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Overview
Learn to install, maintain and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing.
You'll work with a wide variety of pneumatic, electronic and microcomputer devices used to measure and control pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force, and chemical composition.
Throughout your career, you'll consult manufacturers' manuals to determine test and maintenance procedures as well as use pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices to inspect and test instrument and system operation and diagnose faults.
You'll practice loss management principles, consult with and advise process operators, repair, maintain and adjust system components or remove and replace defective parts, conduct risk assessments, calibrate and maintain components and instruments according to manufacturers' specifications, work with engineers on basic designs, install and maintain instruments on new or existing plant equipment and processes and interpret and use appropriate CSA, ISA and API installation standards and practices.
Instrumentation and control technicians are individuals who are self-motivated and independent. This line of work is most fulfilling for those who enjoy problem-solving, logical reasoning, and being detail-oriented.
To thrive in this career, it is important to have the following traits:
- have a strong aptitude for mathematics, science, mechanics, and logical reasoning
- pay close attention to detail
- be interested in keeping up with constantly evolving technology
- be comfortable working independently
- enjoy being creative and innovative
- thrive on problem-solving and finding solutions to challenges
- take pride in producing high-quality and precise work
- possess excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with various individuals on a job site
- capable of using proper lifting techniques to lift objects weighing between 11 and 25 kilograms
- committed to ensuring health and safety in the workplace
Upon successfully completing the required working hours and apprenticeship education periods, graduates will be awarded an advanced diploma in addition to journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
This is a Red Seal Endorsed trade — a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22301, 22310, 22311, 22312, 22313, 72011.
Apprenticeship training
The term of apprenticeship for instrumentation and control technicians is four years (four 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of classroom instruction at SAIT in the first and second years, and a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of classroom instruction at SAIT in the third and fourth years.
Year 1 | Period 1
You will start by learning standard workplace safety and shop practices. You will then learn electrical theory and safety, basic measurements and calibration, final control elements as well as related applied physics and calculations.
Year 2 | Period 2
You will learn about measurement instruments, control instruments, electrical and digital fundamentals and process equipment and energy systems.
Year 3 | Period 3
You will learn electronic instrument loops, measurements, physical properties, process analyzers and process control.
Year 4 | Period 4
You will learn advanced process control, communication systems, control systems, process analyzers, maintenance and workplace coaching skills.
Apprenticeship education performance
To succeed in apprenticeship education, you must pass each section of the course and the AIT exam.
The passing grade for each section in a course is 65%. A passing mark on each provincial exam and the interprovincial qualification (or Red Seal Exam) is 70%.
View Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training procedures
Training pathways
You can earn your journeyperson designation in the following way.
The traditional training pathway begins with finding a job with an employer willing to indenture you as an apprentice. Once you are an apprentice, you will alternate between on-the-job training and educational periods.
You must apply for an apprenticeship through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training before attending your first education period at SAIT.
SAIT’s two-year Instrumentation Engineering Technology diploma program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully challenge the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) exams for Instrumentation and Control Technician periods one through four as well as the Journeyperson apprenticeship exam.
Admission requirements
To enter an apprenticeship, you must have the educational qualifications required or recommended education for the trade to which you apply.
Entrance requirements are monitored and set by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Minimum requirements
Successful completion of the following courses:
- English 20-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30 and Chemistry 30
OR
A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
OR
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Entrance Exam
Recommended requirements
Apprentices with an Alberta High School Diploma that includes the following courses:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30 and Chemistry 30 and Science 30
- Related career and technology studies (CTS) courses
MyTradeSecrets
Once you have begun working as an apprentice, you can attend SAIT to complete your technical training.
You'll register for technical training at SAIT on MyTradeSecrets or you can register by phone.
How to registerAvailable intakes
Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Books or modules, along with other items for classes, are approximately $600 per period.
It's recommended you don't purchase books or modules ahead of time as they might be outdated by the time you attend classes, and they cannot be returned to the Bookstore.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required for the program, which may be an additional cost to apprentices.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Funding options for apprentices
Apprentices get to learn while they earn, but there are still costs to consider. Many resources are available at SAIT and federally to help support apprentices.
Financial aidInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact
Have more questions?
Apprenticeship training and registration
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Services