Measurement and Control Technician
What is the work like?
Measurement and control technicians work with the instruments and sensors that monitor production processes and equipment in a wide variety of fields. For example, they might use control panels, which check that a production line is running smoothly, or equipment that makes sure medical instruments are working properly.
As a technician, your main duties would include:
- monitoring systems and equipment using programmable logic controls (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs)
- designing, testing, calibrating and operating new control systems
- gathering and analysing feedback data from devices for use in quality control
- installing, maintaining and repairing measuring instruments.
Measurement and control methods are used across industry, for instance in manufacturing, transport and engineering. As an example, you might use control instruments to monitor what is happening in a specific area of production. If a fault occurs, the instruments would alert you to problems so you could make the necessary adjustments to get the machinery back up and running.
You would normally work in a team under the direction of an engineer but you may have responsibility for supervising craftspeople and machine operators.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme in engineering. To do this, you will need four GCSEs (A-C), including maths, science, engineering or equivalent qualifications. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
You could also take a college course, for instance a BTEC award, to learn some of the skills needed for this job. Courses include:
- First Certificate in Engineering Level 2
- First Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering Level 2
- National Certificate/Diploma in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering
- National Certificate/Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering.
These are available at local colleges throughout the country.
For information about engineering as a career, see SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers and course information for that area.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working in measurement and control, there is a range of work-based NVQ and other awards available, depending on your job role, for example:
- NVQ Performing Engineering Operations at levels 1 and 2
- NVQ Engineering Maintenance and Installation Level 2, and Maintenance Level 3
- NVQ Maintaining Plant and Systems, Installation and Commissioning, Marine Engineering Operations or Engineering Technical Support Level 3
- NVQ Process Engineering Maintenance (Instrument and Control levels 2 and 3)
- EAL Advanced Diploma in Engineering and Technology.
You could continue to study part-time for a BTEC HNC/HND in Operations Engineering – Instrument and Control. Other engineering subjects at this level also contain measurement and control options, for instance, electrical or electronic engineering. Check with local colleges for details.
If you have the right qualifications and experience, you could think about registering with the Engineering Council to gain EngTech status for professional development purposes.
Where can I go for more information?
2nd FloorWeston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
London
WC1E 6AF
Tel: 020 7387 4949
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £17,000 and £20,000 a year.
- Experienced technicians earn between £22,000 and £27,000.
- Senior technicians with supervisory responsibility can earn up to £30,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work between 37 and 40 hours a week, with shift, on-call, night and weekend work often required.
Your working conditions are dependent on the type of industry. You may work indoors on a factory production line, a controlled environment, such as an electronics manufacturing plant, or hospital or research facility. You may do some work outdoors, for example if working on signalling systems on road and rail networks.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an interest in electronics and microelectronics
- an understanding of computer engineering applications
- a grasp of engineering principles
- the ability to work methodically and precisely
- good problem-solving skills
- good communications skills
- the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
What opportunities are there?
Your prospects are good as a qualified technician with a wide range of engineering and manufacturing industries, and research and development companies employing measurement control technicians.
You could find opportunities in areas such as control systems installation, design and manufacture of components, computerised controls, equipment testing, production control and estimating.
With experience, you could move into a supervisory position. If you take professional development options, higher management and project engineer jobs may become available.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
JustEngineers.net
Engineering Jobs Network
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