Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics repair, maintain, calibrate, adjust, and install the dials, sensors and other instrumentation that measures and controls machinery in industrial and commercial plants. Instrumentation gives operators information about the condition and operation of machinery, ensuring the safety and function of the plant or system.
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People in this occupation:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 310
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics:
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics conduct work on large production machines in industrial facilities such as refineries, mills or power plants.
These individuals may perform tasks in confined spaces, high spaces or areas exposed to noise, fumes or high heat levels. Workers may also be required to work outdoors with exposure to varied weather. Safety precautions minimize risks, which may include electric shock, exposure to dangerous chemicals or materials under high pressure.
Employment is generally full time and year round. These technicians and mechanics work regular hours or shift work and may be called upon during emergencies, such as when manufacturing and power control systems instrumentation fails to work. During emergencies, equipment may be damaged, fires have the potential to break out and valuable raw materials could be lost, so workers are often required to concentrate in urgent or stressful situations.
Workers must be familiar with developments in their area of specialty and often retrain or upgrade skills to keep up with rapid changes in technology.
Source: 2016 Census
Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics must complete secondary school, including Math 11, and physics and chemistry courses are also recommended.
In B.C., there is no requirement that industrial instrument technicians or mechanics be certified, however, certification or apprenticeship can offer more well-rounded training and possibly increased employment opportunities.
The Industry Training Authority's Certificate of Qualification as an industrial instrument mechanic requires completion of a four-year program of in-school and work-based training or a four-year apprenticeship program in industrial instrumentation. Those who complete a formal apprenticeship also receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
The final assessment for each of these routes is the Inter-provincial Red Seal written examination.
Certified Journeypersons may apply to the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) for registration as Certified Technicians and may be required to take additional coursework (i.e. math, communications, business).
Individuals with at least seven years of full-time experience as an industrial instrument technician or mechanic or qualifications from another province may write a challenge exam. Those who pass this exam will receive the B.C. Certificate of Qualification and the Interprovincial Standard Red Seal Endorsement. Individuals working in the oil and gas industry should also have completed H2S Alive and Industrial First-Aid, Level 1
For more information please see the Industry Training Authority website at: www.itabc.ca.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Visit our trades training page at www.workbc.ca/trades to learn about apprenticeship and trades training in B.C.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
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See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
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Job openings will arise due to both retirement and the creation of new jobs. However, due to the relatively small number of individuals employed in this group, the total number of new openings that arise in the upcoming years will be relatively few.
There is expected to be increased demand in this area as a number of new projects are anticipated. There is presently a shortage of skilled workers and new graduates available in B.C. to fill openings that arise. However, companies in Alberta often offer to transport workers across the border and charge a lower rate. This helps to supply the demand, but may also take positions away from local workers.
The industrial instrumentation industry reports an urgent need for more skilled and qualified control technicians. There is currently a high employment rate for graduates of these programs.
Demand is reported to be in the pulp and paper, and mining, oil and gas industries. New jobs are also expected to also open up in instrument service and sales companies, the heating and ventilating field, and in environmental and pollution control.
The most successful individuals in this occupation will focus on professional development and keeping up-to-date with changes in technology.
Career paths
Recent graduates typically obtain positions related to factory maintenance. Technicians and mechanics with experience and further education may progress to supervisory positions, provide consulting services or become trainers or educators. Industrial instrument mechanics can also apply for dual journey status in both instrumentation and electrical.
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