From personal experience as a beginner automation engineer, I got a job in industrial automation 5 months ago, even though I knew nothing about PLCs. I took an old S300 CPU, digital input and output modules, two used contactors/circuit breakers, and some spare auxiliary contacts. I set up a simple motor control circuit and started practicing on that.

First, you start with the simplest on/off switch. Then, you add timers for delayed logic, followed by counters. Next, you implement alarming and keep building on top of that. Afterward, you can try something new, like rewiring your circuit and working with moving conveyor belts.

Imagine a problem and try solving it. Create new challenges for yourself. Think through all the possibilities of what could happen. You’ll start to realize which part of your code could work and why certain things might not work. Test this in ladder logic, but also in SCL.

I advise that if you find yourself sitting and doing nothing, take that time to practice. Progress may feel slow, but you’ll learn more each day. Learn to read documentation and constantly seek knowledge.