PLC and SCADA Training for Cardiff professionals
CPD Accredited Training

PLC & SCADA Training in Cardiff

CPD Accredited Industrial Automation Training for Cardiff Professionals

In-person at our Milton Keynes centre or live online from Cardiff

Industrial Automation in Cardiff

Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys have a resurgent manufacturing sector, anchored by the SWALEC semiconductor cluster at Newport, Aston Martin's St Athan super-factory, and the Ford engine plant at Bridgend's successor operations. The Nantgarw and Treforest industrial estates host a range of precision engineering and electronics firms. Wales's commitment to Industry 4.0 through the Cardiff Capital Region's compound semiconductor cluster makes PLC and SCADA training essential for local engineers seeking to stay competitive.

Key Industries in Cardiff

AutomotiveSemiconductorSteelElectronicsDefenceFood Manufacturing

Major Employers

Aston MartinGeneral DynamicsIQE (semiconductors)Tata Steel (Port Talbot)Airbus (Broughton nearby)SPTS Technologies

Also Serving

Newport · Bridgend · Pontypridd · Barry · Caerphilly · Cwmbran

The Automation Landscape in Cardiff

Cardiff's automation landscape has been transformed by major investments in automotive and semiconductor manufacturing across South Wales. Aston Martin's St Athan super-factory, built inside former MoD hangars, uses advanced robotic assembly systems for the DBX luxury SUV. The IQE and SPTS Technologies compound semiconductor cluster at Newport is producing the chips that power 5G and autonomous vehicle systems, requiring cleanroom automation expertise. Tata Steel's Port Talbot works, one of the UK's last integrated steelworks, uses massive PLC-controlled rolling mills and furnace systems. The Nantgarw and Treforest industrial estates add a diverse mix of electronics, packaging, and precision engineering automation.

Did You Know?

The IQE semiconductor fabrication facility in Newport produces compound semiconductor wafers used in every 5G smartphone, with PLC-controlled epitaxy reactors operating at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C and requiring nanometre-level precision.

Career Outlook in Cardiff

South Wales automation engineers earn £30,000-£48,000, with semiconductor cleanroom roles and steel process control positions at the premium end. The Cardiff Capital Region's £1.2 billion City Deal is investing heavily in compound semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, creating new automation roles. Engineers with both PLC and semiconductor equipment interface (SECS/GEM) experience are exceptionally rare and highly valued by the Newport chip cluster.

Real Automation Projects in Cardiff

The skills you learn with EDWartens are directly applicable to these types of projects happening in and around Cardiff.

Aston Martin St Athan DBX assembly line robotic cell PLC programming

Tata Steel Port Talbot hot strip mill PLC and SCADA modernisation

IQE Newport compound semiconductor cleanroom automation system integration

General Dynamics Oakdale military vehicle production line Allen-Bradley PLC upgrade

Hands-on PLC training for Cardiff engineers
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Industrial automation students from Cardiff

Our Courses

Training Programmes for Cardiff Professionals

Professional Module

PLC, SCADA, HMI & FactoryIO

  • Duration: 5 Working Days + Online Recorded Sessions
  • Language: English
  • Delivery: Live Online + In-person (Milton Keynes, UK)
  • Covers: Siemens TIA Portal, SCADA, HMI, FactoryIO
  • Certificate: CPD Accredited

£2,140 + VAT full programme

View full course details

AI Module

AI in Industrial Automation

  • AI & Machine Learning for Automation
  • Computer Vision for Quality Inspection
  • Predictive Maintenance with AI
  • CPD Accredited Certification

What You'll Learn in the Professional Module

A comprehensive 5-day intensive programme with online recorded sessions covering everything from PLC fundamentals to advanced SCADA systems — designed to make you job-ready.

Day 1–2: PLC Fundamentals

  • Siemens S7-1200 & S7-1500 hardware
  • TIA Portal software setup & navigation
  • Ladder Logic & Function Block programming
  • Digital & analog I/O configuration

Day 3: Advanced PLC Programming

  • Structured Text (ST) programming
  • Timer, counter & comparator functions
  • Data handling & memory management
  • Program debugging & testing

Day 4: SCADA & HMI Systems

  • WinCC SCADA configuration
  • HMI screen design & navigation
  • Alarm management & trending
  • Data logging & historical reports

Day 5: Networking & Projects

  • PROFINET & PROFIBUS protocols
  • Ethernet/IP communication
  • PLC-to-PLC data exchange
  • Network troubleshooting techniques

Online: Simulation & Assessment

  • FactoryIO 3D simulation
  • Real-world automation scenarios
  • Conveyor, sorting & batch processes
  • Final capstone project & assessment

Career & Certification

  • CPD Accredited certificate
  • CV building & LinkedIn optimisation
  • Interview preparation & mock interviews
  • Direct introductions to hiring employers

Automation Opportunities in Cardiff

The industrial automation sector in Cardiffis growing rapidly. Here's why PLC and SCADA skills are in high demand.

Industrial automation and PLC engineering opportunities in Cardiff

£35k – £75k

Average automation engineer salary range in the UK

Career Roles Available in Cardiff

PLC Programmer
Controls Engineer
Automation Engineer
SCADA Developer
Systems Integrator
Commissioning Engineer
Maintenance Technician
Instrumentation Engineer

Cardiff Industry Demand

The Automotive, Semiconductor, Steel sectors in Cardiff are actively investing in automation. Companies like Aston Martin, General Dynamics, IQE (semiconductors) regularly recruit PLC and SCADA engineers.

Average salaries for automation engineers in the UK range from £35,000 to £65,000, with senior roles commanding £70,000+.

The UK faces a shortage of over 20,000 automation engineers, making this one of the fastest routes to employment after training.

Technologies Covered

Siemens S7-1200Siemens S7-1500TIA Portal V18WinCC SCADAFactoryIOPROFINETLadder LogicFunction BlocksStructured TextHMI DesignPID ControlIndustrial IoT

Why Train Now?

1.Industry 4.0 adoption is accelerating — companies need skilled automation engineers now
2.Salary premium — PLC engineers earn 30-50% more than general maintenance roles
3.Job security — automation skills are recession-proof with constant demand
4.Fast-track to employment — our graduates get placed within weeks of completing training

Upcoming Batches

Reserve Your Spot

All courses are delivered as live online sessions in English with limited seats per batch for personalised attention. In-person attendance also available at our Milton Keynes training centre.

Professional

UK-PROF-W13-2026

Starts 30 March 2026
5 Days Live + Recorded Sessions
Live Online Course
English
5 spots remaining
Reserve Your Spot
Professional

UK-PROF-W14-2026

Starts 30 March 2026
5 Days Live + Recorded Sessions
Live Online Course
English
6 spots remaining
Reserve Your Spot
AI Module

UK-AI-W14-2026

Starts 30 March 2026
5 Days Live + Recorded Sessions
Live Online Course
English
6 spots remaining
Reserve Your Spot

Why EDWartens

Why Cardiff Engineers Choose EDWartens

CPD Accredited

Internationally recognised CPD accreditation, valued by UK and European employers.

Hands-on Labs

Real Siemens S7-1200/1500 PLCs, Allen-Bradley, SCADA systems, and FactoryIO simulation.

Career Support

Dedicated placement team connecting graduates with employers like Aston Martin and General Dynamics.

Flexible Delivery

Attend in-person at our Milton Keynes centre or join live online sessions from Cardiff.

Getting to Our Training Centre from Cardiff

140 miles from Milton Keynes
~2 hours by train

Our training centre is located in Milton Keynes, easily accessible from Cardiffby train or car. Milton Keynes Central station has excellent connections to all major UK cities. Can't travel? Join our live online sessions instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

PLC Training in Cardiff — FAQs

Is PLC training available in Cardiff?

Yes — EDWartens offers CPD accredited PLC training accessible from Cardiff. Our Milton Keynes centre is 2 hours by train from Cardiff Central, or you can join live online sessions. The course covers Siemens TIA Portal, SCADA, HMI, and FactoryIO.

What PLC jobs are available in Cardiff?

South Wales offers PLC engineering roles across automotive (Aston Martin), semiconductor (IQE, SPTS), steel (Tata Steel), defence (General Dynamics), and electronics manufacturing. Salaries range from £30,000 for entry-level to £48,000+ for senior controls and process engineers.

Is the South Wales manufacturing sector growing?

Yes — the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal is investing over £1 billion in advanced manufacturing, particularly compound semiconductors and electric vehicle components. This is creating sustained demand for PLC and automation engineers across the region, making it an excellent time to gain these qualifications.

Get Started

Enquire About Training from Cardiff

Fill in the form below and our team will get back to you within 24 hours with course details, batch availability, and pricing.

All prices exclude UK VAT (20%). VAT added at checkout.

CPD Accredited
UKRLP Registered
ISO 9001 Quality

Why Engineers in Cardiff Choose EDWartens

Career Transition: Move from general engineering into high-demand PLC/SCADA roles with £35-65k salary range
Upskill Existing Role: Add PLC programming to your CV while working — online + weekend options available
Industry Shortage: UK faces a critical shortage of automation engineers — Automotive, Semiconductor sectors in Cardiff are actively hiring
Placement Support: 100% career support including CV writing, interview prep, and direct introductions to employers like Aston Martin, General Dynamics