STEP INTO A GREAT 21ST CENTURY CAREER.

Automation is taking over manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, distribution, e-commerce, energy and utilities, gaming, construction, and many other areas by storm. Along with it comes an opportunity to join this new work environment and the rewards that it offers.

We have a close to 100% completion rate, in the online training world where widely-recognized training programs such as Google’s Data Analytics Certificate training have a less than 10% completion rate. Assuming program completion is important to you, click here to take a deeper dive into how our training is very different from other online training programs.

Over the past 15 years, we have perfected a gamified, learn-by-doing approach that ensures you enjoy learning while gathering the skills and practical experience that employers look for in job applicants.

Overview of Training

This Automation Skills Training provides you with must-have automation skills needed to thrive in the 21st century workplace. This 160-hour training can be completed in as little as 2 months.

There are no lectures or exams. You learn at your own pace, by completing practical projects and solving real-life problems, rather than by watching videos and answering quiz questions.

Mandatory courses include Workplace Math, Data Handling, Machine Programming, Blueprint Reading, and OSHA Workplace Safety. Electives include Data Visualization, Introduction to CNC, Spatial Reasoning, Fundamentals of Electricity, PLC Programming, and Introduction to AI.

The training is self-paced and works well with your family and work responsibilities.

Upon completing the program, you have acquired important hard and soft automation skills and are ready to pass industry-recognized certifications, including the ACT Workkeys NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate) and TOSA spreadsheet certificate.

Mandatory Courses

Workplace Math

This 25-hour course is for you if you need a refresher on basic math, and it can be waived if you demonstrate math fluency. It takes away any anxiety you might feel towards math. In small and simple steps, we review how to work with whole and decimal numbers, fractions, percentages, unit conversions, and solve simple tech-related math problems. After completing this course, you are ready to pass the ACT WorkKeys Applied Math exam.

Data Handling

In this 40-hour course, you become proficient with spreadsheets. You learn how to organize, format, and manipulate data, use formulas and functions, perform calculations, use Boolean logic and conditionals, work with conditional aggregate functions, wildcards, and arrays, work with date and time values, use info functions, and interpret errors. You learn how to process text data, perform basic data lookups, import data from external sources, clean data, and prepare it for analytics. After completing this course, you are ready to pass the TOSA Basic Level exam.

Machine Programming

In this 20-hour course, you learn how computers think, how they operate, and how they can be used to solve problems. You learn how to design algorithms and type code, identify repeating patterns, and use loops to repeat actions. Upon completing the program, you have acquired the mindset and skills needed to successfully deal with automation and intelligent machines. After completing this course, you are also ready to pass the ACT WorkKeys Workplace Documents exam.

Blueprint Reading

This 20-hour course develops your spatial reasoning skills (“ability to think in the 3D space”) and presents basic facts about blueprints including their history and the related ASME, ANSI, and ISO standards. It teaches you in depth how to read manufacturing blueprints including advanced concepts such as material conditions and modifiers, bonus tolerance, virtual condition, datum shift, and others. The course also covers Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), including the most important GD&T rules and the 14 most widely used GD&T symbols.

OSHA Workplace Safety

This 10-hour course provides you essential training on workplace safety and health standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Designed for workers, supervisors, and employers across various industries, the course covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint. Completion of an OSHA course helps promote a safer work environment and ensures compliance with federal safety regulations.

Elective Courses

Data Visualization

In this 20-hour course, you learn fundamental data concepts and how to use spreadsheets to visualize both quantitative (numeric) and qualitative (categorical) data. You review basic statistics concepts and are introduced to data analytics. After completing this course, you are ready to pass the TOSA Advanced Level exam and the ACT WorkKeys Graphic Literacy exam. Prerequisites: Data Literacy 1.

Computational Literacy 2

This 10-hour course is designed for you if you’ve enjoyed Computational Literacy and are interested in learning more computer programming. You learn about Boolean logic, conditional statements, conditional loops, how to define custom commands and functions, and how to break complex problems into simpler ones. Prerequisites: Computational Literacy 1.

Spatial Literacy 1

Spatial literacy, often referred to as spatial thinking or spatial reasoning, is the ability to understand and reason about spatial relationships in both two and three dimensions. In this 20-hour hands-on course, you review basic geometry concepts including 2D and 3D shapes, translations (vectors) and rotations (angles), and then you actively build 3D models using a CAD software. Understanding of the 3D space is desirable in many Industry 4.0 careers including robotics, manufacturing, construction, logistics, healthcare, and others. Finally, the Spatial Literacy course exposes you to 3D printing, and you will be able to make a 3D print of your own that you’ll be able to present to your prospective employers.

Spatial Literacy 2

This 20-hour course is designed for you if you’ve enjoyed Spatial Literacy and are interested in learning more 3D modeling. You have an opportunity to select an advanced 3D model that you want to make. The model will be approved of your academic advisor, who might suggest changes if the project is too easy or too hard. Prerequisites: Spatial Literacy 1.

Introduction to CNC

This 20-hour course provides you an introduction to Computer Numerical Control (CNC). This is a modern manufacturing method that automates the control, movement, and precision of machine tools through the use of G-code and preprogrammed software tools.

Fundamentals of Electricity

This course provides you with a solid foundation in basic electrical principles essential for working with industrial automation systems. Topics include voltage, current, resistance, Ohm’s Law, and the safe use of multimeters. You learn how to interpret wiring diagrams, understand series and parallel circuits, identify key electrical components (such as switches, relays, fuses, solenoids, and contactors), and trace power flow through a control system. Emphasis is placed on electrical safety practices, including lockout/tagout procedures, proper grounding, and personal protective equipment (PPE). By mastering these core concepts, you gain the confidence and competence needed to troubleshoot and work safely around live electrical systems in manufacturing and industrial environments.

PLC Programming

This course introduces you to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), the backbone of modern industrial automation. You learn the structure and operation of PLCs, including input/output modules, power supplies, CPUs, and communication interfaces. The course emphasizes Ladder Logic programming, the industry-standard language used to control automated systems. You gain hands-on experience reading and writing basic ladder diagrams to control outputs such as motors, lights, and solenoids based on sensor inputs. Key concepts include Boolean logic, latching circuits, timers, counters, and safety interlocks. By the end of the course, you can interpret real-world ladder logic programs and modify them to meet changing operational needs—preparing you to troubleshoot and support automated equipment in industrial settings.

Introduction To AI

This 20-hour course provides you an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI). It offers you a foundational exploration of artificial intelligence and equips you with the skills needed to engage with AI technologies thoughtfully and innovatively. By the end of the course, you have a solid grasp of how AI works, its potential applications across various business functions, and the critical considerations necessary for responsible AI development and deployment.

Program Syllabus

We invite you to look at our training program syllabus but we need to explain how it is different from other syllabi you might have or will look at.

While all syllabi show you what is taught in the training, our syllabus shows you both what you are taught and what you are required to make use of yourself. To an employer, this means that you have actually mastered each of the topics covered. Click here to access the syllabus and use the links in the table of contents to see how the various topics that you will be expected to master.

More Information

To talk with one of our product specialists about this program, schedule a call below, fill in the Get-In-Touch form, or simply use the CHAT BOX at the bottom right of this screen.

What Our Trainees Say About Us

Challenging and fun

“This course feels like more of a challenge rather than a class, a lot more fun!” J. S.

Great flexibility

“I love the self-taught aspect of the course supplemented by the teacher. Instruction is excellent. The flexibility is superb.” A. R.

Well organized

“The feature I find most beneficial about this course format is that the notes are always one click away so I don’t need to keep track of writing down my own notes. I also like how we are able to learn at our own pace.” A. L.

Straight to the point

“The most beneficial parts of this hands on course is the ability to access the instructor and the strait-to-the-point lecture and side notes.” E. M.

Pacing is just right

“The format of the course ensures that I am learning what I need to before moving onto the next section. I can learn at my own pace and find supplemented instruction as needed. In many of my previous math courses I have had to spend time at home relearning the material. I really enjoy this format.” M.S.

Perfect teaching method

“As an adult with a busy schedule and the need to work around banking business hours etc.: this method of teaching is perfect for me and I would recommend it for basically anyone on any subject.” F. V.

Superb way to learn

“I really enjoyed the self-paced format of this training program. The material was presented clearly and concisely and allowed me to focus longer on concepts that were difficult, while glancing over concepts I was already familiar with.” A.C.

This is how I like to learn

“This is how I like to learn, at my own pace. I like the bite-sized tutorials and I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I complete the exercises that follow them.” M.J.

Totally worth it

“I just completed 3 courses: SQL Fundamentals, Advanced SQL, and Predictive Data Analytics with Python within the estimated hours that they had advised. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it!” Q.B

Great training!

“I watched videos, read short tutorials, viewed examples, ran demo programs, and then performed exercises that demonstrated my comprehension of the subject matter.” S.L.

The training is really great!

“Not easy but really informative. Practical experience was what I wanted and I feel that I got it.” F. Z.

You do a great job explaining the concepts

“So far I’m enjoying the course. You do a great job explaining the concepts and the logic behind each step (the explanation for the difference between WHERE and HAVING comes to mind)!” R. C.

One of my most engaging courses

“The Computational Literacy course offered by NCLab was one of the most engaging courses I took. I particularly enjoyed how interactive the course was. I found myself thinking about the lessons in my free time, trying to walk through problems in my head so that I would be ready for more difficult material when I logged back in. It was the perfect balance of challenging and rewarding. NCLab made computer programming approachable, which was especially helpful for me, since I had very little prior experience with coding.”  — F.E.

I’m in control of my pace of learning.

“NCLab allows you to work at your own pace which makes learning easier. It also deals with a lot of hands-on learning and practicing writing code which has made me a more confident computer programmer. Overall NCLab is a great program.” — A.S.

It taught me the basics of algorithmic thinking.

“The course is set up in such a way that it’s actually enjoyable to progress through the sections and try to figure out the best way to do things. Despite learning so much, I always felt like I was playing a puzzle game rather than learning how to think like a computer.” — W.C.

I didn’t think learning could be fun until now.

“The methodology of this course taught me to code though a game that required me to bring the robot home through a maze using programming principles. It was an incredibly fun and helpful way to learn the material.” – DD

The idea of coding used to give me a lot of anxiety.

“The NCLab Computational Literacy for Modern Careers course that I am currently taking has made me want to pursue a career in coding. The course goes in depth on what goes into the code instead of making the students memorize everything. The idea of coding used to give me a lot of anxiety, but now I am only wanting to learn more.” — K.A.

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If you have friends who are interested in beginning a 21st century automation-related career and are willing to put in the needed effort, please use the Social Media bar on your screen to share this information with them. Many of our graduates are so grateful that their friends made them aware of our programs because it changed their lives for the better.

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