#04: Mastering Industrial Automation with Practical Learning Methods

Do you find yourself lost in a sea of automation jargon, unsure how it all connects to real-world expertise?

This episode of Mastering the Machine is your roadmap: Frank Lamb outlines the foundational pyramid every industrial automation pro should know and shows exactly how to apply it to both new technologies and daily problem-solving. Through his immersive story of self-paced online courses, notebook hacks, and trial-by-fire learning, you’ll discover how to turn repetition into mastery—and why hands-on projects are the key to breaking free from the monotony of repetitive task work. 

Are you prepared to elevate your skills and own your future in the world of automation?

TAKEAWAYS

1. Understanding the Automation Pyramid Sets the Foundation for Expertise   (03:42 – 11:14)
   Frank introduces the "building blocks" pyramid for industrial automation, explaining how foundational knowledge like reading and math grows into specialized disciplines like PLCs, SCADA, databases, AI, and ultimately industry-specific expertise.
2. Layering Learning Methods Improves Retention and Mastery   (12:13 – 17:59)
   Frank contrasts online self-paced courses, in-person classes, self-study with books, and on-the-job training, showing how using a combination of these methods and active techniques (reading, writing, testing) can deepen memory and skill.
3. Practice and Real-World Application Matter Most   (14:25 – 26:12)
   Repetition alone isn’t enough—whether in classes, projects, or labs, practicing on real equipment (even just briefly and regularly) bridges the gap from learning to proficiency and keeps skills sharp long-term.
4. Project-Based Learning Builds Lasting Capability Beyond Tasks   (31:38 – 39:25)
   Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin, Frank makes the case that working on meaningful projects, not just discrete tasks, drives deeper motivation, career growth, and human creativity even in highly automated environments.
5. Keeping a Learning Log or Engineering Notebook Supercharges Recall   (36:05 – 39:25(
   Frank emphasizes the power of detailed note-taking—dating, numbering, and organizing everything in a bound notebook or digital folder—to create an “auxiliary memory” and quickly refresh skills as automation technology evolves.

Links mentioned in this episode

1. Inductive Automation & Inductive University
   https://inductiveautomation.com
   (For Ignition SCADA software training)
2. Automation Consulting LLC & The Automation Academy
   https://www.automationllc.com
   (Comprehensive automation training and resources)

ChatGPT, MidJourney, Jasper AI, and DALL-E are mentioned as learning tools.

CONNECT WITH FRANK

Website: https://www.automationllc.com

Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/

LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc

YouTube: @automationllc