Measurement and control technicians work with complex instruments and sensors that monitor production or operational processes in a wide variety of fields, including:

• manufacturing
• medical instruments
• transportation
• power generation
• light and heavy engineering.

Technicians use control instruments to monitor what is happening in a specific area of operation or production. Where faults occur, the instruments are programmed to carry out any necessary changes and adjustments straight away. The devices are also designed to collate and feedback data, which is used in quality control.

Technicians' duties include:

• installation, routine maintenance and repair of components
• monitoring existing systems using programmable logic controls (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs)
• designing, producing, testing, calibrating and operating new systems.

Technicians work closely with instrument control engineers and may also be responsible for the supervision of craftspeople and machine operators. See the profile for Measurement and Control Engineer.

Hours and Environment

Technicians work 37 to 40 hours a week, with shift, on-call, night and weekend work often required.

Working conditions are dependent on the type of industry. Technicians may work indoors on a factory production line, a controlled environment, such as an electronics manufacturing plant, or hospital or research facility; and some work outside, for example, on road and rail infrastructure.

Skills and Interests

To be a measurement and control technician, you need:

• an interest in electronics and microelectronics
• an understanding of computer engineering applications
• a grasp of engineering principles
• to be able to work methodically and precisely
• good analytical skills
• good communications skills
• be able to work alone or as part of a team.

Entry

A common route for young people is to train as a technician apprentice in engineering. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see Training section for contacts). You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths, science, engineering or appropriate equivalents.

Alternative entry qualifications open to all ages include:

• EDEXCEL (BTEC) First Certificate in Engineering Level 2
• BTEC First Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering Level 2
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical or Operations and Maintenance Engineering at Level 3
• City & Guilds Progression Award in Technical Services Level 2.

These are available at local colleges throughout the country.

For information about engineering as a career, see SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their websites in Further Information.

Training

For those who have responsibility for measurement and control, there is a range of NVQ/SVQs and other awards available, depending on the job role:

• NVQ/SQV Performing Engineering Operations at levels 1 and 2
• NVQ/SVQ in Engineering Maintenance and Installation Level 2, and Maintenance Level 3
• NVQ/SVQ in Maintaining Plant and Systems, Installation and Commissioning, Marine Engineering Operations or Engineering Technical Support Level 3
• NVQ/SVQ in Process Engineering Maintenance (Instrument and Control levels 2 and 3
• EAL Advanced Diploma in Engineering and Technology.

Technicians may continue to study part-time for an Edexcel (BTEC) Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Operations Engineering – Instrument and Control. Other engineering disciplines at this level also contain measurement and control options, for instance, electrical or electronic engineering. Check with local colleges for details.

For professional development, suitably qualified/experienced technicians could consider registering with the Engineering Council to attain EngTech status. For more details, see the EngTech and Institute of Measurement and Control websites in Further Information.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

A wide range of engineering and manufacturing industries, and research and development companies employ measurement and control technicians, so prospects are good.

There are opportunities in:

• installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment
• design and manufacture of components
• computerised control equipment
• testing new equipment
• production control
• costing and estimating.

Career progression would normally involve moving into supervisory positions. With further training and experience, higher management and project lead roles may become available - see the profile for Measurement and Control Engineer.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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.

Further information

Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878 6th Floor
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426 87 Gower Street
London
WC1E 6AA
Tel: 020 7387 4949 14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167