Hello All,

Im just looking for some careers advice rather than a job,

I am currently a controls engineer meaning I program PLC (Programmable logic controllers). These operate machinery. They are mostly programmed in a low level scripting language or ladder logic. However this is becoming a fairly small part of my work. Mostly what I do now is I program the graphical interface for these devices. (in order to let the operator control the machine) this is done using various applications by companies such as siemens and are not used outside of the industrial sector.
However, these applications have a VB and C thread so I have spent a lot of my time programming Ansi-C and VB. I also use other Pascal type scripting languages.

My query is what would I need to do to make the transition from my current field to becoming an application developer in either C or VB?

My main hurdle I would imagine will be my lack of certificates. I did a BTEC in IT at college and a HNC in plant and processing which wont count for much. I am 27 and I have been working in this field for around 9 years. Also I don’t have much knowledge of anything web based. I can set up a website etc but not much more since the industrial systems don’t usually connect to the net.

Any help appreciated.

Stuart