Hi does anyone know which is the best general PLC programming courses which have a recognised qualification at the end in the UK is. I have looked online but it's a minefield...

 

I would think contacting the desired recognizing body would give you an idea.
Although the basics are the same for practically all Manuf. of PLC's, there are instructional differences and functions.
Because I prefer to use Mits now, I used a UK book published by Elsevier entitled 'Mitsubishi FX Programmable Logic Controllers' by John Ridley.
There are also manuals available from the manuf such as Allen-Bradley etc.
Max.

 

Here is a site for plc/scada, best to contact your local college for more details and costs.

the problem is there are several types of manufactures, i would suggest learning Siemens S series or Allen Bradley as these are the most widely used in the UK.