Hey guys, hope you all doing great.​

So, Last year I finished my 2 years technical course on Industrial Automation and since then I'm currently working on an Air Separation Plant but not on this field but as an operator, I have exaggerated access to everything (Controls, APC, MPC, Sensors, valves...).
Combined with my automation course, I have a pretty strong base, but I didn't start a university yet due to not having any institution close by (Remote class is definitely not an option...).

So, I would like to ask, do you have any recommendation, books or advice that would help me to really dive into this field?
Mainly Controls, Supervisory, APC, MPC and whatever helps me to find a job opportunity in this field?
I believe I can find an opportunity where I work but I don't think I'm prepared enough.

 

Just be patient, the opportunity will present it self. Automation is all about how the operators run the plant and keep it going, understanding the process is key to troubleshooting automation issues.

 

@Lass,

I wholeheartedly agree with Dave--automation is ALL about understanding the process and the P&IDs. If you don't already have your own large size (A3 or B) copies of the P&IDs--get them. Make notes on your copies. Go out in the plant and get familiar with the locations of the devices on the P&IDs. That will make you an excellent operator--and as David wrote, being a good operator, knowing what's supposed to happen when and what's not supposed to happen when AND understanding the P&IDs is the best start on becoming a very good technician. Knowing the automation equipment is all well and good, but knowing the process is even more important.

You will also find that learning the automation equipment on site will be easier because you know what it's supposed to be doing and you can follow along to see how the automation equipment does that. It's much more difficult trying to deciper code when you don't know what it's supposed to be doing. That's where knowing the process--as an operator to begin with--gives you a leg up on troubleshooting and problem-solving.

There are all kinds of YouTube videos about all kinds of automation equipment and devices. Just know that some of it is much better than others. That's where the other key technical ability for automation personnel is ... drum roll ... critical thinking. Critical thinking skills are very important, and again, that's where knowing the process really comes in helpful.

A good technician can ask questions to get a clear understanding of the sequence of events, knows how to look at alarm log(s), and can make good decisions in the heat of trying to get the plant up and running again.

It's not all about book-learnin', it's more about process--and people. The job is only about 30% technical, and 70% people. One can be the best technician in the world, but without people skills it's not going to be an easy life. It's not that much different from a lot of jobs and careers--except that in the process automation field there is often

 

Your knowledge of the electronics and the controllers, will help troubleshoot when things go bad with transmitters, sensors or final operators.