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Programs

Powerline Technician

PLTNSchool of Skilled Trades

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

May 2024

September 2024

January 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters
Currently not available for international students

Program Contacts

Alan McNeilly

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6806

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 Ontario Skills 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

2023-2024

Spring term start

SEMESTER 1:  Spring 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 3:  Spring 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Fall 2025

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Spring 2026

Program of Study

Program of study for 2024-25 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.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
CAD 1100Computer-Aided Drafting I2
ELC 1130Electrical Theory and Wiring I 16
MTH 1152Electrical Math I3
HRP 1002Job Search and Soft Skills 2
PLT 1100Powerline Theory and Construction I 18
ENG 1002College Communications3
 Credits24
Semester 2
ELC 1230Electrical Theory and Wiring II 16
MTH 1252Electrical Math II3
PLT 1101Workplace Safety And The Law2
PLT 1200Powerline Theory & Construction II 18
One General Education course. 23
 Credits22
Semester 3
ELC 2335Electrical Theory and Wiring III 16
ENG 1780Applied Communication II2
MTH 2352Electrical Math III3
PLT 2300Powerline Theory & Construction III 18
PLT 2350Computer Aided Drafting II2
One General Education course. 23
 Credits24
Semester 4
PLT 2400Powerline Theory & Construction IV 18
PLT 2405Transformer & Metering Theory 12
PLT 1102Electrical and Distribution Systems6
PRT 1003Physics for Trades and Tech3
One General Education course. 23
 Credits22
 Total Credits92
1

 Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,523.82Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

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.

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.

Learn more

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

Employment opportunities

A recent study by the Canadian Electrical Sector indicates that over the next nine years, one third of the employees in that sector will be retiring, creating a shortfall of between 1840 and 3542 employees. Graduates of this program may find employment with:

  • Engineering companies
  • Contractors
  • Equipment suppliers
  • Utility companies
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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.

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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