Electrical Engineering Technology (Power & Controls) Co-op is a three-year cooperative education program providing a comprehensive coverage of the electrical power discipline with emphasis on power systems, control systems and electrical design. The theoretical aspects of this program are complemented by extensive practical components that allow students to gain invaluable experience with installation, operation and maintenance practices. This is further supplemented with real-world experience provided by two work terms.
Graduates completing this program are automatically eligible for membership in the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador (AETTNL), as well as any similar association in Canada.
Upon completion of this program graduates may choose to further their education by completing a bachelor degree in technology or engineering at one of several institutions that have articulation agreements with College of the North Atlantic.
Note: This program may not be suitable for applicants who do not have normal colour perception.
ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by Technology Accreditations 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 (PLC).
- Design and specify electrical systems found in electrical utilities and industrial plants.
- Maintain and troubleshoot electrical equipment such as motors, generators, transformers, protection and 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.
CURRICULUM
General education consisting of Communication Skills (oral and written), Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrotechnology, Engineering Graphics and Technology Awareness.
Specific education in various aspects of the electrical power discipline including power systems, analysis, control systems, equipment and techniques and building electrical design.
Practical education in various aspects of the electrical workshop including shop tools, electrical wiring, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and correct application of the Canadian Electrical Code.
Work exposure consisting of field experience, gained from compensated work terms, in the field of electrical engineering technology.
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.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to an Engineering Technology program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four 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:
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.
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 or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
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.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.