One of the most rewarding aspects of what we do at EDWartens is watching students transform their careers. This is the story of a student who went from having no automation experience to landing an engineering role working with Siemens systems.
The Starting Point
Like many of our career-changer students, this individual came from a different professional background. With bills to pay, a family to support, and no engineering qualifications, the idea of changing career seemed daunting.
The motivation was clear, however: a desire for more intellectually stimulating work, better long-term career prospects, and the kind of job security that comes with being in a high-demand technical field.
Discovering EDWartens
After researching options online and speaking with working PLC engineers, our student discovered EDWartens. The CPD accreditation, hands-on approach, and career support were decisive factors in choosing us over other providers.
The Training Journey
The training programme covered:
- Electrical fundamentals — Building a foundation in circuits, components, and safety
- PLC hardware architecture — Understanding how Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 systems work at the hardware level
- TIA Portal programming — Ladder logic, function blocks, and structured text
- HMI configuration — Designing operator interfaces with WinCC
- Practical projects — Building complete automation solutions from specification to testing
- Career preparation — CV writing, interview skills, and industry knowledge
The intensive, hands-on nature of the training was challenging but effective. Working with real PLC hardware rather than just simulations meant that skills developed in the classroom translated directly to the workplace.
The Job Search
With CPD-accredited training completed and a portfolio of practical projects, the job search began. EDWartens career support included:
- CV review and optimisation for automation roles
- Interview preparation with mock technical interviews
- Introduction to employers in our hiring network
- Guidance on salary expectations and negotiation
Within weeks of completing the course, our student had multiple interview opportunities. The combination of practical training, CPD certification, and career support created a compelling application.
Landing the Role
The successful offer came from a company working primarily with Siemens automation systems. The employer specifically noted that the hands-on training and CPD accreditation gave them confidence in the candidate's ability to contribute from day one.
Starting as a junior controls engineer, the role involved:
- Programming Siemens PLCs for manufacturing applications
- Assisting with commissioning on customer sites
- Developing HMI screens and documentation
- Learning from senior engineers on complex projects
Lessons Learned
Several takeaways from this success story apply to anyone considering a career change into automation:
- Structured training matters — Self-study alone may not give you the verifiable skills employers need
- Practical experience is essential — Hands-on programming with real hardware builds genuine confidence
- Career support accelerates outcomes — Having guidance on CVs, interviews, and employer connections shortens the transition
- Persistence pays off — Career changes are challenging but absolutely achievable with the right support
- Age is not a barrier — Employers in automation care about skills and attitude, not age
Your Story Could Be Next
Every month, we see students arrive at EDWartens from diverse backgrounds — electricians, IT professionals, graduates, military veterans, and complete career changers. Many of them go on to build successful, fulfilling careers in automation engineering.
If you are considering making the switch, visit edwartens.co.uk to explore our courses and speak with our admissions team about which programme is right for your situation.