Powerline Technician
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Skilled Trades
Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Jeff Walker
Program Coordinator / Professor
jeff.walker@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Join science with technology to build the world around you
Develop the skills to get the framework of the world on solid footing by training to become a member of civil engineering teams that are responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of infrastructure. You’ll focus on improving roads, bridges, buildings, dams, storm and sanitary water systems, pipelines, deep and shallow foundations, and apply sustainability practices.
Gain hands-on experience in design and drafting in our Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) laboratory, and train with state-of-the-art electronic survey equipment interfaced with survey software. You’ll be introduced to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning equipment and point cloud management. You’ll also learn automated structural detailing to meet the demand. A two-week surveying field camp at the end of the second semester is compulsory.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Two-week surveying field camp gives you work-integrated learning experience
- Networking opportunities within the community, including participation in the optional competitive co-op program
- Industry-experienced faculty
- Hands-on experience in a modernized lab
- Compete against classmates in headframe building competition in second year
- Graduates can seek membership with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to become certified as a C.Tech. (Certified Technician)
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C is highly recommended)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Recommendations:
- Any grade 12 physics (C), (U)
- Computer competency in relevant software
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CIV 1200 | Concrete & Asphalt 1 | 4 |
| CIV 2331 | Construction Technology | 4 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| MTH 1050 | Algebra I | 3 |
| SUR 1116 | Surveying I 1 | 5 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CAD 1001 | Engineering Graphics | 3 |
| ENG 1754 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| MCH 1205 | Mechanics | 5 |
| MTH 1250 | Algebra II | 3 |
| SUR 1220 | Surveying II 1 | 5 |
| SUR 1232 | Survey Field Methods | 1 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CAD 1200 | Computer Aided Drafting II | 2 |
| CIV 2300 | Soil Mechanics I 1 | 4 |
| CIV 2302 | Civil Engineering Applications | 3 |
| CIV 2421 | Basic Hydraulics | 3 |
| MCH 2310 | Strength Of Materials I | 4 |
| MTH 2325 | Technical Math III | 3 |
| ENV 1027 | Sustainable Practices | 3 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CIV 2403 | Structural Behaviour & Detailing | 4 |
| CIV 2404 | Computer Aided Structural Detailing | 3 |
| CIV 2431 | Municipal Planning | 4 |
| CIV 3500 | Special Projects 1 | 4 |
| CIV 3520 | Contracts Law & Specifications | 4 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Total Credits | 89 | |
- 1
-
Course with Lab Component
- 2
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
You will participate in a two-week field camp at the end of the second semester (CSA-approved safety boots and safety vest mandatory). Attendance is compulsory to complete the program. Students are urged to let employers know that they are not available for summer employment until the course is officially completed.
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Engineering Technology
Imagine a career in a cutting-edge laboratory or inside a mine 5,000 feet below the ground or on-site constructing a skyscraper. At Cambrian, learning isn’t confined to textbooks. From chemical and civil engineering to mechatronics, mechanical, and more, at our School of Engineering Technology, you’ll gain the skills you need to bring a wide range of engineering theories to life.
Specific program pathways
Graduates of Cambrian’s CVTN program may apply to enter directly into Semester 5 of the Civil Engineering Technology (CVTY) program. This is a competitive process.
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Processor: i7 Intel i7 or equivalent processor
- Graphics: High-end graphics video card (consider a dedicated video card with 1 GB of video memory)
- RAM: 8 GB of RAM
- Storage: 500 GB HD
- Software: Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel)
Please note, that industry-standard software that you will access as part of your program will not be compatible with every device. These minimum technology requirements will allow you to access the software, but will not provide the optimal user experience. It is recommended you use a computer with stronger capabilities. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input.
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
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