Advanced Diploma in Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology - Industrial Automation - Accelerated (Co-op) Lambton College - Sarnia Campus, Canada

This accelerated program is designed to meet industry's future requirements for a skilled workforce. It provides the opportunity for a graduate with an Engineering Technology Degree, Engineering Degree, or Science Degree in Physics or Chemistry, to earn an advanced technical diploma in instrumentation and control within a shorter time frame than those registered in the Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology program. The accelerated program is delivered in seven terms including three recommended co-op terms. The standard three-year Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology program includes three co-op terms delivered in nine terms.

The program provides the theory and technical hands-on knowledge to operate, maintain and troubleshoot various control systems. These computer control systems can be used to control countless processes. Instrumentation devices (i.e. transmitters and switches) are used to measure process variables (e.g. composition, temperature, pressure, level, density, mass, flow) in a variety of industrial, commercial and residential applications. Final control elements (i.e. valves, dampers, heaters, electric motors, conveyors) are then used to modify the process to maintain control.

Students enrolled in this program will train in Lambton College’s newly renovated Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies. The Centre offers state-of-practice technology laboratories and infrastructure to support learning and research in next-generation technologies in collaboration with industry.The program labs replicate real-life manufacturing environments and the technologies developed can easily be scaled-up and transferred to an actual operating unit. Moreover, students in this program will have the opportunity to work in relevant industries within the three co-op terms.

Securing a Co-op
The job market for co-op is very competitive.  Students who have met the co-op eligibility are highly encouraged to actively participate in the recruitment process in the semester prior to their co-op work term. This includes, but is not limited to, attending all recruitment workshops, meeting with your program co-op advisor, regularly searching through the MyCareer Job Posting System and other job posting sites, networking; and contacting potential employers. The MyCareer Centre actively pursues employers, however there may be limited availabilities so students should seek out additional employers to secure their own co-op.

If a co-op position is not secured prior to the start of a co-op semester, students should meet with their program co-op advisor to discuss next steps.  Any student who secures their own position must contact their program co-op advisor prior to the start of employment to determine if this position is considered acceptable as a co-op and to complete the appropriate paperwork to register the co-op.  This is necessary in order for either the insurance to be put in place or for the employer to get a tax credit letter. For more information on securing a co-op, read the Co-operative Education and Internship Policy (2000-8-1).

Students enrolled in a co-operative education program pay a mandatory fee to cover the costs of employer relations development, job development, job-readiness preparation and co-op service administration. Payment of fees does not secure a co-op position.