Hey there! That's a really insightful question that's on a lot of PLC programmers' minds right now. Based on current industry trends, here's what I'm seeing:

Ladder logic isn't going away anytime soon - it's actually evolving rather than becoming obsolete. Think of it like this: ladder logic is the reliable foundation that's been running factories for decades, and now AI is becoming the intelligent layer on top of it. Companies like Siemens have already introduced AI tools like their Industrial Copilot that work alongside traditional programming environments.

What's happening is that ladder logic is becoming part of a broader skillset. The future isn't about replacing ladder logic, but about integrating it with newer technologies. AI is helping with things like code generation, troubleshooting, and optimization, but the fundamental understanding of control logic and industrial processes still requires human expertise.

For skills development, today's PLC programmers should focus on:

1. AI and data analytics basics - Understanding how to work with AI tools and interpret their outputs
2. Structured Text and other IEC languages - Ladder is great, but knowing multiple programming approaches makes you more versatile
3. Cybersecurity - With more connectivity comes more security concerns
4. Cloud and IoT integration - Understanding how PLCs connect to larger systems
5. Systems thinking - Seeing beyond individual machines to entire production processes

The bottom line? Don't abandon ladder logic - it's still the most widely used PLC language worldwide. Instead, build on that foundation with new skills. The PLC programmer of the future will be someone who can bridge the gap between traditional control systems and modern AI-driven optimization. It's an exciting time to be in this field!