I'm a high school graduate from Turkey. I completed an open high school program — it's a distance-learning system where you study independently and take exams, not a technical or vocational school. I don't want to burden my family. I have to build my future on my own.

I've been looking at PLC programming as a possible career path. I have zero technical background.

My honest questions:

- Is this field actually accessible without a technical degree, or is that a hard wall everywhere?
- What's the bare minimum to start learning? (Software simulators, cheap hardware, etc.)
- What kind of projects or proof would make an employer consider me despite no diploma?
- Are there any certifications worth getting that don't require a degree?
- Has anyone here actually hired or been hired as self-taught with no formal education?

I also haven't looked into remote work yet — I don't know if remote PLC programming jobs exist, or if there are international remote opportunities for someone in my position. If anyone has insight on that, I'd love to hear it.

- Are there remote or international remote opportunities in PLC/automation for self-taught beginners, or is this strictly an on-site field?

I don't need a pep talk. I need to know if I'm climbing the right ladder before I pour everything into this.

Thanks for any honest feedback.

 

In Bangladesh, you need at least a Diploma in Engineering. Not sure about Turkey but PLC syllabus requires you to understand basic engineering terms and theories. Without a trade course at least, it is difficult to understand and qualify.