Top 5 Automation Technologies Every Manufacturing Student Should Master A few decades ago, working at a f actory used to mean ‘muscles and repetition’. Workers tightened bolts and kept machines running through constant effort. Fast forward to today, and the factory floor tells a very different story. Robots assemble cars, sensors track performance, and compute rs make decisions in real time. If you’re preparing to join this world, one lesson is clear: understanding automation is a non- negotiable. It’s not just about “keeping up”—it’s about becoming the person who makes these systems work. And that’s where your career as a manufacturing and automation technician begins. The right automation technician training program at a respected manufacturing trade school gives you hands-on experience with the very tools employers use daily. When you follow this path, becoming a manufacturing and automation technician doesn’t just land you a job — it secures a career that will only grow stronger as technology advances. Why Automation Training Matters More Than Ever Today’s employers no longer search for workers who can simply operate machines. They need people who can program, troubleshoot, and even improve them. For students, investing in automation training is the fastest route to high-demand, skilled trade jobs Here are some key facts: Insight Statistic Factories worldwide are using robotics 72% (Deloitte, 2024) New jobs in U.S. manufacturing due to automation 3.5 million by 2030 (McKinsey) Employers requiring PLC skills 84% (National Association of Manufacturers) Average annual salary increase for automation-skilled technicians 22% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) The takeaway? Automation isn’t replacing opportunity—it’s creating it. With the right manufacturing trade school , you’ll be among the technicians that industries compete to hire The Top 5 Manufacturing and Automation Technician Technologies You Can’t Ignore Here’s a closer look at the five technologies every student must master before stepping into the field. 1. Robotics and Robotic Arms Robots are everywhere on the factory floor, from welding to packaging. They don’t replace workers — they rely on workers to keep them efficient. For every manufacturing technician , knowing how to calibrate, program, and repair robotic systems is vital. A strong automation technician training program ensures you don’t just observe robots — you actually control and troubleshoot them. 2. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) PLCs are the decision-makers of automation. They process signals, control machines, and maintain workflow precision. Without them, factories would fall out of sync. At any strong manufacturing trade school , you’ll spend hours wiring, coding, and troubleshooting PLCs. It’s not about memorization—it’s about developing problem -solving instincts. Because most skilled trade jobs require PLC knowledge, students who master it never struggle to find opportunities. 3. CNC Machines While producing an aircraft’s engine part or producing brake systems of a car, precision is everything. CNC machines deliver that accuracy, turning raw material into exact components. For students undergoing automation training and becoming manufacturing technicians , CNC labs are often the breakthrough moment. You type a code, press run, and watch as the machine transforms a block into a prec ise piece. That’s when theory becomes reality. An automation technician training program that covers CNC gives you more than technical skills. It gives you the required confidence that you can create parts industries trust — whether in aerospace, automotive, or electronics. 4. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) In the past, factories worked on routine maintenance or guesswork. If a motor broke down, production stopped. IIoT changes the game. With sensors monitoring vibration, temperature, and output, factories can predict failures before they happen. Imagine a system alerting you that a motor is overheating before it shuts down an entire line —that’s IIoT in action. For manufacturing and automation technician students, learning IIoT at a manufacturing trade school means so much more than just coding. It’s also about interpreting a given dataset and then making real-time decisions in the industry. For more industry insight, check Industry Week —they often report on IIoT’s growing role in factories. 5. CAD and Other Simulation Software Before machines start producing anything, designs need to be perfect. CAD and simulation tools let technicians visualize, test, and refine processes before production begins. Employers want technicians who can do more than operate machines — they want innovators who prevent costly errors in advance. That’s why CAD training is part of any strong automation technician training program Skill Area Employers Prioritizing It PLC troubleshooting 84% Robotics programming 78% CAD and simulation 69% IIoT integration 61% For any aspiring manufacturing technician , CAD knowledge is a proven way to stand out in job interviews. Choosing the Right Manufacturing And Automation Technician Training You cannot learn automation skills via some random tutorials on YouTube. Structured, hands-on training is essential. At Philadelphia Technician Training Institute, students train in labs that mirror real factory settings. From robotic arms to CNC machines, everything you practice is industry-standard. Programs at PTTI turn students into confident technicians ready for day one on the job. Graduates from PTTI stand o ut because they don’t just know the concepts—they’ve lived the work. Employers recognize that difference immediately. Skilled Trades Career Here’s the reality: automation isn’t eliminating jobs, it’s changing them. Machines still need human oversight, fro m installation to programming to repair. That’s why technicians remain indispensable. Graduates of a manufacturing trade school find themselves in careers, not just jobs. Where past generations turned bolts, today’s workers program robots and analyze IIoT data. The work evolves, but the need never disappears. If you’re considering an automation technician training program , remember: trades aren’t going anywhere. They’re simply becoming more innovative and more rewarding. And those who master automation are the first to get employment. Conclusion If your goal is to become a manufacturing and automation technician , the future is wide open. Today, all industries depend widely on people who can keep automation running smoothly. With the proper training, you’re not just learning how to work with machines; you’re stepping into a role where you keep entire systems alive and productive. And here’s the truth: many students realize only after starting that skilled trades aren’t fading, they’re transforming. What once was a wrench and grease job is now programming, analyzing, and solving problems in real time. That’s not just a career—it’s a calling.