Welding and Fabrication 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 Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsCurrently not available for international students
Program Contacts
Alan McNeilly
Program Coordinator / Professor
alan.mcneilly@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Energize the world with a safety-focused powerline technician diploma
Be part of the longest-running powerline program in the province, staffed by a faculty experienced in the industry. Gain the real-world skills to diagnose intricate electrical problems in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with our on-campus outdoor pole fields, including the Gatien Training Field.
You’ll learn skills in the drafting, design, construction, maintenance, and repair of powerline systems. With a focus on safety, you’ll cover overhead and underground distribution, electrical power stations, transmission systems, communication networks, and more. You’ll have an option to begin an apprenticeship with a competitive salary while earning your diploma.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Co-op apprenticeship option
- Year-round training in the powerline garage and outdoor pole fields
- Partnership with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (ISHA) allows you to take industry certificate courses prior to starting co-op
- Networking opportunities with industry members
- Opportunity for select students to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition
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)
Additional admission requirements
Recommendations
-
Any grade 11 (U) or grade 12 (U) or (C) chemistry or physics or any grade 11 or 12 technical course (C), (U), or (M)
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: Winter 2026
- Semester 4: Spring 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: Winter 2027
- Semester 4: Spring 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 1100 | Computer-Aided Drafting I | 2 |
| ELC 1130 | Electrical Theory and Wiring I 1 | 6 |
| MTH 1152 | Electrical Math I | 3 |
| HRP 1002 | Job Search and Soft Skills | 2 |
| PLT 1100 | Powerline Theory and Construction I 1 | 8 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ELC 1230 | Electrical Theory and Wiring II 1 | 6 |
| MTH 1252 | Electrical Math II | 3 |
| PLT 1101 | Workplace Safety And The Law | 2 |
| PLT 1200 | Powerline Theory & Construction II 1 | 8 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ELC 2335 | Electrical Theory and Wiring III 1 | 6 |
| ENG 1780 | Applied Communication II | 2 |
| MTH 2352 | Electrical Math III | 3 |
| PLT 2300 | Powerline Theory & Construction III 1 | 8 |
| PLT 2350 | Computer Aided Drafting II | 2 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| PLT 2400 | Powerline Theory & Construction IV 1 | 8 |
| PLT 2405 | Transformer & Metering Theory 1 | 2 |
| PLT 1102 | Electrical and Distribution Systems | 6 |
| PRT 1003 | Physics for Trades and Tech | 3 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Total Credits | 92 | |
- 1
-
Course with Lab Component
- 2
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
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 and more!
Infrastructure Health Safety Association (IHSA) – This powerline apprenticeship co-op offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience with IHSA. The students assisted in maintenance activities and tasks at the IHSA facilities. The student duties included:
- Installation, replacement, and disposal of poles
- Material replacement, repair, and inventory management
- Routine vehicle and equipment inspections
Hydro One – In this powerline apprenticeship, co-op the students were represented by the Canadian Union Of Skilled Workers (CUSW) and were entitled to the rights and benefits of a first-term apprentice, and were compensated at the first-term apprentice rate of pay. Those students who successfully complete their second co-op placement may apply for employment at Hydro One through the Joint Training Committees.
Co-op apprenticeship option – You have the opportunity to register as a Powerline Technician Apprentice with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MOLTSD). Level one and two in-school (MOLTSD) training is offered by the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association and is available to students who meet the criteria for co-op placements. Students participating in the level one and two training must pay a portion of the cost (approximately $2,000).
The placement is optional and is not required to graduate from Cambrian’s post-secondary Powerline Technician program. To qualify for the co-op placement, students must meet strict academic standards and be successful at securing a co-op. Students who participate in both paid co-ops gain real-world experience and complete two out of the four levels required for the apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification.
Field of Study
School of Skilled Trades
Cambrian was originally founded as a trade school, a field where we excel. We collaborate with industry partners to give qualified learners the opportunity to start working upon graduation by teaching in-demand skills. From the longest-running powerline program in the province to our motive power technician programs and much more, Cambrian provides the tools for satisfying careers in skilled trades.
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
- Windows 10 operating system
- Processor: i5 Intel i5 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 space: 500 GB HD
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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