First 30 days
- Learn site safety rules, permits, lockout/tagout, escalation paths, and change-control expectations.
- Locate approved PLC/HMI/drive backups and understand naming conventions.
- Map major controller families, networks, HMIs, drives, and critical machines.
- Shadow experienced technicians during faults and write down the troubleshooting path, not just the fix.
- Avoid unnecessary code changes while learning why the system is built as it is.
Days 31–60
- Own bounded troubleshooting tasks with appropriate supervision.
- Perform I/O checks, program comparisons, minor HMI or logic changes where authorized.
- Study recurring faults and propose documentation improvements.
- Create or improve one troubleshooting aid such as a permissive screen, I/O map, or fault note.
- Ask for review on every change until local standards become familiar.
Days 61–90
- Take ownership of a small controls improvement from problem definition through testing and documentation.
- Participate in commissioning, shutdown work, or machine modification if available.
- Demonstrate reliable backup and rollback habits.
- Identify one technical specialization for the next six months.
- Review progress with your manager or mentor using specific examples of work completed and skills still needing supervision.