Power by design.
Electrical demands across all industries are wide-ranging, requiring a depth and breadth of expertise. Highly prominent in that range is the specialized field of Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls). The emphasis is on power systems, control systems, and electrical design, which can apply to installation, operation, and maintenance activities. And experts in this field are in the highest demand.
The precise skills you develop in CNA’s three-year program in Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) will be sought out across several industries – from production plants and power utilities to petroleum companies and refineries, to shipyards, paper mills, and more. The co-op nature of this program guarantees you extensive real-world experience and work terms, preparing you to launch directly into your career upon graduation – whether that be as an electrical engineering technologist, electrical facilities/maintenance specialist, electrical designer, or electrical CAD specialist, among other dynamic roles.
Graduates can find employment with a wide variety of companies involved in the electrical industry, such as production plants, oil & gas exploration and production companies, refineries, offshore servicing companies, power utilities, pulp & paper mills, electrical sales and service groups, shipyards, provincial and federal government departments and consulting engineering companies.
With this credential, you will be internationally recognized as a technologist by the International Engineering Alliance, under the Sidney Accord. You will also find a direct line to university degrees in a number of technology and engineering disciplines to enhance your career even further.
If you’re interested in a power-driven, stimulating career, we can connect you.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC)
- Accredited as a co-op program under CEWIL (Co-operative Education and Work-integrated Learning)
- Work integrated experience in the form of two co-op work terms, and an applied research capstone project in Year 3 of the program
- Link to a Bachelor of Technology degree, through the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, and transfer of credit towards degree programs at several out-of-province institutions
Did You Know?
- Graduates with two years of progressive work experience may be eligible to receive the designation of Professional Technologist (P. Tech) upon completion of a Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
- Graduates earn between CA$55,000 to CA$130,000 per year with a median salary of $85,000 CAD after 10 years’ experience. (AETTNL Salary Survey, 2020)
- The Sydney Accord, administered by the International Engineering Alliance, is an international agreement between the bodies responsible for accrediting engineering technologist qualification programs in each of the signatory countries. It recognizes the substantial equivalency of programs accredited by those bodies and recommends that graduates of accredited programs in any of the signatory countries be recognized by the other countries as having met the academic requirements for entry to the practice of engineering technologist.
ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada under the mandate of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
The academic credentials of graduates of accredited technology programs are recognized internationally by the signatories of the Sydney Accord. This provides graduates of the program with both national and international mobility for work and/or study.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op program the graduate will be able to:
- Evaluate, design and specify facility electrical systems such as power, lighting, heating, control and protection.
- Design and specify electrical generation, transmission and distribution systems.
- Design, test, analyze and commission industrial electrical power control systems.
- Coordinate, plan, direct and interface with other electrical industry professionals as part of a technical support team.
- Analyze, configure and assist in the electrical design of control systems in commercial and industrial applications employing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
- Design and specify electrical systems found in electrical utilities and industrial plants.
- Maintain and troubleshoot electrical equipment such as motors, generators, transformers, and protection & control devices.
- Employ the use of power electronic circuits in the electrical design of commercial and industrial systems utilized by the electrical power industry.
- Apply knowledge of current applicable codes, practices, and safety standards.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op program can find employment with a wide variety of companies involved in the electrical industry. Typical employers include production plants, oil and gas exploration production companies, refineries, offshore servicing companies, power utilities, pulp and paper mills, electrical sales and service groups, shipyards, provincial and federal government departments and consulting engineering companies.
Graduates with two years of progressive work experience may be eligible to receive the designation of Professional Technologist (P. Tech) upon completion of a Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op program are required to obtain the following external certifications prior to the start of Work Term I:
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Standard First Aid/Heart Start
- Arc Flash Awareness
*Students should be aware that additional fees may apply to external certifications.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
Students in the Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op program are required to purchase the following CSA Approved PPE at their own expense (Contact Instructor prior to purchase):
- Safety Glasses
- Non-conductive Safety Boots
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op program requires the applicant to meet one of the following academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school
Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1700. Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science (4 credits) two of which must be selected from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Note: The remaining two Science credits to be chosen from the highest Science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM)
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Introductory Biology: BL1020, BL1021
b. Introductory Chemistry: CH1030, CH1031
c. Introductory Physics:
PH1050,
PH1051
Note: It is strongly recommended that CAS students who intend to enroll in Engineering Technology programs complete both of the Chemistry courses and both of the Physics courses.
Effective Academic Year 2025 - 2026:
College Transition
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM)
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
a. Introductory Biology:
BL1025,
BL1026
b. Introductory Chemistry:
CH1035,
CH1036
c. Introductory Physics:
PH1055,
PH1056
Note: It is strongly recommended that College Transition students who intend to enroll in Engineering Technology programs complete both of the Chemistry courses and both of the Physics courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.