4 years (minimum 1,500 hours yearly on-the-job training +
8 weeks at RDC for years 1 & 2/ minimum 1425 hours yearly
on-the-job training + 10 weeks at RDC for years 3 & 4)

Red Deer College offers the Instrument Technician Apprenticeship program, one of the many apprenticeship training options available for students. Apprenticeship is a career option that involves both classroom and on-the-job training. To learn the skills required of an Instrument Technician in Alberta and to be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. For more information, please visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

The term of apprenticeship for an Instrument Technician is four years (four 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training in the first and second years, and a minimum of 1,425 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of technical training in the third and fourth years.

Instrument Technicians work with a wide variety of pneumatic, electronic and microcomputer instruments used to measure and control variables such as pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force, and chemical composition.

• Pulp and paper processing
• Hydro power generation
• Mining, petrochemical and natural gas
• Industrial and commercial manufacturing
• Industrial construction
• Industrial instrument servicing

Experienced Instrument Technicians may advance to supervisory positions, be employed as Engineering Technicians, or move into company sales offices.

To work in Alberta, Instrument Technicians must be one of the following:

• Registered Apprentice
• Certified Journeyman
• Working for an employer who is satisfied they have the skills and knowledge expected of certified Journeyman

For fee information, visit the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.