For some people, working outdoors beats everything else. If you’re not afraid of heights and like nothing better than the thought of climbing a pole in the great outdoors and working on overhead power lines, this is the program for you. Powerline technicians are an important conduit in the system that brings electricity from generating plants to consumers. These technicians work on installing underground power lines as well as building and repairing overhead lines. First they have to erect wood, steel or concrete poles as well as towers and guy wires. Then come the power lines, cables, insulators, transformers and other equipment. After that are maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. The work can be challenging and diverse but there is no question about its importance, and its value to society. Powerline Technicians will always be needed, so graduating from this program will help ensure you’re in demand.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This red seal program will prepare you to build and repair overhead and underground power lines used to conduct electricity from generating plants to the customer. Some of the duties include:
- Erect and maintain steel, wood or concrete poles, towers and guy wires
- Install, maintain and repair overhead and underground powerlines, cables, insulators, lighting arrestors and switches
- Repair or replace transformers and street lighting
- Splice, solder and insulate conductors
- Diagnose power distribution and transmission faults
OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate safe work practices and personal protection.
- Interpret occupational documents.
- Use and maintain tools and equipment.
- Use and maintain electrical distribution systems and their equipment.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission requires the applicant to meet one of the following academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation
2. Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile). It is strongly recommended that courses include the following:
Science 3101, 3102, 3103
3. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Trades
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Trades) Certificate
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years of age or older, and have been 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.
5. Driver License
Applicants are required to have a valid Class 05 license prior to acceptance into the Powerline Technician Program.
Notes: Driver License and Endorsements
a) A NL Air Brake endorsement (9A) may be required to operate some vehicles within the program and upon employment.
b) Employers may seek graduates who can obtain a Class 03 License. NL Motor Vehicle Regulations requires a valid Class 05 for a minimum of 12 months prior to applying for a Class 3 license.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may find employment in the following areas:
- Utility companies
- Private contractors
| COURSES |
| CODE |
TITLE |
|
| Block 1 |
Entry Level |
Hrs |
| TS1510 |
Occupational Health and Safety |
6 |
| TS1520 |
WHMIS |
6 |
| TS1530 |
Standard First Aid |
14 |
| ER1140 |
DC Theory |
30 |
| ER1151 |
Series and Parallel DC Circuits |
45 |
| OL1250 |
Access Equipment |
6 |
| OL1130 |
Power and Energy |
6 |
| OL1140 |
Inductance and Capacitance |
10 |
| OL1150 |
Transmission Systems |
5 |
| OL1160 |
Steel Structure Climbing |
6 |
| OL1170 |
Job Planning |
6 |
| OL1180 |
AC Theory |
6 |
| OL1190 |
AC Circuits |
24 |
| OL1240 |
Series and Parallel Circuits |
10 |
| OL1601 |
Traffic Control Person |
4 |
| OL1631 |
Safety |
14 |
| OL1641 |
On and Off Road Equipment |
10 |
| OL1681 |
Tools and Equipment |
40 |
| OL1691 |
Pole Climbing |
30 |
| OL1701 |
Drawings, Specifications and Standards |
15 |
| OL1714 |
Single-Phase Circuits |
10 |
| OL1715 |
Distribution Lines |
30 |
| OL1721 |
Conductors and Cables |
30 |
| OL1725 |
Overhead Distribution Structures |
240 |
| OL1741 |
Sagging Conductors |
10 |
| OL1751 |
Tree Trimming |
6 |
| OL1771 |
Aerial Devices and Hydraulics |
30 |
| OL1781 |
Transmission Structures |
5 |
| OL1791 |
Grounding and Bonding |
30 |
| OL1811 |
Transformers |
30 |
| OL1821 |
Street Lighting Systems |
25 |
| OL1835 |
Overhead Distribution Systems |
30 |
| OL1851 |
Rigging, Hoisting and Lifting |
30 |
| AM1100 |
Math Essentials |
30 |
| AM1270 |
Powerline Technician Math Fundamentals |
30 |
| CM2160 |
Communication Essentials |
45 |
| SD1760 |
Workplace Essentials |
45 |
| MC1060 |
Computer Essentials |
15 |
| AP1101 |
Introduction to Apprenticeship |
15 |
| OT1161 |
Work Term |
60 |
A certificate from College of the North Atlantic will be awarded upon successful completion of entry level courses.
APPRENTICESHIP
Upon completion of the entry level certificate program, a graduate may pursue Red Seal Certification by finding employment, registering as an “Apprentice” and completing the following Advanced Level training and required work experience. The apprenticeship may take 4-5 years and would lead to Journeyperson status in the trade. For more information regarding apprenticeship refer to www.aes.gov.nl.ca
| Block 2 |
Advanced Level |
Hrs |
| OL2521 |
Three-Phase Theory |
60 |
| OL2532 |
Transformer Banking |
60 |
| OL2632 |
Underground Distribution Systems |
120 |
| |
|
|
| Block 3 |
Advanced Level |
Hrs |
| OL3700 |
Live Line work |
240 |
| |
|
|
| Block 4 |
Advanced |
Hrs |
| OL4000 |
Power Transformers |
25 |
| OL4010 |
Three-Phase Metering |
30 |
| OL4020 |
Voltage Regulation and Control Devices |
30 |
| OL4030 |
Line Protective Devices |
60 |
| OL4040 |
Line Capacitors |
20 |
| OL4050 |
Substations, Switching Stations and Terminals |
60 |
| OL4060 |
Single-Phase Metering |
15 |
