Industrial Automation Technician Diploma

Why Choose North Island College?

• National accreditation. The Industrial Automation Technician program has received accreditation through the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). CTAB verifies that the program has a proper balance of academic and theoretical portions, suitably reinforced by laboratory and practical experience amounting to approximately one half of the total program.
• Exclusive networks. As a student, you’ll be eligible to become a Student Member of Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) and, on completion of two years practical work experience, become a member of any of the 10 Provincial Technician and Technologies Associations. At present, CTAB accreditation is recognized internationally in at least 12 countries. Benefits of membership in a Provincial Association include employer recognition and access to the Canadian Technical Employment Network (CTEN) for job hunting.
• Considering a career in the Canadian Forces? NIC’s Industrial Automation Technician program has been accredited by the Canadian Forces, and graduates can gain advanced standing as a Naval Electronics Technician and Naval Weapons Technician. Students interested in pursuing these positions are eligible to receive a salary with benefits, support to offset tuition, and support to purchase materials if enrolled through the Canadian Forces Non-Commissioned Member - Subsidized Education Plan. For more information, visit Canadian Forces - Subsidized Technical Training.
• A great place to be. Small class size, state-of-the-art equipment, low cost of living, and a great climate all combine to give you the best possible learning environment.

Program Highlights

Industrial Automation technicians design, install, and maintain electronics equipment used in modern industrial processes. They work on every type of system, from the simplest fuses and motors to sophisticated electronic computer interface boards, motor drives, programmable logic controllers, solid-state devices and robotics.

Students take three courses in Instrumentation and Process Control, two courses in programmable Logic Controllers, two courses in Electrical Power and Power Electronics, and one course in each of Auto-Cad, Industrial Control of Chemical Processes, Fluid Power and Data Acquisition. Each course uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment. An intensive hands-on lab program is supplemented with interesting field trips.

Students are introduced to the types of specialty equipment typically used in the industrial automation industry. These include instrumentation and process control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) of all types, variable frequency drives or inverter drives, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), fluid systems including hydraulic and pneumatic positioners and drives, robotics and controls, and microprocessor operated equipment of many different types. Computers are used to interface with all of these systems and equipment.

Students will accumulate 700 hours of hands-on lab time in the first year core program and 700 hours during the second year of the program, for a total of 1,400 hours of practical training upon completion. In some provinces, this time credit can be applied toward apprenticeship.

Those who hold a Red Seal in an electrical trade may be eligible to enter this program through an alternative route. This involves an assessment of prior learning from an individual’s apprenticeship and recommendations for any studies needed. Contact the instructor for further information.

Career Opportunities

As an Industrial Automation Technician graduate, you will discover career opportunities in forest products, pulp and paper, chemical processing, oil/gas/petroleum, mining and metal processing, steam generation and utilities, water and waste water treatment, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, textiles, materials handling and electronics/semiconductors manufacturing. Due to the increasing use of electronics in all of these fields, opportunities will continue to grow.

Supply List

• 3 ring binder
• Pen/pencil/highlighter
• Lined paper and graph paper
• Ruler
• Protractor
• French curve
• Sharp scientific calculator EL46WB-BK

Admission Requirements

1. Students wishing to enter the Industrial Automation Technician program must have successfully completed the first year of the Electronics Core Technician program or the "core" electronics course requirements at any College or Institute that is a member of the International Electronics Technician Articulation Committee.

To Be Successful

• Teamwork, an aptitude for mathematics, and good communication and analytic skills are basic to success. Enthusiasm coupled with adaptability, flexibility and good computer skills are also a necessity.

Program Requirements

Year 1

• Complete the Electronics Technician Core certificate

Year 2

• ELC-201 Process Measurement
• ELC-205 Process Control Devices
• ELC-206 Process Control Systems
• ELC-215 Programmable Logic Controllers I
• ELC-216 Programmable Logic Controllers II
• ELC-220 AutoCAD for Technicians
• ELC-230 Industrial Power Electronics
• ELC-235 Electrical Power Circuits and Machines
• ELC-240 Industrial Control of Chemical Processes
• ELC-250 Fluid Power Controls
• ELC-260 Data Acquisition and Control Systems
• ELC-270 Control System Project

Completion Requirements

To pass the program you are required to attain a minimum of 70% in each course.