NC3 Digital Badges

Objective:

Working with a PLC efficiently requires a strong familiarity with the specifics of the programming environment and languages. This is exactly the purpose of this industry recognized certification. The students will work with high-end products from Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley. This training program allows students to acquire hands-on experience with industrial control equipment. Realistic examples are used to motivate students to gain the skills needs to work with PLC controlled systems – which surround us in our daily lives. As a Rockwell Encompass Partner, Festo’s training is well suited for this environment.

Competencies

• Explain the operation and design of various relays.
• State/explain the three PLC sections.
• State/explain the three types of input devices.
• State/explain the types of memory in a PLC.
• Explain different types of PLC addressing.
• State/explain the three types of output devices.
• Convert different numbering systems used in a PLC.
• Explain various Boolean gates/truth tables.
• Demonstrate how to use a PLC for troubleshooting to resolve problems quicker.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

Working with a PLC efficiently requires a strong familiarity with the specifics of the programming environment and languages. This is exactly the purpose of this industry recognized certification. The students will work with high-end products from Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley. This training program allows students to acquire hands-on experience with industrial control equipment. Realistic examples are used to motivate students to gain the skills needs to work with PLC controlled systems – which surround us in our daily lives. As a Rockwell Encompass Partner, Festo’s training is well suited for this environment.

Competencies

• Explain the operation and design of various relays.
• State/explain the three PLC sections.
• State/explain the three types of input devices.
• State/explain the types of memory in a PLC.
• Explain different types of PLC addressing.
• State/explain the three types of output devices.
• Convert different numbering systems used in a PLC.
• Explain various Boolean gates/truth tables.
• Demonstrate how to use a PLC for troubleshooting to resolve problems quicker.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

This certification provides foundational knowledge and hands on skills in production automation, preparing learners to safely assemble, commission, and maintain electromechanical production systems. Emphasizing Industry 4.0 principles, basic electrical and mechanical systems, motor control, PLCs, sensors and actuators, fluid power, and systematic troubleshooting, the program combines instructor led theory with paired lab work and simulation tools to develop practical competencies for industrial automation environments.

Competencies

• Explain Industry 4.0 concepts and integrate basic networked I/O elements
• Apply industrial and electrical safety procedures
• Read, interpret, and produce technical drawings, BOMs, and dimensional measurement records
• Perform semi precision and precision dimensional measurements
• Select and use appropriate tools and fasteners for mechanical assembly
• Describe basic CNC operation and programming concepts
• Assemble, align, and troubleshoot mechanical drives, conveyors, and drive components
• Replace, wire, commission, and troubleshoot DC and AC motors
• Implement hard wired control logic and wire control enclosures
• Size, wire, and explain basic electrical distribution and panel components
• Select and apply appropriate circuit protection devices for basic control panels
• Apply basic grounding and earthing practices in panel and machine wiring
• Identify and explain the function of common AC components and perform basic tests to validate operation
• Measure voltage, current, resistance, and basic AC parameters using appropriate measurement devices
• Calculate and interpret reactance/impedance for simple circuits and apply Ohm’s law and power calculations
• Mount, align, and validate sensor types and integrate sensors
• Program, commission, and troubleshoot PLC sequences for conveyor, distribution, and sorting applications
• Conduct systematic commissioning, diagnostic testing, and fault isolation on electromechanical assemblies
• Perform preventive maintenance, basic repairs, and wear item replacement
• Apply cycle time analysis to optimize production flows
• Apply lean methods and PDCA problem solving to laboratory setups
• Use simulation and eLearning tools to design, simulate, and validate circuits and control logic
• Follow assembly and wiring documentation for torque specs, wiring diagrams, part lists, and safety instructions

Applicable Skills

Objective:

Today, and in the future, Robotics are becoming more and more common. From repetitive tasks to highly complex interaction with humans, robots can be found. This industry recognized certification is designed expose students to the various types of robots and the various ways they can increase productivity in industrial applications. While these robots can replace low skilled human tasks, they require people with technical skills to program, operate and maintain them. Upon completion of this industry recognized certification, students will have worked with various types and brands of robots – learning how to program, teach positions, and work safely with these critical elements of modern industry.

Competencies

• Identify and explain the design and function of various types of robotic systems.
• Safely operate and maintain robotic systems.
• Program various robotic systems.
• Commission and teach robotic programs and positions.
• Understand and define control instructions.
• Utilize conditional statements.
• Incorporate sensors and other applications with a robot application.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

As manufacturing and industry becomes increasingly automated, the understanding of sensors is critical. Sensors are eyes, ears, touch, and feel of automated systems. They relay signals to the “brain” of the system in order for the system to react accordingly. This industry recognized certification will introduce the participant to various sensors common in the industrial auto-mation field. Hands-on experience plays a central role in teaching the fundamentals of sensors. Examples are used to demonstrate the general operational principles of different sensors. Special attention is paid to the selection of the right sensor, its connection, the correct setting and functional checking.

Competencies

• Understand and explain fundamentals of sensor technology.
• Recognize sensor functionality and select the appropriate sensor for various industrial applications.
• Interpret the language, symbology, and protocols commonly used in the sensor field.
• Explain how the various types of sensors work and function.
• Make electrical connections and test the sensor for proper operation.
• Troubleshoot, repair/replace a faulty sensor.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

Students who pass the Certified Industry 4.0 Associate – Fundamentals comprehensive knowledge exam will be well rounded machine operators/technicians, with responsibility for efficient operation of the equipment. They will ensure that the system is running at maximum capacity with an understanding of the role of each component and device. They can identify malfunctions and make minor repairs. To be eligible for the Certified Industry 4.0 Associate – Fundamentals comprehensive knowledge exam students must complete all other Level 1 Certifications listed as prerequisites.

Competencies

• Understand and implement safe operation and maintenance of machines and processes.
• Troubleshoot, address common issues in electromechanical systems.
• Perform routine maintenance activities.
• Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Operate and maintain fluid power systems.
• Effectively work in a team environment and communicate clearly and efficiently with direct and indirect colleagues.
• Perform basic robot programming and operation.
• Identify and explain the components/ functions of a PLC and perform basic PLC programming.
• Describe the function of various sensors and select the correct sensors for different applications.
• Understand and explain the basic concepts and terms of Industry 4.0 and how digitalization is impacting the industry, our daily lives, and cyber-security.

Objective:

The Bionics 4 Education certification includes a choice hands-on bionics kit with components like servo motors, sensors, and 3D-printed parts for building biologically inspired robotic models. Students complete projects while learning coding (Arduino based), robotics, and design. This certification also provides access to digital tools, including tutorials, CAD files, and lesson guides, supporting an interdisciplinary Career Exploration experience that blends biology, engineering, and technology.

Competencies

• Students design unique bionic models using provided components and everyday materials like cardboard or foam, fostering inventive thinking.
• Drawing inspiration from natural systems, learners analyze biological prototypes and adapt them to their own builds, iterating through testing and redesign.
• Projects integrate biology, mechanics, electronics, coding (block-based and C++), and CAD design—mirroring real-world engineering workflows.
• Students engage with digital tools: block-based programming (e.g., Open Roberta), coding in C++, using tablets/smartphones for control, and exploring digital learning resources.
• Encourages anthropomorphic learning: students ask “What can nature teach us?” and translate biological principles into engineering solutions.
• Designed for group work, fostering teamwork and communication—core 21st-century skills.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

In this certification, students will explore the role of an aerodynamics engineer. They will learn about the various shapes and test how different forces affect the performance and/or stability. Objects designed by students will be tested in a wind tunnel to simulate wind currents in the atmosphere and apply their findings to their designs. Students will also explore career opportunities.

Competencies

• The purpose of the Introduction to Aerodynamics course is to provide students the opportunity to explore and design objects with shapes that minimize the impact of airflow against them.
• Using a wind tunnel, tools, and accessories, learners are challenged to design and develop a wing airfoil prototype by taking on the role of an aerodynamics engineer.
• Students must adhere to the specification, requirements, and constraints given, learn about various aerodynamics concepts, acquire the necessary skills to apply those ideas while designing their streamlined airfoil model, and test it in the wind tunnel.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

This certification provides participants with both theoretical insights and practical skills in alternative energy, including solar, wind, and hydro energy systems, preparing them for roles in sustainable energy management and design. The Introduction to Alternative Energy certification provides a comprehensive overview of various energy sources, focusing on renewable energy options and their environmental impact. Participants gain knowledge about different energy types, the fundamentals of energy conversion, and the design considerations necessary for implementing alternative energy systems. The course covers solar, wind, and hydro energy, as well as methods for calculating energy efficiency and implementing sustainable practices. Through hands-on lab activities and real-world project challenges, learners develop practical skills for measuring, calculating, and optimizing energy use. This certification equips participants with the foundational knowledge needed to evaluate and deploy alternative energy technologies effectively.

Competencies

• Alternative Energy System Knowledge: Demonstrates comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of various alternative energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydro energy systems.
• Energy Conversion Fundamentals: Explains and applies the fundamental principles of energy conversion relevant to alternative energy technologies.
• System Design Principles: Identifies and applies key design considerations for the implementation of alternative energy systems.
• Energy Efficiency Calculation: Calculates and interprets energy efficiency metrics for diverse energy systems.
• Energy Measurement and Optimization: Utilizes practical skills and tools to measure, calculate, and optimize energy use in various contexts.
• Technology Evaluation and Deployment: Assesses the suitability and effectiveness of alternative energy technologies for deployment in different applications.
• Environmental Impact Analysis: Critically analyzes the environmental impact of various energy options, with a focus on renewable energy sources.
• Sustainable Practice Application: Develops and recommends sustainable practices for effective energy management.
• Problem Identification in Energy Systems: Identifies potential issues and inefficiencies within alternative energy systems.
• Solution Development for Energy Challenges: Formulates practical solutions to optimize energy use and integrate alternative energy technologies.
• Sustainable Energy Management Readiness: Prepares for and effectively contributes to roles within sustainable energy management.
• Alternative Energy Design Contribution: Collaborates on and contributes to the design and implementation of alternative energy projects.
• Practical Application: Applies theoretical insights to real-world project challenges and hands-on laboratory activities.
• Foundational Knowledge Application: Leverages foundational knowledge to make informed decisions regarding alternative energy technologies.
• Adaptability to New Technologies: Demonstrates a readiness to learn and adapt to evolving alternative energy technologies and practices.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

This certification introduces students to the basics of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) using Onshape, a powerful cloud-based 3D modeling platform. Designed for beginners, the course covers essential CAD skills such as sketching, part modeling, assemblies, and technical drawings. Students will gain hands-on experience creating 3D models and collaborative design projects in real time from any device.

Competencies

• Understanding CAD Software
• Navigate and use On Shape CAD platform.
• Set up projects, manage layers, and customize toolbars.
• Create, edit, and annotate technical drawings.
• Use line types, dimensioning, hatching, and layout tools.
• Apply geometric constraints and drawing standards.
• Create basic and complex 3D parts and assemblies.
• Apply extrude, revolve, loft, and sweep features.
• Use assemblies and constraints to simulate part relationships.
• Understand tolerancing, fits, and machining considerations.
• Produce shop-ready drawings with proper annotations and BOMs.
• Save, export, and organize design files.
• Use version control and understand file types.
• Visualize objects in multiple views and transform 2D sketches into 3D models.
• Troubleshoot design issues and optimize solutions based on constraints.
• Apply geometric principles, algebra, and trigonometry.
• Use measurement tools and units correctly.
• Interpret and create technical drawings for diverse stakeholders.
• Explain design intent and documentation clearly.
• Work effectively in a team using CAD files in shared environments.
• Use cloud-based CAD tools for team-based design.
• Ensure precision and accuracy in dimensions, tolerances, and annotations.
• Learn and adapt to new CAD tools or industry-specific software.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

The purpose of the Introduction to Exploratory Electronics industry recognized certification is to challenge learners to design new circuits for innovative electronics products, such as those commonly found in modern households, and in doing so, solve typical electrical problems that may be encountered by electrical and electronics engineers. As learners explore and practice the skills needed to design and build electronics circuits, they will gain some of the basic knowledge of DC and AC circuits and semiconductors that would be required to become electronics or electrical engineers or technicians.

Competencies

• Apply Ohm’s Law to gain an understanding of voltage, current, and resistance.
• Practice wiring and testing electronic circuits by connecting many different types of components, including passive types (such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors) and semiconductors (such as diodes, transistors, and thyristors).
• Learn to use electronic equipment, such as a digital multimeter, signal generator, and power supply.
• Build electronic circuits, such as an amplifier and oscillator, to solve real-world problems.

Applicable Skills

Objective:

In the STEM Exploring Electricity industry recognized certification, students discover how the four disciplines connect as they explore and practice the skills needed to work with electricity. Once they are familiar with electric circuits, they will have the opportunity to design innovative solutions to real-world problems, challenges, and needs. The purpose of the STEM Exploring Electricity course is to challenge students to design electric circuits that are required to solve electrical problems typically found in both residential homes and commercial industry. As students explore and practice the skills needed to work with electricity, they will gain some of the basic knowledge required to work as licensed electricians or electrical contractors, or to become electrical engineers.

Competencies

• Gain an understanding of electric voltage, current, resistance, and power in series and parallel circuits.
• Practice wiring and testing electric circuits by connecting lamps, resistors, and electromechanical components, such as switches, a relay, and a motor.
• Demonstrate how to use a digital multimeter.
• Design electrical circuits to solve real-world problems.
• Apply Ohm’s Law to calculate voltage, current, resistance, and power in series and parallel circuits.

Applicable Skills