Power Engineering Technician
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Engineering Technology
Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Scott Maclennan
Program Coordinator / Professor
scott.maclennan@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Become a key player in electrical equipment and power systems servicing and design
Modelled after the Level one and two Trade School portions of the Ontario Basic Electrician Apprenticeship, you’ll gain hands-on experience and in-class know-how in the design, installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of typical electrical circuits, working your way up to complex electrical machinery.
You’ll learn about electrical safety codes and print reading, and gain exposure to residential, commercial, and industrial installations. An introduction to AutoCAD Electrical, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), power electronics, and instrumentation rounds out your learning. Our program features an optional, paid co-op where you’ll apply your skills in an actual work environment.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Capped enrolment
- Diploma equates to two of the three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification
- Hands-on electrical labs feature industry-standard 120 to 208/240 volt equipment
- Optional paid co-op to gain industry experience
- Grads get advanced standing in Cambrian’s Electrical Engineering Technology to earn an advanced diploma in just one year
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) or (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
2024-2025
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2025
- Semester 2: Spring 2025
- Semester 3: Fall 2025
- Semester 4: Winter 2026
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| CAD 1002 | Electrical CAD | 2 |
| ELC 1004 | Prints & Electrical Code I | 3 |
| ELC 1009 | Electrical Workplace Safety 1 | 2 |
| ELC 1125 | Electrical Installation I 1 | 5 |
| ELR 1121 | Electrical Fundamentals 1 | 6 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| MTH 1152 | Electrical Math I | 3 |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ELC 1211 | Electrical Installation II 1 | 5 |
| ELC 1226 | Digital Electronics Theory | 3 |
| MTH 1252 | Electrical Math II | 3 |
| ELC 1221 | Motor Control Fundamentals | 5 |
| ELC 2311 | Prints & Electrical Code II | 4 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ELC 1011 | Prints and Electrical Code III | 3 |
| ELN 2320 | Power Electronics I 1 | 5 |
| ELC 2316 | Electrical Systems Lab 1 | 4 |
| ELC 2317 | Electrical Systems Theory | 3 |
| INT 1006 | Instrumentation I 1 | 4 |
| ENG 1765 | Workplace Communication | 3 |
| MTH 2352 | Electrical Math III | 3 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 28 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ELC 1012 | Prints and Electrical Code IV | 3 |
| ELC 2425 | PLC Basic Programming | 4 |
| ELC 2413 | AC and DC Machines Lab 1 | 4 |
| ELC 2414 | AC and DC Machines Theory | 3 |
| ELN 2419 | Power Electronics II 1 | 4 |
| INT 1007 | Instrumentation II 1 | 4 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Total Credits | 100 | |
- 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.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
SNOLAB – During this optional Electrical Engineering co-op students worked closely with SNOLAB staff assisting with the installation of full-scale experiments and lab infrastructure while always working safely and following appropriate codes and regulations. Upon completion of the 4-month term, a letter acknowledging the apprentice student’s achievements and training was issued.
Spark Power Corp – This optional co-op offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience as an Electrical Engineer.
During this co-op students:
- Worked with Rondar’s Protection & Control Engineering team
- Performed power system studies using EasyPower or ETAP including Short Circuit Analysis, and Protective Device Coordination Study under the direction of the Engineering Manager or Senior Engineers
- Assisted in the installation, testing, and verification of protection & control devices in the field
- Assisted in the testing, commissioning, or maintaining power distribution equipment
- Interacted with clients, owners, consultants, and construction crew
- Made recommendations required in connection with technical problem-solving
Optional paid co-op – this program features an optional, paid co-op directly related to your program of study. During this work-integrated learning experience, you’ll apply your skills and knowledge in an actual work environment, giving you industry training that you can showcase to potential employers when you graduate.
You will be required to complete work preparation sessions before the work term to help you develop an industry-specific resume and effective interviewing skills. Cambrian’s Career Centre will support you through this process and will also help you to source and apply for placement opportunities.
International students: Study permits prohibit international students from participating in optional co-ops. However, if you are an international student and are interested in work-integrated learning opportunities, visit Cambrian’s Career Centre to discuss available options with a career advisor. Opportunities may include volunteer positions or part-time or full-time jobs during academic breaks and/or during the academic year.
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 pathway
Graduates of Cambrian’s EETN program may apply to enter directly into Semester five of Cambrian’s Electrical Engineering Technology – Industrial (EETY) 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
- Web cam and headset
- Personal computer
- Processor: 10th generation I5/I7 processor or 5000 series Ryzen processor or newer
- Graphics: Dedicated graphics card with a minimum of 2/4GB (This would be an equivalent of a mobile RTX 3050)
- RAM: Minimum 16 GB of RAM either DDR4 or DDR5
- Storage space: Minimum 250 GB hard drive, preferably a SSD (solid state drive hard drive)
Please note, 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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