Ontario College Diploma in Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technician
Start Dates:
September 2020
Instrumentation technicians commission, install, calibrate, maintain and repair complex measurement and control systems used in a variety of process control applications.
Program Highlights
As an Instrumentation and Control Technician your career will be technology-based with an applied edge.
This four-semester Ontario College Diploma program will prepare you for a hands-on, exciting and rewarding career in emerging engineering and scientific fields. This STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) based program helps future proof your career options with valuable and in-demand skills in electronics, sensing, programming, device networking, instrument calibration and science used in today's processing and manufacturing facilities world-wide. These include, but are not limited to:
- Process control, safety, electrical/electronic controls and sensors
- SCADA/PLC, DCS
- Automation/Robotics
- Industrial networking and data acquisition
You will also learn required skills in communications and project management, which will make you more effective in teams typically found in the workplace.
Your Lab
The engineering commons is where you will gain experience working with a variety of instruments and controls currently used in industry. This well-equipped facility consists of a lower level industry/factory floor area (5000 square feet) and an upper level control/electronic station area overlooking it (3000square feet).
Lower level
A variety of instrumentation trainers, motor control, fluid power station, mechatronics and robotic stations.
Upper level
Thirty work stations each equipped with electrical/electronic test equipment, PLC panel, and PCs loaded with industry-leading software.
Learn how to configure and troubleshoot some of the most popular instrument products used to measure:
- Dimensions
- Temperature
- Pressure/ Force/ Strain
- Level
- Flow
- Analysis (pH concentration, humidity)
- Speed
Core equipment includes products from Siemens, OMEGA, Banner Engineering, National Instruments, and Tektronix.
Learn how to program controls which will automatically react, using PC, embedded and PLC/DCS control:
- Motors
Motion Control - Motors
Pumping
- Fluid Power
- Robotics
- Valves
Core equipment includes products from Siemens, Omron, Allen Bradley, and Fanuc.
Work Experience
Students in this program may have the opportunity to apply to paid summer co-ops. Examples of companies that have sponsored co-ops include: OPG, SGS, Andritz Hydro, Horizon Plastics, and Opcode Systems. The co-op runs during the summer between years one and two. This co-op allows you to build on your academic education, experience the work environment and make valuable contacts in one of the many diverse industries requiring instrumentation technician professionals.
Please note: In addition to tuition and fees, students who participate in a co-op pay a fee (approximately $558.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op placement.
The co-op is optional and securing a position is the responsibility of the student. The number of Fleming-provided job leads fluctuates from year to year.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can obtain employment in industry sectors that use any automation or controlled technology systems, found in the autonomous vehicles, automated inspection, processing, instrumentation, manufacturing, petro-chemical, power generation, mining, oil and gas, alternative energy, nuclear energy, water treatment/water purification, or pulp, paper and wood processing industries.
- Instrumentation and Control Technician is considered a voluntary trade in Canada, and many companies do not require trade certification
- This means you can work in the field as an apprentice, or after obtaining a related two-year diploma
- After obtaining your diploma, you can write the Trade Certification equivalency exams and obtain the Certificate of Qualification, if necessary by your employer.
Note: See Human Resources and Skills Development Canada link below for more information.
Instrumentation Technician graduates use a variety of computing, electromechanical, and test equipment to install, troubleshoot, calibrate, maintain, and repair simple or complex measurement and control devices in a variety of fields. Depending on the industry you choose, a day’s work can range from calibrating small instruments at your desk, to programming a robot to perform a certain task, to braving the elements in the Alberta Oil Sands while repairing a large valve.
Typical Job Titles:
- Instrumentation Technician
- Process Technician, Process Analyst
- Control Technician
- Automation Technician
- Calibration and Test Technician
- Technical Sales
Opportunities for employment in this field are expected to increase due to retirements, and to recent growth in the manufacturing sector.
For more information on this career, visit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
Related Program
With just 8 additional courses you can complete a second diploma at Fleming in the Electrical Engineering Technician program and graduate with 2 diplomas in 3 years.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technician must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English and Gr 11 C Math
OSSD with majority of courses at College (C ) or Open (O) unless otherwise stated.
Grade 12 C courses will be accepted where Gr 11 C course requirements are listed.
Where College level courses are listed, U and M courses will be accepted.
Recommended (but not required for admission)
- Gr 12 C Chemistry or Physics
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.
Institute of Technology Sligo
Requirement
- Minimum 60% cumulative program average.
- A Bachelor of Engineering (Ordinary) in Mechatronics graduate will be eligible to achieve a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronics through one year of full-time onsite study or two years of on-line study.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 3rd year studies of a 3-year program.
- Refer to the articulation agreement for further details.
To apply please see the KOM Consultants website.
For more information
Ontario Tech University
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Successful completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge program.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 18 credit diploma.
- Note: No transfer credits awarded.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
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