Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeship

Develop the skills essential for investigating systems, installing equipment, servicing them and ensuring everything is operating at peak performance with an Instrumentation and Control Apprenticeship.

This electrical trade specialisation will prepare you for a job where your primary focus is on the measurement, automation and control of systems used to monitor and maintain temperature, pressure and flow in processes for essential industries such as mining, oil and gas, and food and manufacturing.

An instrumentation and control apprenticeship is generally 3-4 years in length, during which you’ll complete a UEE31220 Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control.

It can also be undertaken as a dual trade Electrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeship completed in 5 years, and includes the study of both a Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control and a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.

An instrumentation and control technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing various types of electrical and electronic instrumentation equipment used in industrial settings. This includes instruments used for measuring and controlling variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, and level.

A typical day on the job in electrical instrumentation may include:

• Examining and test faulty electronic instruments and control systems to diagnose faults
• Installing electrical and electronic control systems and insulated cables
• Measuring and recording information relating to physical and chemical events within systems and their components
• Calibrating instruments to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards
• Maintaining and repairing electrical plant, machinery and instrumentations

Overall, an instrumentation and control technician plays a critical role in ensuring that industrial processes are running smoothly and efficiently by ensuring that instrumentation equipment is properly installed, calibrated, and maintained.

The salary for a qualified Instrumentation Technician depends on the industry and qualification completed. On average a technical can earn $70,000 to $90,000, whereas a dual trade Electrician and Instrumentation Technician in the mining and resources sector could earn over $100,000. (Seek)

Instrumentation and Control Apprentices are usually paid under the Electrical Award, or an employer-specific EBA. Exact wages can depend on the age at which you commence the apprenticeship and the level of high school completed. 

Indicative wages for an instrumentation and control apprentice in 2024:

• Aged under 17 years: $555.63 to $897.27 per week

• Aged 17 to 20 years: $609.01 to $897.27 per week

• Aged over 21 years: $875.93 to $956.20 per week

In addition, you may be eligible for Modern Award inclusions, employer or host benefits, and government support. 

To be a successful instrumentation and control apprentice you will need to have:

• Electrical aptitude
• Good diagnostic abilities
• Solid maths skills
• Normal colour vision
• Manual dexterity