Chuck Ridgeway, Horner Automation

In this episode, we are excited to welcome back Chuck Ridgeway, Automation Technology Manager and Senior Customer Advocate at Horner Automation, a division of Horner APG headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. With more than 30 years of experience in automation and robotics, Chuck is a trusted voice in the field and a dedicated advocate for helping practitioners, educators, and learners apply industrial automation technologies. Chuck’s expertise spans programmable logic controllers (PLCs), operator interfaces, I/O systems, and industrial networking. He is frequently featured on podcasts and industry stages, sharing insights on emerging trends in automation and teaching. This conversation centers around Horner Automation’s recently launched Academic Program, designed to strengthen automation education, expand access to hands-on learning, and support the next generation of engineers and technicians. Keywords: Workforce development, OCS controllers, automation education This episode offers valuable insights for educators, industry leaders, and anyone interested in preparing students for the evolving world of automation and manufacturing technology.