A few years ago, knowing basic electrical work was enough to get a job.
Today, things have changed.
Industries no longer want only electricians or electrical engineers — they want engineers who understand automation.
If you are still thinking “I’ll learn PLC later”, this blog is for you.
The Reality of Modern Industries
Walk into any manufacturing plant and you will notice one thing:
Machines are no longer controlled manually.
Motors, conveyors, pumps, valves — everything runs through PLC systems.
Production speed, quality, and safety all depend on automation logic.
That is why companies now expect electrical engineers to understand:
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How PLC logic works
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How machines communicate
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How faults are diagnosed quickly
Why PLC Is No Longer an Optional Skill
Earlier, PLC was considered a “special skill.”
Now, it is becoming basic knowledge.
Even for entry-level roles, companies ask:
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Have you worked on PLCs?
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Do you know HMI or SCADA?
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Can you read automation drawings?
Engineers who cannot answer these questions struggle to grow.
Automation Means Less Physical Work, More Brain Work
One big advantage of automation is smart work over hard work.
Instead of pulling cables all day, automation engineers:
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Design logic
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Test systems on simulation
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Monitor plants from control rooms
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Solve problems using data
This shift is attracting many young engineers toward PLC and SCADA roles.
What Industries Actually Expect from Fresh Engineers
You don’t need to know everything.
But industries expect clarity in basics, such as:
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Motor control logic
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Sensors and actuators
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PLC inputs and outputs
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HMI screen understanding
Once these basics are strong, learning advanced topics becomes easy.
The Growth Is Real, Not Hype
Automation is expanding because:
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Production demand is increasing
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Skilled manpower is limited
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Companies want faster and safer systems
That’s why automation engineers are required in:
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Manufacturing plants
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Food & beverage industries
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Chemical and pharma plants
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Automotive factories
My Honest Advice to Electrical Engineers
If you are an electrical engineer and still confused about your career path, start with PLC.
You don’t need expensive labs.
Simulation tools, online practice, and real-logic understanding are enough to begin.
Consistency matters more than certificates.
Final Thought
Automation will not replace engineers.
But engineers who know automation will replace those who don’t.
If you want a stable, respected, and growing career — PLC & Automation is the way forward.
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