The RAN crew can now confidently operate and maintain the control systems for the new AWD ships. The PLC training course provided training in skills such as fault-finding, problem-solving and knowledge of control system terminology. The RAN crew now possess a strong understanding of PLC programming methodologies, enabling them to speak with external support and maintenance providers. 

Capability - The crew can now operate and maintain control systems, understand PLC programming methodologies and retain skills to fault-find and problem-solve. 

Region - Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Client testimonial

Paul Evans, Alliance General Manager

"The AWD Alliance and SAGE Automation are working together to deliver invaluable industry-derived training to the Air Warfare Destroyer RAN crews".

Challenge

The Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs), that were constructed in Osborne, South Australia, are some of the world’s most capable multi-purpose warships.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) requires the crew to be able to effectively operate the electrical control systems on-board the AWDs. This is why up-to-date training in maintenance and programming of PLC control systems is essential.

PLC training enables crew to identify and solve faults, while a specialist understanding of the electrical control systems results in effective communication with external maintenance providers.

Solution

AWD Alliance contracted us to deliver the PLC training as a component of the wider IPMS Maintenance Course for RAN crews. This program was delivered in two parts: a generic course and a specific course.

This is the second time that we have worked with the Alliance to deliver PLC training for the AWD Project.

Outcome

Training Delivered:

  • Facilitator-led classroom component with course material
  • Practical component using world-class training platforms
  • Three practical and theoretical assessments

 

Specific course:

  • Designed around the training platforms that Skills Lab designed and built for defence training
  • Used a variety of PLCs (5) known to be on-board the AWDs

 

Technology Utilised:

  • Allen Bradley (Rockwell) CompactLogix PLC
  • Siemens: s7-200 PLC
  • Schneider: Twido, TSX Premium PLC
  • Omron PLC
  • Saia-Burgess PLC
  • Profibus communication
  • Ethernet communication

This training was delivered as SAGE Automation Training, which has since relaunched as 'Skills Lab' to expand its offering nationally and globally. As Sister companies, Skills Lab and SAGE Automation still draw upon the same pool of industry expertise to develop and deliver real skills development with a new resolve and a dedicated team of specialist trainers.
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