Fuel Sustainability.
The green hydrogen industry around the world is growing. As world nations strive to make the global initiative of net zero emissions by 2050 a reality, hydrogen is increasingly being used as a clean energy source. College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is endeavouring to support the creation of the required skilled workforce required at hydrogen production facilities.
Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element on earth. It is an efficient energy carrier that can store and deliver usable energy. It has the capability of mitigating the challenges of the fossil fuel economy, particularly pollution.
With your training as a Hydrogen Technician, you will gain strong technical skills and be on the cutting edge of a revolutionary change in the sustainable energy economy. Governments across this country and beyond are investing in the sector for what is expected to be a global $2.5 trillion industry
1. For a skilled workforce, we are aligning with global reports and their recommendations to build on existing occupations such as Power Engineering and Process Operators and upskilling to meet the needs of this emerging hydrogen industry.
This program will provide training related to hydrogen safety and production technologies. As ammonia is a carrier for hydrogen and is a key part of the green hydrogen industry, safety training and production technologies will also be examined.
Program Highlights
• Train to become a versatile plant operator
• Global and local applications and relevance
• Practical training provided to reinforce theoretical concepts
Did You Know?
• Hydrogen is an energy carrier, not an energy source, and it can deliver or store a tremendous amount of energy.
2
• Reaching net zero emissions means removing an equal amount of CO
2 from the atmosphere as we release into it.
• Hydrogen production globally was valued at over US$120 billion and is expected to grow over 5% annually through 2028.
3
• Some analysts expect hydrogen could meet 24 per cent of world energy demand by 2050.
4
[1]
How Ottawa hopes to supercharge Canada's hydrogen fuel sector | CBC News
[2]
Hydrogen: A Clean, Flexible Energy Carrier | Department of Energy
[3]
Hydrogen production - Wikipedia
[4]
How Ottawa hopes to supercharge Canada's hydrogen fuel sector | CBC News
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Hydrogen Technician program, graduates will have the knowledge and skills to be able to:
1. Demonstrate the practical skills necessary for a 4th Class, Power Engineer.
2. Prepare for a provincial examination in Power Engineering 4th Class part "A" and "B".
3. Demonstrate safety procedures required in hydrogen, ammonia, fuel, and steam-based plant environments.
4. Demonstrate problem solving skills and team-based work practices to optimize hydrogen production.
5. Utilize essential skill training to enhance their career experience and opportunities.
6. Utilize control documentation and reporting systems in Power Engineering and Process Operation environments.
7. Develop and practice mechanical and electrical diagnostics, installation, calibration, repair, and replacement of instruments, controls, output devices, in start up, idle, shut down, decommissioning and commissioning within a processing environment.
8. Develop and employ standardized operating procedures using technology integrated preventative maintenance procedures for reliability utilizing performance data, monitoring, production indicators, and quality tracking.
9. Develop a comprehensive familiarity for safe processing of cryogenic based fuel cells, electrolysers, cooling systems, transportation systems, handling, maintenance, storage, and electrolysis.
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Hydrogen Technician diploma program are required to obtain a certificate of completion in the following prior to graduation:
1. Introduction to Confined Space
2. Introduction to Fall Arrest & Protection
3. Introduction to Lock-out – Tag-out
4. Standard First Aid/Heart Start
5. WHMIS
6. Introduction to Newfoundland and Labrador Health & Safety Act
7. 4
th Class Power Engineering
Students should be aware that additional fees may apply for external certifications.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
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)
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. Note that it is recommended that students considering the Hydrogen Technician program should complete High School Physics.
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 the Hydrogen Technician program 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 the Hydrogen Technician program 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.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Hydrogen Technician program are trained for industrial plant operations. Importantly, graduates are provided with diverse foundational training to upskill effectively for specific hydrogen processes required by employers. Hydrogen Technicians can work in both the private and public sector industries for hydrogen, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas. Employment opportunities are also available in government, health care, and educational facilities.