Powerline Technician
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Skilled Trades
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 Advanced Diploma
Program Duration
6 Semesters / 3 YearsProgram Contacts
Tom Fahey
Program Coordinator / Professor
tom.fahey@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Put your electrical engineering career on the fast track
Our technology-level program is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries that rely on electrical technologists to support day-to-day operations and project work. Using actual equipment used by industry, our courses include an in-depth study of power electronics, electrical control systems, and instrumentation. Gain hands-on experience using AutoCAD, PLCs, and instrumentation tools in our electrical labs featuring industry-standard 120 to 208/600-volt equipment. Focusing on commercial and industrial installations, you’ll master how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot today’s modern electrical systems.
Upon successfully completing our immersive program, your advanced diploma equates to two levels toward a Construction and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship and all three levels toward an Industrial Electrician apprenticeship. Our program features an optional, paid co-op directly in a real-world work environment.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Capped enrolment
- Be positioned for faster career advancement opportunities with an advanced diploma
- Hands-on experience using AutoCAD, PLCs, and instrumentation tools
- Learn report writing techniques that meet Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists standards
- Optional paid co-op to gain industry experience
- Common first and second year with Cambrian’s Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial program
- Diploma equates to two of the three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification for Construction and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship and all three levels of required theory for an Industrial Electrician apprenticeship
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 11 physics (U) or grade 12 physics (C) or (U)
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
- Semester 5: Fall 2026
- Semester 6: Winter 2027
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
- Semester 5: Fall 2027
- Semester 6: Winter 2028
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
- Semester 5: Fall 2027
- Semester 6: Winter 2028
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 | 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 |
| ENG 1765 | Workplace Communication | 3 |
| INT 1006 | Instrumentation I 1 | 4 |
| 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 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| ELC 1006 | Intermediate PLC | 6 |
| ENE 1014 | Alternative Energy | 3 |
| ELC 3504 | Industrial Wiring Practices 1 | 6 |
| ELC 3511 | Electronic Drives 1 | 3 |
| MTH 2353 | Electrical Math III (TECH) | 3 |
| TEC 3501 | Technical Report Research | 1 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| ELC 1007 | PLC Projects & Troubleshooting 1 | 5 |
| INT 3505 | Instrumentation III 1 | 3 |
| ELC 1008 | Electrical Protection & Dist. | 3 |
| ELC 3609 | Fundamental Hydraulics 1 | 3 |
| MTH 3552 | Electrical Math V | 3 |
| ELC 3515 | Industrial Networking | 4 |
| TEC 3601 | Technical Report | 1 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Total Credits | 144 | |
- 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!
Vale – This optional co-op offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience while participating productively in a team environment, demonstrating strong leadership skills, enthusiasm, flexibility, and creativity. The students had the opportunity to hone their organization and communication skills and good listening abilities.
Linamar Corporation – During this optional Electrical co-op, students were responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems, apparatus, and electrical and electronic components of machinery and facility equipment. following electrical code, manuals, schematic diagrams, blueprints, and other specifications and using hand tools, power tools, and electrical and electronic test equipment.
Additional Details: Our 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 pathways
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
CPU
A computer with either an 10th generation I5/I7 processor or newer.
A computer with either a 5000 series Ryzen processor or newer.
Memory
Minimum 16GB of ram either DDR4 or DDR5
Video Graphics Card
Dedicated Graphics Card with a minimum of 2/4GB (This would be an equivalent of a mobile RTX 3050)
Storage
At minimum a 250GB 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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