In all process industries, quantities such as temperature, pressure, level and flow need to be measured and controlled. Control and measurement are done by various means including electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment and computers. The Automation and Instrumentation Technician, maintains, tests and calibrates the equipment used to control and measure. The technician works with the process designers and the work includes troubleshooting control loops, adjusting controllers and systems and programming and troubleshooting computers.

Graduates may be employed in electrical power generation (including nuclear), mineral processing, petrochemical, pulp and paper, car manufacturing plants, pharmaceuticals, or natural gas compressor stations, or water and wastewater treatment facilities (amongst many others).