Education · 1 of 4
The path
The Red Seal trade is Instrumentation and Control Technician. Most people combine a college diploma with a 4-year apprenticeship.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12 math, physics and chemistry. This trade is more academic than most.
- 2
College diploma (optional but common)
2 years
A 2-year Instrumentation Engineering Technology or Instrumentation and Control diploma. In Alberta the diploma can count toward apprenticeship periods.
- 3
Get hired and register
Weeks to months
Refineries, oil sands operators, utilities, water plants and industrial contractors hire apprentices. Register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, Skilled Trades Ontario or your provincial authority.
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Work and study
About 4 years
In Alberta, 4 yearly periods of about 1,500 hours on the job plus 8 to 10 weeks of school each. In Ontario, 8,000 hours: 7,280 on the job and 720 in class over three levels. You learn process control, electronics, calibration and PLCs (programmable logic controllers).
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Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal
After your hours
Pass the provincial exam and add the interprovincial Red Seal.