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
- Limited enrolment
- 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
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 | ||
| ENG 1765 | Workplace Communication | 3 |
| ELC 2335 | Electrical Theory and Wiring III 1 | 6 |
| 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 | 25 | |
| 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 | 93 | |
- 1
Course with Lab Component
- 2
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
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)
Program delivery
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
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.
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
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
