Powerline Technician (Co-op and Non Co-op Version) at Algonquin College

Become a Powerline Technician in Ontario.

This two-year Powerline Technician Ontario College Diploma program prepares you with the skills you need to succeed as a powerline technician in Ontario. Begin by learning electrical basics and move on to design, planning, construction and maintenance of distribution lines.

You will learn:

• how to use AutoCAD to design structures in 2D and 3D
• about electrical machinery and metering
• how to develop essential safety skills and knowledge
• about practice rigging
• how to design overhead and underground power installations

Starting in the second term, you begin spending one day per week at the Hydro Ottawa partner site located on Bank Street in Ottawa. There you learn climbing, rigging and other hands-on skills you can apply throughout your career.

To ensure the safety of all students, you must complete a Working at Heights training session before you begin training at Hydro Ottawa.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Graduates of this program may be able to work as a powerline technician with electric power generation, and transmission and distribution companies, or pursue a career with electrical contractors and public utility commissions.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Prefer a hands-on, physical approach to learning.
• Enjoy analyzing and solving problems.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Enjoy the challenge of working outdoors and in all weather conditions.
• Are at ease climbing to and working at heights for power distribution.
• Can work in confined spaces.
• Have a strong aptitude for mechanical reasoning.

Careers

Graduates may find employment as powerline technicians with electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies, electrical contractors and public utility commissions. A strong foundation in technological principles helps graduates to remain current with the changes in technology and grow into supervisory positions.

For the past few years, Hydro Ottawa has hired exclusively from the Algonquin Powerline Technician program to fill their positions for Powerline Maintainer Apprentices and Cable Jointer Apprentices.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Communicate information effectively and accurately by analyzing, translating, and producing electrical drawings and other related documents and graphics.
2. Analyze and solve routine technical problems related to electrical technology and power distribution by applying the principles of mathematics and science.
3. Calibrate, use and maintain instrumentation and test equipment.
4. Identify problems with overhead and underground powerline equipment and systems by following established procedures and using a variety of troubleshooting techniques.
5. Design and draw powerlines and underground distribution systems by following established procedures.
6. Practice appropriate safety procedures for self and others and utilize personal protection equipment, including rigging and construction practices.
7. Prepare and maintain records and documentation systems and participate in the planning of work and projects.
8. Perform tasks related to powerline applications in accordance with relevant law, policies, procedures, standards, regulations, and ethical principles.
9. Select and apply electrical cabling requirements and verify system grounding for a variety of powerline applications.
10. Install, maintain and remove power poles, transformers, structures and other utility equipment.
11. Install and troubleshoot static and rotating electrical machines and associated control systems under the supervision of a qualified person.
12. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Mathematics Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English, mathematics and mechanical comprehension.