Powerline Technician (PLTN)

Ontario College Diploma | 4 semesters | Barrydowne Campus

Cambrian Powerline program is the longest running program in the province. We offer an on-campus outdoor training field and industry-experienced faculty. As a Cambrian grad, you will have acquired the skills necessary to diagnose intricate electrical problems in a fast paced dynamic industry.

Safety is paramount. Students will learn to consider safety first and become advocates in support of a safe work place. The Powerline technician program covers the following:

• Overhead and underground distribution

• Electrical power stations

• Transmission system 

• Communication networks 

You may also have the option to begin an apprenticeship while earning your diploma.

Program Highlights

• 2 years – 4 semesters

• Start in September, January or May

• Co-op Apprenticeship option

• Real-world, hands-on training year round in the College's outdoor Powerline field located on campus

• Program is completely tailored to Powerline students, including electrical courses

• Partnership with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) allows you to take industry certificate courses prior to starting your co-op and to network with industry members

4D Learning Opportunities

Science North Festival of Lights – Each year, our students help set up more than 300 light displays at Science North in Sudbury for the community to enjoy.

Co-op Apprenticeship Option

Students have the opportunity to register as Powerline Technician Apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MOLTSD). Level 1 and 2 in-school (MOLTSD) training is offered by Infrastructure Health and Safety Association and is available to students who meet the criteria for coop 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 postsecondary Powerline Technician program. In order to qualify for the coop placement, students must meet strict academic standards and be successful at securing a coop. Students who participate in both paid coops gain real world experience and complete two out of the four levels required to challenge the "red seal" exam. 

Limited Enrolment

Please note that possession of the requirements does not guarantee admission. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available in the program, the College reserves the right to select from among those applicants. All students applying by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Preference will be given to Ontario residents. Please see the Limited Enrolment F.A.Q.'s on our website under "How to Apply" for further details.

Quick Links

How to Apply

Skills and Trades Training

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)

Recommended:

• 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)

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Program Delivery

2023-2024

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2024
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2024
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2025

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2024
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2024
3. SEMESTER 3 Winter 2025
4. SEMESTER 4 Spring 2025

Spring Term Start

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

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

Program of Study for 2023-24 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 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	Utility Work Protection Code and Under Ground	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.

Fees

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 & Supplies

The cost of books and supplies for Year 1 is approximately $4,500. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.

Graduate Options

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

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.