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PLC & Robotic Technician Program

Advanced manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing, high-demand industry sectors in Southeast Michigan, with thousands of positions open annually. Our hands-on programmable logic controller and robotic technician training program allows you to acquire the certifications needed to step right into a variety of jobs with robotics manufacturers, system integrators and automation.

While many robotics-related positions in southeast Michigan are in automotive manufacturing, demand for programmable logic controller and robotic technicians is expanding quickly into other industries, including the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, food preparation and e-commerce fulfillment.

Average entry-level wage range: $20 – $25 per hour

Program Information

Cohort 26: July 8, 2026 - October 7, 2026
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
Days/Times: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program Length: 14 weeks
Location: Auburn Hills campus
Cost: $7,000
Funding: We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Potential funding options are available with Michigan Works! and the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship. Please see training payment options for more details.

Start your Someday!

Attend an information session to learn more. During the one hour online presentation, you'll learn more about this face-to-face program, classes included with the training, hands-on components, application details, opportunities to earn certifications, employer partnerships and more.

PLC and Robotic Training Course Jumpstarts Successful Career Transition

For more than 20 years, Sang Lee worked his way up the ladder of through the restaurant industry. He started as a line cook, eventually becoming a chef and a restaurant owner. While working various jobs in the field, he also fixed restaurant equipment when it broke down.
Read Sang's story

What to Expect

Focus: The Programmable Logic Controller and Robotic Technician Program is designed to give you all of the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to enter one of the fastest growing and high-demand industry sectors in Southeast Michigan.
Certifications*: OSHA 10, FANUC Cert 1, SACA Micro Credentials and Mike Rowe Work Ethics
Real-world experience: The Program is 528 hours of education with 120 hours spent in the lab and 160 hours spent on PLCs
Employer Partners: TREVA, Kelly Services, Magna, Paragon Technologies, GLOBAL Automation Technologies, Branex Group
Resources: We understand that you may encounter unexpected challenges. We do our best to help you succeed during the training. We have compiled a resource list with OCC and community-based accommodations, career services, clothing resources, food assistance, technology, and more.
*Note: Individuals who pass three exams are eligible to receive up to ten credits at OCC. These credits can be applied towards IST 1000 Industrial Math, IST 1300 Industrial Print Reading and ROB 1500 Introduction to Robotics Technology. Visit the Exam Credit web page for more details.

Training Payment Options

We understand that our short-term training programs are an investment. Our goal is to help retrain you so you can quickly gain employment and earn a good income in the field.

The good news is that there are options to pay for your training. Any combination of these methods can be used as a source of payment. If you have additional questions, please contact the program coordinator.

Ready to take the next step and apply? Learn more about the application steps.

The training can be paid out-of-pocket. Accepted forms of payment include Apple or Google Pay, credit card, debit card, cashier's check or money order.

A short-term training program payment authorization form and registration form will need to be completed prior to the start of the program. The amount generally needs to be paid in full prior to the training start date. The forms and payment should be completed by the application deadline. The cost of the program is non-refundable. Connect with the program coordinator to initiate the process.

If you're interested in a payment plan, details can be discussed with the program coordinator. Please note that these training programs are 14-weeks or less. Given the nature of this being short-term, the amount needs to be paid in full before the training program ends.

Employers want to see their employees succeed and continue to grow! Many companies are willing to help pay for current employees to go through training.

Many small, mid-sized, and large businesses offer some form of tuition assistance or reimbursement. Check with your employer for details.

If you're a U.S. veteran, thank you for your service! If you were honorably discharged, you may qualify to use GI Bill benefits. There are several ways how your benefits can be used, including non-degree training programs.

If your parent or guardian setup a MESP account for you, the monies can be used towards a training program. Or, if you had a child with an account who didn't pursue college, you can use the funds for yourself.

If you graduated from high school or earned a GED in 2023 or later, you might qualify for up to $4,000 in tuition dollars over two years. The Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship is open to Michigan residents who have not yet earned an associated or bachelor's degree. Eligibility requirements apply and the application is available online.

We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this training to qualified candidates. Individuals meet with a career advisor to walk you through the process.

Funding is usually open to individuals who meet the following eligibility requirements:

U.S. citizens or those authorized to work in the United States
Ages 18+
Registered with the Selective Service (if applicable)
Other requirements may apply (i.e., residency and employment status)

Specific funding levels vary by individual. Your Michigan Works! advisor will help determine your exact funding level that you'll qualify for.

Career Pathway

Jobs in the robotic industry are in high demand and several opportunities are available. Your personal career pathway will depend on training, education, and on-the-job experience.

Education: OCC short-term training certificate
Sample occupations: Robot Technician, Junior Controls Engineer, Automation Technician