Instrumentation

[2012ProRMK]

Seeing as there seems to be lots of trades guys on here, I'm looking for some advice. Im registered into the 2 year diploma instrumentation course this fall, but had a few questions about it. In a recession like this, do instrument guys stay fairly busy, or is there lots looking for work? Whats the pay like coming out of school and later in life? Lots of opportunity for OT? Is there any work near the major cities or is it mostly fly in fly out stuff? And is there much room to move up from there, or even be your own boss?
Thanks in advance

 

[moyiesledhead]

Friend of mine at work has a son that finished the diploma course a year ago and hasn't been able to find an apprenticeship anywhere. Great trade but seems a little hard to get into.

 

[ducati]

I am an Instrument Mechanic (now called Instrumentation Technician apparently). Been doing it for over 20 years. Generally we stay busy even when things go down but it is worth saying that the guys that are good normally stay pretty busy.

If you have any questions DM me and i will give you my number to chat.

 

[rider4life]

I graduated from the 2 year Instrumentation Engineering Tech course in '08, been working and busy ever since. The one thing I'd say is when you graduate try and find a company that isn't strictly oil and gas based and you should be fine. The company I've been with since I graduated is mainly municipal water and wastewater based and so far we haven't really felt any effects from the downturn in the patch, the money, at least for me is similar, but the working conditions are generally a little better.

 

[blubbles]

I graduated from the Instrumentation Engineering Technology course in 2012, best program that I could have taken. Had all the opportunity in the world when I got out (7 offer letters). Keep in mind industry is a bit different now, but good instrument guys are always high in demand. You really can do anything with it, friends of mine went up north doing rotation for oil companies, others went and worked in design and programming companies, others went into sales. Very wide range of what you can do with it which is hard to beat.

It is a tougher course... about half of the people that start don't finish (typically Controls and Calculus are the major issues), but well worth the effort. After doing it you can challenge your Journeyman (to get a technician)l, or you can go the CET route. Lots of opportunity to make good money, many guys made 90-100k their first year with OT included when travelling. If you want more info feel free to PM me and I don't mind chatting with you.

 

[2012ProRMK]

Thanks for the replies! Id imagine its hard to even get started as an apprentice right now, but is the school route worth going over the apprenticeship?

 

[freeflorider]

Thanks for the replies! Id imagine its hard to even get started as an apprentice right now, but is the school route worth going over the apprenticeship?

Step son is going into his third year soon...he showed me what he studies and I'm like what??? Are you reprogramming the space shuttle I asked.
looks like a lota stuff to stick into your head,good luck and good on yah.

 

[ducati]

Thanks for the replies! Id imagine its hard to even get started as an apprentice right now, but is the school route worth going over the apprenticeship?

Each route has it's own benefits. Personally i took the apprenticeship route and i am partial to that way of going since practical experience comes as part of the training. The tech route is also good and probably better if you are looking at the programming end of things more than the field end of things.

 

[blubbles]

The tech route can lead to a bit more of the project management/design side of things typically. But the schooling is much more intense then the technician due to the calculus etc.

Each have their benefits, If you go to the 2 year program you can always challenge the tests for the 3rd year and 4th year journeyman to get both technician and technologist. All you need then is your hours.