PLC & Robotic Technician | Oakland County, MI

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: $19 – $24 per hour 

Funding Available to Qualified Candidates

We have partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! to offer this no-cost training to qualified candidates. Attend an information session to learn more.

"It literally turned my life around."

How a short-term training program from Oakland Community College gave Shawn McWilliams opportunity and a lucrative career. Learn more...

Program Information

Cohort Start: September 2025
Days/Times: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program Length: 14 weeks
Location: Auburn Hills Campus
Value: $7,000

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.

Application Requirements

U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
17 years or older
Commitment to 14 weeks of training
Not currently registered in school within a local educational agency
Registered with the Selective Service (if applicable)
Unemployed or underemployed
Other eligibility factors may apply
Attend an information session
Complete the application process - apply for Michigan Works! funding or pay out of pocket

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.

Entry Level

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

Technical

Education: OCC certificate or associate's degree
Sample occupations: Robotic Technician, Electromechanical Technologist, Controls Technician

Professional

Education: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, professional experience, etc.
Sample occupations: Industrial and Systems Engineer