Instrumentation Technician

Overview

Major advances in technology in recent years have led to a demand for qualified, multi-skilled technicians for the process and manufacturing industries. This program provides training in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of various pneumatic, electronic and micro-processor-based process control systems, while emphasizing safety and teamwork throughout the program.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• The shop area is well-equipped with the latest test equipment and a wide variety of measurement, control and analytical instruments. You learn to calibrate and bench test instruments as well as install and maintain them in actual industrial-type processes.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, including Academic Grade 12 Math and Academic Grade 11 Physics.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country
• If you do not have the required academic credits, NSCC offers a variety of credit courses through the Academic and Career Connections program.

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Instrumentation Technician - Year 1
• Instrumentation Technician - Year 2

Career options

• Graduates work in oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, chemical plants, steam and power plants, dairies, breweries, mining, manufacturing industries, oceans sector and other research environments.
• This program includes courses that can be applied towards a career in the Canadian Armed Forces as a weapons engineering technician. Visit browse careers
• Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• This program is a first step towards certification in the Instrumentation and Control Technician trade. To become certified, you must register as an apprentice with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA). Once registered, you can transfer credit from this program towards your apprenticeship.
• Certification with a Red Seal – Instrumentation and Control Technician is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Graduates who complete an apprenticeship program in this trade are eligible to write the provincial certification exam, receive their certification and Red Seal. The Red Seal allows certified tradespersons to practise the trade in any province or territory in Canada – where the trade is designated – without having to write further examinations.
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree