Educational Prerequisites for Becoming an Electrical Engineering Technician in Canada
Working as an entry-level electrical engineering technician in Canada typically requires a post-secondary diploma in electrical engineering. For more advanced career opportunities, the individuals may enroll in bachelor level degree programs at any of the universities in the country.
The post-secondary diploma course is designed to provide a solid foundation in electronic and electrical theory and practices. Students are taught to install, test, maintain, repair, analyze and troubleshoot different kinds of electrical circuits, systems and equipments. The program combines classroom lectures, hands-on-labs, projects and actual workplace assignments.
The technicians are expected to work on diverse traditional and modern equipments used in residential, commercial and industrial settings. This is why they need to obtain thorough grounding in electrical engineering sciences and skills. The electrical engineering courses help them gain in-depth understanding and working knowledge of functioning, installing, testing, maintenance and repairing of electrical equipments, circuits, instruments, motors and devices.
Centennial College's electrical engineering program runs for two years and covers a wide range of subjects including electrical theory and installations, electronics, mathematics, AutoCAD, drawing interpretation, monitoring systems, electric power generation and distribution, network and Adv control system. The program also lays strong emphasis on Canadian Electrical Code, ethics in technology and the environment and communication.
After the course completion, the graduates demonstrate the ability to:
- Install electric power systems, devices, motors
- Maintain electric and electronic systems
- Troubleshoot electric equipments, systems, motors, devices, circuits and instruments
- Work in various electrical environments relating to power generation, transmission, protection, distribution and utilization
- Replace parts of or entire electrical systems
- Provide technical assistance whenever required
- Monitor devices and equipments
- Develop solutions to improve the functioning of equipments
Career Options
Graduates in electrical engineering can find employment with diverse industries including industrial telecommunications, equipment design and manufacturing companies, power generation and transmission companies, electrical maintenance and installation contractors, retail companies selling electrical equipments or electronics and firms offering electrical repair and installation services in residential and commercial settings.
The technicians can work in electrical and other related areas including power generation, transmission, utilization and distribution, electrical maintenance, control systems, repairs, design and sales and services. The range of functions depends upon the type of employment, individual experience and educational qualifications.
The job prospects in the field of electrical engineering are bright as people are becoming more and more dependent on electrical and electronic products. The increased demand for machines and other electrical systems and electronic components has resulted in sharp increase in employment opportunities in this field. The electrical and electronics industry is constantly evolving. Given the anticipated growth in demand for electrical products, the demand for people who can install, troubleshoot, maintain and repair these products will be high in the coming years.
Students considering building a career in electrical engineering should enroll themselves in a post-secondary course that offers them thorough understanding of operation, functioning and installation and repairing of electrical and electronic products. To enroll in Centennial College's electrical engineering technician, you will need
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent
- English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
- Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent