What to expect from a career as an Instrumentation and Control Technologist
Instrumentation professionals play a vital role across many industries. It’s their job to monitor variables like flow, temperature, pressure and more to ensure equipment and systems are functioning correctly, safely and at peak performance. Instrumentation and control programs at Ontario colleges provide knowledge in process control applications and train students to use the latest control engineering technology so they can effectively monitor and maintain these environments.
If you have an analytical mind and want to develop your skills in a career in instrumentation, here’s what you need to know.
Instrumentation and Control Courses
Instrumentation and control courses combine science, mathematics, physics and other academic principles with practical skills in electrical wiring, chemical processes, computer science and more. Measuring and control techniques are at the core of these programs, and students will also learn the codes and standards for documenting instrumentation systems.
Students of instrumentation and control programs will spend a large portion of their time doing lab work, learning to install, calibrate and maintain a variety of instruments, including analog, digital, pneumatic and more, while also learning to troubleshoot equipment and instrumentation systems. Co-op placements may also be part of the curriculum to provide students with on-the-job experience and training.
General Instrumentation and Control Program Requirements
Ontario college instrumentation and control programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. A variety of senior math and science credits are also usually required.
Instrumentation and Control Jobs and Salaries
Instrumentation jobs span across a number of industries, from petroleum refining and food processing to manufacturing, pulp and paper, and many more. Graduates from instrumentation and control programs can expect to fill positions such as:
- Instrumentation Technologist or Technician
- Instrument Mechanic
- Control Systems Technologist
- Process Analyzer
Salaries in the field will vary depending on the position, but the average starting salary is between $42,000 and $47,000 a year, and can increase to $55,000 to $75,000 with experience.
Ontario Colleges Offering Instrumentation and Control Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of instrumentation and control programs at Ontario colleges.
Current Filters: