(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Sept. 16, 2016) - - - Columbia State Community College's Center for Workforce Development and SWARCO are partnering to offer Programmable Logic Controller Bootcamp at the Columbia Campus Oct. 3 - 7.

John Sproul, general manager of SWARCO, explained that as the industry moves toward more automation and data-driven production systems, such as: assembly lines, amusement rides and lighting fixtures, PLC knowledge is becoming more and more critical in the manufacturing process sector.

"The PLC training program offered by Columbia State will benefit SWARCO's new and experienced employees by furthering and re-enforcing their technical knowledge in basic PLC systems," Sproul said.

Programmable logic controllers are digital computers used for automation of electromechanical processes used to control machinery.

PLC Bootcamp is a combination of both the basic and intermediate PLC classes in which individuals will learn to generate better equipment performance, optimize the control system, increase troubleshooting ability and many other automated electromechanical processes.

PLC Bootcamp is a 40-hour class over five days and focuses on building, troubleshooting and application skills.

In addition to SWARCO employees, PLC Bootcamp is open to other companies and employees who would benefit from this training.

SWARCO is a global manufacturer of highway safety products. Since 1969, SWARCO has been dedicated to producing innovative highway safety products and solutions to make the world's highways safer in the motoring public. Whether it's turnkey traffic management systems, e-mobility systems or cost effective road marking products, SWARCO is a trusted partner for improving highway safety.

For more information regarding PLC training, contact L.K. Browning, director of economic and workforce development, at 931.540.1121.

For full course description, additional information and to register for this or other continuing education courses through Columbia State's Center for Workforce Development, please call 931.540.2659 or visit http://registration.xenegrade.com/columbiastate. The Columbia Campus is located at 1665 Hampshire Pike.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.