Instrumentation and Control Technicians and Mechanics
(NOC 2243)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyInstrumentation and control technicians and mechanics install, maintain, and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing. They work for pulp and paper processing companies, nuclear and hydro power generating companies, mining, petrochemical and natural gas companies, industrial instrument companies, manufacturing companies, and industrial instrument servicing organizations.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Outlook: undetermined - an outlook was not determined for this occupation due to too few workers in Nova Scotia.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: small, with infrequent job opportunities.
Job openings: some in the coming years due to retirements. Both permanent and temporary positions are common.
Work hours: full-time, normally.
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$38.40
Median$57.77
MaximumAnnual Pay
$38,448
Minimum$89,856
Median$173,425
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Instrumentation and control technicians and mechanics install, maintain, and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing. They work for pulp and paper processing companies, nuclear and hydro power generating companies, mining, petrochemical and natural gas companies, industrial instrument companies, manufacturing companies, and industrial instrument servicing organizations.
Job duties
Instrumentation and control technicians and mechanics:
- Refer to manufacturer's manuals, circuit diagrams, and blueprints to verify tests and maintenance procedures for instruments used for measuring and controlling flow, level, pressure, temperature, chemical composition and other variables in manufacturing and processing.
- Inspect and test operation of instruments and systems.
- Repair and adjust system components like sensors, transmitters, and programmable logic controllers, or remove and replace defective parts.
- Calibrate components and instruments according to manufacturers' specifications.
- Carry out maintenance work and complete test and maintenance reports.
- Install control and measurement instruments on existing and new plant equipment and processes.
- Consult with and advise process operators.
Sample job titles
- apprentice industrial instrument mechanic
- apprentice instrumentation and control technician
- heavy water plant control technician
- industrial instrument mechanic
- industrial instrument technician
- industrial process control equipment repairer
- instrument maintenance mechanic
- instrumentation and control technician
- process control equipment mechanic
- process control equipment repairer
Skills
- Attention to detail.
- Communication.
- Reading Skills.
- Manual dexterity.
- Patience.
- Mathematical and mechanical abilities.
- Ability to reason logically.
- Problem solving.
- Ability to work with tools, equipment and machinery.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work as a team.
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
- Certification for instrumentation and control technicians is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for instrumentation and control technicians.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Setting: both indoors or outdoors, in a vehicle, may be more than one location.
- Risks: working with equipment, instruments, machinery or power/hand tools that may be a potential source of accident or injury. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment are used to make sure workers are safe. De-energizing, lock-out and tag-out procedures to ensure safe conditions when working on equipment.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Experienced tradespeople may advance to supervisor positions.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Cape Breton
$90,587 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$90,262 median annual incomeHalifax
$96,072 median annual incomeSouthern
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Professional, scientific and technical services
Utilities
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$88,160 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$89,926 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/AHigh school
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Apprenticeship - Instrumentation and Control Technician
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 7,200 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system. An instrumentation and control technician apprenticeship prepares apprentices to install, operate and maintain the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing.
Institutions providing this program
Instrumentation Technology/Technician - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in developing control and measurement systems and procedures. They include courses in instrumentation design and maintenance, calibration, design and production testing and scheduling, automated equipment functions, applications to specific industrial tasks, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.