Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) Palestine Campus is excited to offer an automation training program to support students who want to learn how to use programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and industrial robotics in their careers.

The development of this two-semester program was made possible in partnership with Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC), which pledged $380,000 for high-demand job training through a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

“We wanted to address the biggest need in Anderson County,” TVCC Associate Vice President of Workforce Education Richard Crosby shared. “We already have an automation and controls program in place, and this seemed like the path that would do the best to supply industries with trained employees.”

Students who enroll in the automation training program can receive an Occupational Skills Award or a certificate of completion after they complete their coursework. TVCC hopes to eventually add more classes so students can pursue an associate's degree in the automation field.

Students enrolled in the automation training program through TVCC will take several classes that build on their skills over the two-semester program. Automation training instructor Ronn Herod explained the overview of the program includes:

• Basic electrical theory
• Motor control
• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Beginning industrial robotics, including FANUC robotics systems
• Basic fluid power, like hydraulics and pneumatics
• Vision systems

Students will also learn how to integrate multiple systems together, like using PLCs alongside robots. While this is part of a workforce education program, students can choose to get the remainder of their degree after they complete this two-semester certificate. TVCC is also working with the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) to offer the students certifications as they complete the courses.

Between Herod and Crosby, the course was developed with an understanding that some students might not have been in a traditional classroom setting for several years and might be nervous about taking technical courses that tap into foundational knowledge like algebra. However, this certificate was designed as a form of vocational training. Students don’t need prerequisite knowledge and the professors will cover everything they need to know to be successful in their careers.

“Once you apply yourself, you can grasp these things and move forward,” Herod shared. “I tell my students the only way not to make a mistake is to never do anything new. It’s okay to make mistakes, but don’t let them defeat you.”

TVCC has already received letters of support from two companies in the Palestine region, Walmart Distribution Center and Wayne-Sanderson Farms, who say they are eager to send over employees who want to be upskilled in this field. However, the automation training program is open to anybody who wants to change careers or advance beyond their current positions.

“Every company does something different, but the skills are the same,” Crosby explained. “Our goal is to teach students foundational skills that can be applied in any organization.”

Along with planning to turn this non-degree-seeking certification into the framework for an associate’s degree, the TVCC team wants to develop a program with Palestine ISD so students can learn about industrial robotics and PLCs while completing their high school coursework. 

“Everybody wants the automation training program to benefit as many people as possible,” said Herod. “They want it to touch the entire population of Palestine, Texas. The community doesn’t want graduates to leave and never come back, so we are providing opportunities for students to get these skills and stay here.”

From an economic development standpoint, investing in vocational education supports existing industries while attracting new ones. Residents develop new skills and can grow their careers, which they can then apply to companies that come to the area.

“A program like the one TVCC has developed through our grant funds can create a snowball effect for the City of Palestine,” Economic Development Director at PEDC Christophe Trahan noted. “It benefits employers looking for upskilled staff, residents looking to improve themselves, and even future generations.”