The PROFIBUS Group has announced its training schedule for the first half of 2006. Mainly taking place at the PROFIBUS Competence Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University, the courses cover a wide range of user needs from system planning and design to installation, commissioning and maintenance. In addition, in June the PROFIBUS User Conference will cover a broader spectrum of interests from the basics to the latest in PROFIBUS and PROFINET technology.

Certified PROFIBUS Engineer DP - 20-23 Mar, 24 ? 27 Apr, 19 - 22 Jun 06 (Also available on-site for up to 8 people) For engineers wishing to build their careers around PROFIBUS, companies wanting to benchmark their technical staff or consultants seeking a recognised professional qualification in industrial networking, an opportunity to train for Certified PROFIBUS Engineer status.

Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Process Automation Module - 24 Mar, 28 Apr, 23 Jun 06 An additional day for engineers that wish to extend their knowledge and accreditation to include Process Automation. Must be booked in conjunction with Certified PROFIBUS Engineer course (above).

Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course ?13 Mar, 3 May, 12 Jun 06, (Also available on-site for up to 12) An essential course for electrical engineers and technicians needing to upgrade their skills to include fieldbus installation. This one-day, hands-on course teaches the design, installation and testing of complete PROFIBUS networks including DP/FMS, PA and optical fibre technology. Covering bus layout and termination, grounding rules and practices, the course will teach delegates how to avoid common, but potentially expensive, installation problems.

PROFIBUS Commissioning Course ? 14 Mar, 4 May, 13 Jun 06 (Also available on-site for up to 8 people) A new one-day course designed as an add-on to the Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course. Covering the practical techniques of faultfinding on ?operational? PROFIBUS networks. Techniques taught on the course include the use of a modern PROFIBUS analyser and Class-II master (engineering tool) to diagnose network faults, device faults and I/O problems. Students also learn how to use a soft digital storage oscilloscope in conjunction with these tools to diagnose and accurately locate cable, connection and device faults.

Certified Open-PLC Engineer Training ? 27 Feb ? 1 Mar, 5 ? 7 Jun 06 (Also available on-site for up to 8 people) The PROFIBUS Competence Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the UK has introduced a 3 day course covering Open-PLC programming using the international standard IEC 61131-3. The course is designed for Engineers and Technicians who want to gain a recognised qualification in open-PLC programming using IEC 61131-3. No prior experience of PLC programming is necessary; however, the course is also equally well suited for experienced Programmers who wish to move to IEC 61131-3 compliant systems.

Based on the feedback gained from the first 2 events, the 2006 Conference promises to be better-than-ever, a totally User-focused event that will take place at Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire. Featuring a comprehensive, multi-stream educational programme that leads through PROFIBUS from the basic technology through to its use in real industrial and process applications, this two-day Conference offers hands-on Primers and Master Classes presented by technology experts and experienced users and systems builders drawn from a wide variety of application areas. Supported by an exhibition with interactive displays and technology demonstrations from the UK's PROFIBUS Competence Centre and leading product vendors, trainers, consultants and systems integrators the event is a MUST for anyone involved in specifying, designing, building, installing and maintaining modern automation systems and process plant.