Powerline Technician (PLTN)

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 (IHSA) 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 2027-28 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.

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)

• It's important that students do not have acrophobia (fear of heights) and claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces).  A Powerline Technician will be required to work at heights and in confined spaces, and an inability to function in either of these areas will limit employment opportunities.   

• Due to the strenuous physical demands in the Powerline field, it is strongly recommended that applicants acquire and maintain a good level of physical fitness. Being physically fit will help the student to excel in practical activities and will decrease the chances of injuries due to physical exertion.

Program delivery

2027-2028

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2028
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2029

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2028
SEMESTER 3:  Winter 2029
SEMESTER 4:  Spring 2029

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