At an instrumentation technician school, you can expect to get hands-on experience with industrial measurement and control systems, including configuring, testing, and calibrating smart transmitters, troubleshooting 4-20mA loops, and practicing PLC programming.

You will learn to safely work with basic electrical and electronic circuits, install instruments, read P&ID diagrams, and use specialized test equipment like HART communicators and multimeters. The goal is to provide practical training that builds the skills needed for installing, maintaining, and repairing various control systems in industrial environments.  

Common Hands-On Activities At Instrumentation Technician School

An instrumentation technical school provides hands-on, real-world activities to simulate working in an entry-level position in essential industries, including:

• Instrumentation Hands-On Skills in Calibration: Setting up, calibrating, and testing pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters using modern equipment. 
• Wiring and Circuitry: Analyzing, wiring, and troubleshooting DC and AC electrical circuits, including motor control circuits and wiring diagrams. 
• Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Applying diagnostic techniques and troubleshooting skills to problems in control loops and instrumentation. Learn to install, maintain, adjust, and repair instruments and control systems.
• PLC and Control Systems: Programming and troubleshooting basic Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and working with simulated control systems. 
• Safety: Learning industrial safety practices, including handling high-voltage equipment and working with safety instrumented systems. 
• Piping and Pneumatics: Familiarizing yourself with piping, tubing, valves, motor controls, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. 

Equipment You Will Use At  Instrumentation Technician School

 Instrumentation technicians train on calibration devices, such as HART communicators, multimeters, and other precision measurement tools. Calibrators are tools used to simulate signals and perform precise calibration of instruments. Multimeters are essential for measuring voltage, current, and continuity in electrical circuits and components. 

They practice instrumentation hands-on skills with oscilloscopes, voltage probes, and diagnostic software test equipment in lab training. Oscilloscopes are tools for observing and analyzing electrical waveforms to diagnose faults in circuitry. Students also train on wattmeters to measure electrical power and signal generators to generate specific electrical signals for testing purposes.

Technicians learn to effectively use industrial components, such as smart transmitters, valves, actuators, and control panels. Their education in tech school includes skill development in basic PLC programming software, diagnostic software, and potentially Microsoft Office Excel.

What You Will Learn to Read, Interpret, And Prepare

Instrumentation technicians learn to read and interpret many types of field notes, drawings, blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation in tech school, such as:

• Blueprints and Schematics: Reading electrical and P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) drawings is essential. Students learn to trace circuits and understand the flow of power by reading electrical diagrams. They use standard symbols for components, such as resistors, fuses, and switches.  

• Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs): These drawings show the interconnection of process equipment and the instrumentation used to monitor and control it. You will learn to recognize standard symbols for field devices like valves and transmitters, as well as control systems like PLCs and DCSs.

• Technical Documentation: Preparing sketches, reports, and technical documentation for supervisors and plant managers. 

• Loop sheets: These specialized drawings show a single, complete control loop, detailing every device, wire number, and connection point. 

Key Skills You Will Develop At A Technical School

An instrumentation technician school will equip you with a mix of technical (hard) and professional (soft) skills essential for working with the complex measurement and control systems used in a wide range of industries. 

Instrumentation technicians develop problem-solving skills by analyzing and resolving complex issues in industrial instruments and control systems. They learn to calibrate and test devices and equipment, and gain knowledge in electrical and electronic theory. Students also study the main control systems used in industrial automation.                                                                                

Graduates know how to install and maintain instruments and control systems. They develop systematic and logical diagnostic techniques to identify, analyze, and repair equipment malfunctions in lab training. They learn to pay close attention to detail, which is a critical skill for performing precise calibration, wiring, and measurements. Computer applications specific to industrial settings are taught to enhance competencies.

Students improve their communication skills to explain technical information to colleagues and  writing reports. They learn the meaning of adaptability by keeping up with the evolving technologies in the field. Teamwork is taught so technicians can collaborate effectively with other professionals to achieve common goals. Safety compliance is taught so workers can understand and rigorously follow industry safety protocols, such as lockout and tagout procedures, and adhere to regulatory standards.

Instrument And Control Systems Technology Training 

 See what ITI Technical College has to offer toward your instrumentation technician career. Learn more about our Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in the Instrument and Control Systems Technology Program by requesting more information.

For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/