Instrumentation and Control Technician Foundation Program

Program Overview

Thompson Rivers University's Instrumentation and Control Technician program prepares students for a career in industrial automation and control. Graduates can build, calibrate, commission, program, and maintain industrial control systems, qualifying for roles as Instrumentation and Control Technicians, Industrial Automation Engineers, or Process Control Specialists. Offered in foundation and apprenticeship formats, the program utilizes state-of-the-art facilities and industry-recognized training.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Instrumentation and Control Technician program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) prepares students for a career in the field of industrial automation and control. Graduates will be able to build, calibrate, commission, program, and maintain industrial control systems. The program is designed to meet the needs of the industry and provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this growing field.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the following skills and knowledge:

• Programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) using Ladder Logic and Instruction List programming languages.
• Developing and building industrial control circuits.
• Disassembling, repairing, and rebuilding valves, regulators, actuators, and other components.
• Calibrating various instruments.

Outline:

The program is offered in two formats:

Foundation Program:

• This program includes level 1 apprenticeship training plus additional technical and hands-on experience.
• It provides the necessary skills to work as an apprentice in the trade.
• The program duration is 21 weeks.

Apprenticeship Program:

• This program provides Instrumentation and Control Technician certification through work-based training and in-school technical training.
• Employers sponsor students for the work-based training, and TRU offers the in-school technical training for levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the apprenticeship.
• Each level consists of 10 weeks of on-campus training.
• Upon completion of all four levels and the required work-based hours, students receive an Instrumentation and Control Technician Certificate of Apprenticeship and qualify to write the interprovincial Red Seal exam for their Certificate of Qualification.

Modules:

The program curriculum includes modules covering:

• PLC Programming: Students learn to program PLCs using Ladder Logic and Instruction List programming languages.
• Industrial Control Circuits: Students develop and build industrial control circuits.
• Instrumentation and Calibration: Students learn to disassemble, repair, and rebuild valves, regulators, actuators, and other components, as well as calibrate various instruments.
• Process Control: Students gain knowledge of process control systems and their applications.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Practical Assessments: Students demonstrate their skills through hands-on tasks and projects.
• Written Exams: Students are assessed on their theoretical knowledge through written exams.
• Portfolio Development: Students document their learning and progress through a portfolio.

Teaching:

• TRU's program utilizes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on training.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including an electrical and electronics lab, calibration and valve lab, programming lab, and process control lab fitted with a full-class set of sophisticated Pignat process-control trainers.
• The program also offers access to real and functional processes, including a multi-fuel power plant with DeltaV DCS, a pilot water treatment facility with SCADA, and a waste water treatment facility.

Careers:

Graduates of the Instrumentation and Control Technician program are qualified for a variety of careers in the industrial automation and control sector, including:

• Instrumentation and Control Technician: This is the primary career path for graduates.
They work in various industries, including manufacturing, power generation, oil and gas, and water treatment.
• Industrial Automation Engineer: With further education, graduates can pursue careers as industrial automation engineers, designing and implementing control systems for industrial processes.
• Process Control Specialist: Graduates can specialize in process control, working to optimize and improve the efficiency of industrial processes.

Other:

• The program is recognized by SkilledTradesBC, the provincial body responsible for apprenticeship training in British Columbia.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of the industry, and graduates are highly sought after by employers.