Training Future Process Control Engineers

[Hasan S. Cemkan]

## Training Future Process Control Engineers

Which courses should be included in the curriculum for process control education at universities, and which should be excluded? Beyond the differences between process and discrete manufacturing, how do educators prepare future engineers and technicians for a career in process control? Experts have differing opinions, but some agree on a hands-on training approach.

### The Balance of Theory and Practice

Control theory is deeply connected to mathematics; however, the level of mathematical knowledge required is debatable. Patrick Dixon, President of Dixon Process Automation Services Inc., states that basic control theory and PID (proportional-integral-derivative) knowledge are necessary. LaPlace transforms are only required for those who want to learn the theory in depth; most practical engineers do not need them.

Russ Rhinehart, an ISA Honorary Member, emphasizes that practical engineers do not deal with complex mathematical methods, and educational materials should be simple and understandable for application. He also highlights the difference between graduate education, which is heavy on mathematical skills, and practical application.

Michael Taube states that LaPlace transforms and frequency-based transfer functions often cause confusion and have no practical added value.

### An Example of a Useful Curriculum

In 2020, the University of Miami developed a 120-hour, three-week foundational training program called "Systems Automation Springboard to Internships (SASI)" for students starting automation internships. This course aims to familiarize students with automation concepts and terminology, enabling them to quickly adapt to their internships.

Patrick Dixon divides the curriculum into four main categories: mathematics, electrical, instruments, and computer. Mathematics courses are fundamental, focusing on students grasping what is mathematically possible in the industry. Advanced concepts such as dead-time compensation, multivariable predictive control, estimation models, neural networks, and optimization are also introduced.

In the electrical section, troubleshooting is paramount; it is important for students to master basic electrical principles, be able to use a multimeter, and apply their knowledge of Kirchhoff's and Ohm's laws.

Instrument courses focus on measurement methods and different valve types. In the computer section, PLC and DCS programming, HMI development, network communication, and cybersecurity, where young automation engineers spend most of their time, are taught at a basic level.

### Online Education and Industry Needs

Bill Battikha, President of Bergotech Inc., points out the shortage of process automation professionals. In this field, where most expertise is learned on the job, training is essential for making correct decisions. As a solution, many institutions are turning to online education programs.

These certificate programs, offered through continuing education at the University of Kansas, include approximately 150 hours of practical, modular courses. Employers save costs and improve business performance by enhancing their employees' knowledge levels.

### ISA Continuing Education Courses

The International Society of Automation (ISA) offers numerous online courses, both instructor-supported and self-paced. The courses cover a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity, industrial communication, digital transformation, IIoT, project management, alarm systems, and process automation.

### Conclusion

While traditional four-year engineering education provides a disciplined and structural foundation, education must also evolve in the changing and developing field of process control automation. Today's students, as future control engineers and technicians, should be prepared with more practical and industry-relevant training.