Instrumentation and Control Technician

Career Pathway Instrumentation and Control Technician Also known as: Industrial Instrument Mechanic; Industrial Instrument Technician; Process Control Equipment Mechanic Salary range: Average: $48.83/hour Range: $30.81 – $85.16/hour JOB DESCRIPTION Instrumentation and Control Technicians repair, maintain, calibrate, adjust and install industrial measuring and controlling instrumentation. They play a vital role in the renewable energy sector by ensuring that instruments and control systems function accurately to support the efficient production and monitoring of renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydrogen. They also ensure that renewable energy systems operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with regulations. Source: Government of Canada Job Bank Work type: Full-time; shift work; rotational work Work environment: Instrumentation and Control Technicians often work in cuttingedge facilities such as wind farms, solar power plants and hydrogen production sites, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront. They experience a mix of hands-on technical challenges and opportunity for continuous learning. They tend to work in environments that promote safety, precision and collaboration. GENERAL JOB TASKS Inspect and test operation of instruments and systems to diagnose faults using pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices and precision measuring instruments. Install control and measurement instruments on existing and new plant equipment and processes. Repair and adjust system components, such as sensors, transmitters and programmable logic controllers, or remove and replace defective parts. Perform scheduled preventative maintenance work and complete test and maintenance reports. Consult manufacturer’s manuals, circuit diagrams and blueprints to determine tests and maintenance procedures for instruments used for measuring and controlling flow, level, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and other variables in manufacturing and processing. TRAINING To become a Journeyperson Instrumentation and Control Technician, an individual must compete the certification examination to be granted a Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal – Instrumentation and Control Technician). A Certificate of Qualification is not compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador to work as an Instrumentation and Control Technician, however, however registered apprentices and journeypersons often have better career options, job security and wages. To achieve Certificate of Qualification, individuals can explore one of the following pathways: Pre-Employment Program Individuals with limited or no recent work experience in the trade can register and complete a Pre-Employment Program (listed under Educational Options) and then Register as an Apprentice with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD). Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills. Recognition of Prior Learning Individuals with acquired learning from work experience, life experiences and other formal training, which may be equivalent to certain components of apprenticeship training programs, can contact an Apprenticeship Program Officer to discuss Recognition of Prior Learning. Trade Qualifier Individuals who meet the jurisdictional requirements and have at least one and a half (1.5) times the work experience of an apprenticeship term for a designated trades can have their work skills and hours verified by a certified journeyperson and may be eligible to write the certification examination as a Trade Qualifier. EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS Institution: College of the North Atlantic Location: Seal Cove Program: Instrumentation and Control Technician Duration: 34 weeks Delivery mode: On-campus delivery; full-time Cost (tuition, fees, supplies): Canadian Residents: $7,000.00 (May be subject to change) International Students: $13,300.00 (May be subject to change) Entrance requirements: Eligibility for admission requires one of the following: High School Graduation Adult Basic Education Trades Bridging Certificate Mature Student Requirements Learn more about Entrance Requirements here. ESSENTIAL SKILLS Technical skills and aptitude (operation monitoring of machinery and equipment. preventative maintenance) Manuel dexterity Problem-solving skills Attention to detail/precision Communication skills Working with others Continuous learning Occupational Health and Safety OTHER REQUIRED TRAINING/CERTIFICATIONS WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification Standard First Aid Occupational Health and Safety Site-Specific Safety Certifications These may be covered in Educational Program or by employer. CAREER PROGRESSION With experience and additional training, Instrumentation and Control Technicians can progress into mentorship, supervisory and management positions such as Instrumentation and Control Systems Manager, Project Manager and Automation Consultant. They may specialize in specific systems such as SCADA and PLC programming. They may start their own contracting business and/or move into teaching/instructor positions. USEFUL RESOURCES: Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Division Government of Canada – Career Planning Red Seal Program BuildForce Canada