Welcome to another episode of Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast, where hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes talk with Darren Anderson, a lecturer in industrial automation at the South Eastern Regional College in Northern Ireland. In this episode, they dive into Darren's journey in the field, the impact of Industry 4.0 and IoT in education, and how students are adapting to technological changes.

Darren Anderson’s Journey into Automation

Darren Anderson’s path to teaching industrial automation is as inspiring as it is educational. After spending over a decade in the plastics industry as an electrical maintenance engineer, Darren transitioned to teaching. During his apprenticeship, he stumbled upon a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and became fascinated by the technology behind it.

Darren points out, “I had to open up machines and find out why they weren't working. I remember fixing a faulty card and that sparked my interest in understanding microcontrollers and programming.” This curiosity led him to night classes and eventually to becoming a lecturer, sharing his extensive knowledge with students.

Integrating IoT and Industry 4.0 in Education

Technology evolves, and so do educational systems. Darren discusses the integration of IoT and Industry 4.0 concepts into his curriculum. He acknowledges that many students are already familiar with smart devices, but they often don't realize the technology behind them.

“Does anybody have a smart watch or Alexa?” Darren asks his students. Many hands go up. “They know these devices, but they don’t understand the concept of IoT behind them,” he adds. By introducing hands-on projects and using platforms like Node RED and Arduino, Darren ignites curiosity among his pupils, making learning both fun and impactful.

Addressing the Skills Gap and Encouraging Apprenticeships

Darren emphasizes the rising importance of apprenticeships in bridging the skills gap in industries. He notes a shift in student preferences from traditional university routes to more practical, apprenticeship programs.

Darren asserts, “Students are realizing the benefits of learning while earning. They gain valuable skills without the burden of debt.” This shift is crucial in preparing a new generation of engineers equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, essential for addressing the ever-evolving demands of the industrial sector.

Key Quotes From The Episode

Darren Anderson: "You need to talk to the person who stands beside the machine 12 hours a day. They know all the sounds and the smells."

Phil Seboa: "Understanding the why behind learning is crucial. It keeps you motivated and on track."

Key Takeaways

1. Real-World Problems Spark Interest: Darren’s journey began with a simple fix on a PLC card, showing that real-world problems can ignite a long-lasting curiosity and passion for technology.
2. Hands-On Learning: Integrating practical projects using tools like Arduino and Node RED helps students relate to and understand IoT concepts more effectively.
3. Value of Apprenticeships: Darren highlights the growing preference for apprenticeships, showing that hands-on, practical training is becoming increasingly valued.

Wrap Up

This episode with Darren Anderson sheds light on the importance of real-world experiences, hands-on learning, and apprenticeships in industrial automation and education. By understanding these key points, students and educators can better prepare for the future, ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable workforce ready to take on the challenges of Industry 4.0 and beyond.

For students and professionals looking to venture into industrial automation, consider engaging in hands-on projects, seeking out apprenticeship opportunities, and always being curious about the technology around you.

About the Guest

Darren Anderson is a lecturer in industrial automation and mechatronics at the South Eastern Regional College in Northern Ireland. With over 14 years of experience in the field and an equal number in teaching, Darren brings a wealth of practical knowledge and passion to his students, inspiring the next generation of industrial engineers.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast. Stay tuned for more insights and expert discussions in future episodes!

Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BhUC9LOAVLM

Connect with Darren on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-anderson-401408b2/