PLC & SCADA Training in Stoke-on-Trent
CPD Accredited Industrial Automation Training for Stoke-on-Trent Professionals
In-person at our Milton Keynes centre or live online from Stoke-on-Trent
Industrial Automation in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent, world-famous as The Potteries, has evolved its manufacturing heritage into modern advanced ceramics, engineering, and distribution. Companies like Steelite International, Wedgwood, and JCB Ceramics maintain highly automated production facilities. The Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone and Etruria Valley industrial park attract new manufacturing investment, while the nearby JCB facilities at Rocester and Cheadle add to the region's demand for PLC-trained engineers who can programme and maintain automated kiln systems and production lines.
Key Industries in Stoke-on-Trent
Major Employers
Also Serving
Newcastle-under-Lyme · Stafford · Crewe · Leek · Stone · Congleton
The Automation Landscape in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent's automation landscape is uniquely shaped by the ceramics industry, where automated kiln control, robotic glazing, and precision temperature management all depend on PLC systems. Steelite International's modern factory at Middleport uses automated casting, drying, and firing systems controlled by Siemens PLCs to produce millions of pieces of tableware annually. JCB's heavy machinery plants at nearby Rocester and Cheadle feature some of the most advanced PLC-controlled assembly lines in construction equipment manufacturing. The Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone at Etruria Valley is attracting advanced ceramics companies producing technical components for aerospace and medical applications, where PLC-controlled processes demand extreme precision.
Did You Know?
A modern ceramic tunnel kiln at Steelite International in Stoke-on-Trent runs continuously at 1,280°C for months at a time, with PLC-controlled temperature profiles accurate to within 2°C across the 100-metre firing zone — any deviation can ruin an entire kiln load of products.
Career Outlook in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent automation engineers earn £28,000-£44,000, with JCB roles typically at the upper end and offering strong benefits packages. The region's ceramics companies are rapidly modernising, creating opportunities for PLC engineers who can help traditional manufacturers transition to automated production. The cost of living in North Staffordshire is among the lowest in England, meaning real purchasing power from these salaries is competitive with higher-paying southern regions.
Real Automation Projects in Stoke-on-Trent
The skills you learn with EDWartens are directly applicable to these types of projects happening in and around Stoke-on-Trent.
Steelite International Middleport automated ceramic casting and kiln control PLC upgrade
JCB Rocester backhoe loader assembly line PLC and robotic integration
Michelin Stoke tyre production vulcanisation process SCADA system modernisation
KMF Group sheet metal laser cutting cell Siemens S7-1500 PLC commissioning
Our Courses
Training Programmes for Stoke-on-Trent 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 detailsAI 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 Stoke-on-Trent
The industrial automation sector in Stoke-on-Trentis growing rapidly. Here's why PLC and SCADA skills are in high demand.
£35k – £75k
Average automation engineer salary range in the UK
Career Roles Available in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent Industry Demand
The Ceramics, Manufacturing, Distribution sectors in Stoke-on-Trent are actively investing in automation. Companies like JCB, Steelite International, Michelin 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
Why Train Now?
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.
UK-PROF-W13-2026
UK-PROF-W14-2026
UK-AI-W14-2026
Why EDWartens
Why Stoke-on-Trent 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 JCB and Steelite International.
Flexible Delivery
Attend in-person at our Milton Keynes centre or join live online sessions from Stoke-on-Trent.
Getting to Our Training Centre from Stoke-on-Trent
Our training centre is located in Milton Keynes, easily accessible from Stoke-on-Trentby 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 Stoke-on-Trent — FAQs
Is PLC training available in Stoke-on-Trent?
Yes — EDWartens offers CPD accredited PLC training accessible from Stoke-on-Trent. Our Milton Keynes centre is 1.5 hours by train from Stoke station, or you can join live online sessions. The course covers Siemens TIA Portal, SCADA, HMI, and FactoryIO.
What PLC jobs are available in Stoke-on-Trent?
Stoke offers PLC engineering roles in ceramics manufacturing (Steelite, Wedgwood), heavy equipment (JCB at nearby Rocester), tyres (Michelin), and precision engineering (KMF Group). Salaries range from £28,000 for entry-level to £44,000+ for senior controls engineers.
Is the ceramics industry automated?
Increasingly so. Modern ceramics factories use PLC-controlled kilns, robotic glazing, automated casting machines, and vision inspection systems. Traditional Potteries companies are investing heavily in automation to stay competitive, creating excellent opportunities for PLC engineers in a sector that is unique to Stoke-on-Trent.
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