How to Change Careers to Industrial Automation in India (Even Without a Degree)
Is Automation Engineering Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you enjoy understanding how machines work?
- Do you prefer practical, hands-on work over theoretical study?
- Are you comfortable with structured problem-solving?
- Do you want a career that's in demand for 30+ years?
If you answered yes to two or more, automation engineering could be your path.
Can You Join Without a BE/BTech?
Yes. At EDWartens, admission is aptitude-based, not degree-based. We have successfully trained and placed:
- BSc graduates — Physics and Chemistry backgrounds
- Diploma holders — Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics
- ITI graduates — Electrician, Instrument Mechanic
- Working professionals — From completely different industries
The AEP's Phase 0 covers all foundational engineering basics, so you start from scratch regardless of your background.
Mechanical to Automation (The Most Common Switch)
Mechanical engineers are natural fits for automation because they already understand:
- How machines work
- Manufacturing processes
- Industrial environments
What they need to add:
- PLC programming
- Electrical fundamentals
- SCADA and HMI design
- Industrial networking
This transition takes 3-6 months at EDWartens. Many mechanical engineers become Commissioning Engineers or Project Engineers within their first year of switching.
IT/Software to Automation
Software engineers bring valuable skills:
- Logical thinking and debugging
- Understanding of programming concepts
- Data analysis capabilities
What they need to add:
- Electrical systems knowledge
- PLC hardware understanding
- Industrial protocols (Modbus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP)
- Process understanding
The transition is often faster because programming concepts transfer directly to PLC ladder logic and structured text. Many IT professionals switch to automation for better work-life balance and higher long-term job security.
What You Will Earn After 1 Year
Career changers who complete the AEP typically earn:
- Fresher from non-engineering background: 3.5-4.5 LPA
- Mechanical/electrical engineer: 4-6 LPA
- IT professional switching: 5-8 LPA
- After 2-3 years: 8-15 LPA regardless of background
The gap closes quickly because automation engineering rewards skills and experience over degrees.
The EDWartens Path
The journey at EDWartens is designed for career changers:
- Phase 0 — Foundation (basics of electrical, mechanical, safety)
- Phase 1-4 — Core technical training (PLC, SCADA, robotics, AI)
- Phase 5 — Real project work as Junior Engineer at Wartens
- Placement — 100% Job Guarantee* or 100% refund
*Subject to Placement Policy terms.
You don't need a degree. You need determination.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Contact EDWartens for a free career assessment, or explore the AEP program.
