Overview
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics repair, maintain, calibrate, adjust, and install industrial measuring and controlling instrumentation. They are employed by pulp and paper processing companies, nuclear and hydro power generating companies, mining, petrochemical and natural gas companies, industrial instrument and other manufacturing companies, and by industrial instrument servicing establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
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
Inspect and test operation of instruments and systems to diagnose faults using pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices and precision measuring instruments
Repair and adjust system components, such as sensors, transmitters and programmable logic controllers, or remove and replace defective parts
Calibrate components and instruments according to manufacturers' specifications
Perform scheduled preventive 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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$48,157
$97,564
$154,689
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
135expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a four- or five-year apprenticeship program in industrial instrument repair or completion of a two-year college program in industrial instrumentation technology and several years of work experience are usually required for trade certification.
Instrumentation and control technician trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories, except in Quebec.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Instrumentation and Control Technician
- Instrumentation and Control Technician Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Instrumentation and Control Technician
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an instrumentation and control technician in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Instrumentation and Control Technician Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of BC in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.