Trade Programs: Industrial Instrument Mechanic

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does an Industrial Instrument Mechanic do?

An industrial instrument mechanic installs, tests, repairs and monitors technical instruments used in schools, hospitals, laboratories, apartments and industrial complexes.

Industry and individuals depend on the skills of Industrial Instrument Mechanics to ensure fire and burglar alarms, closed-circuit television systems, X-ray equipment, temperature sensors and other instruments are properly installed and in good working order. An Industrial Instrument Mechanic is expected to install, examine, remove, repair and replace the following:

• pneumatic tubing and electrical wiring on existing installations
• temperature sensors and indicators
• pressure and vacuum sensors and indicators
• oxygen and gas analysis equipment in laboratories
• moisture and humidity sensing and indicating systems
• sensors and indicators measuring speed, position and timing
• components for X-ray equipment
• pneumatic or electronic transmitters and data scanning systems
• closed-circuit television systems
• monitoring and alarm systems.

What skills/abilities are required?

You must be detail-oriented and have good analytical skills. The job varies from planning installations of equipment to diagnosing malfunctions, analyzing test results and monitoring information. A knowledge of mathematics and the ability to work to precise specifications are essential to the job. You will find this trade especially rewarding if you enjoy identifying and solving problems.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years consisting of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1600 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training. In-school training is provided through out-of-province institutions.To cover costs of attending technical training out-of-province, funding benefits such as employment insurance, mileage, expenses and living allowances are available.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

Apprentices take weeks of theory instruction during each level of apprenticeship. Subjects include:

• Mathematics, Chemistry and Science related to the trade
• Blueprint Reading and Computer-Aided Drafting
• Technical Communications and Computers
• Basic Electricity and Electronics
• Measurement Devices and Techniques
• Shop Practice, Welding and Safety
• Measurement and Control Systems
• Digital Electronics and Digital Logic
• Radiation Theory, Physical and Chemical Measurements
• Heating and Ventilation
• Analytical Instrumentation and Analog Controllers
• Interlocks, Instrument Measurements and Application
• Industrial Processes and Instrument Control Process Applications

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required, including a recommended courses in Math. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

The Industrial Instrument Mechanic Regulation states that an employer must pay an apprentice, when not in school, at least the provincial minimum wage plus a percentage which increases by 10 per cent every six months over the length of the apprenticeship.

During the first six months of an apprenticeship, the minimum wage is the provincial minimum wage plus 10 per cent. In the last six months of the fourth level of an apprenticeship, the minimum wage is the provincial minimum wage plus 80 per cent.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

Job prospects are good, in light of the increased construction of water sewage treatment plants and the need for large manufacturers to become more environmentally friendly. Employment can be found in the manufacturing sector, in industries such as food processing, textile mills, chemicals, fabricated metal products, motor vehicles, and primary metals. Others may find work with government agencies, public utilities, mining companies, and other establishments in which industrial machinery is used.