Electrical Technician

Overview

With advances in technology, employers are looking for electrical technicians capable of working with new sources of energy such as solar photovoltaic and wind  used in residential, commercial and industrial settings. This program offers practical and theoretical training in both construction and industrial electricity, with a focus on alternative electrical energy systems including solar photovoltaic, wind and smart grid alternatives.

Your first year establishes a foundation in electrical theory and provides hands-on industrial workplace skills. In your second year, you further your knowledge of electrical theory and gain practical experience with residential, commercial and industrial applications of electricity and alternative and renewable energy systems.

Graduates benefit by obtaining the practical and theoretical training that is similar to the Electrical Construction and Industrial Certificate and Diploma programs, with an emphasis on the additional electrical skills that are required for green energy systems.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• You benefit from our faculty who bring years of experience and strong industry connections to the classroom.
• You build your skills using state-of-the-art simulators, along with advanced technology used in the green energy sector.
• You get hands-on and practical training. This program teaches a balance of theory and practical application, which means you read and study how to do a job and then get to apply those skills in a work-like setting.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• Industrial safety standards require that you have adequate vision and colour perception to operate safely, in the shop and in the field, while performing tasks of this trade.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, including Academic Grade 12 Math.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country
• If you do not have the required academic credits, NSCC offers a variety of credit courses through the Academic and Career Connections program.

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Electrical Technician - Year 1
• Electrical Technician - Year 2

Career options

• Electrical technicians are prepared to succeed in the emerging fields of alternative energy in a variety of roles, including construction, production plant operation, maintenance and public utilities.
• Organizations that specialize in energy management, technical sales, manufacturing, electrical distribution and alternate energy providers are potential employers.
• Graduates may also work for government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and building contractors.
• Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• Graduates are prepared to work towards Journeyperson Certification in the Electrical trades and have practical knowledge and skills that can be used for careers working with alternative energy.
• You require a Certificate of Qualification issued by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) to legally work in the Construction Electrician trade in Nova Scotia.
• This program is a first step towards certification in the Construction Electrician or Industrial Electrician trades. To become certified, you must register as an apprentice with NSAA. Once registered, you can transfer credit from this program towards your apprenticeship.
• Certification with a Red Seal – Construction Electrician or Industrial Electrician are designated trades in Nova Scotia. Graduates who complete an apprenticeship program in this trade are eligible to write the provincial certification exam, receive their certification and Red Seal. The Red Seal allows certified tradespersons to practise the trade in any province or territory in Canada – where the trade is designated – without having to write further examinations.
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ELTN 1001 - DC Theory
Technicians must have a solid background in electrical theory in order to properly install and troubleshoot. This course is designed to introduce you to the concepts and theories of electricity and DC circuits. The course is arranged in logical, sequential order to give you a solid foundation in understanding the concepts of electricity. Basic math is used in explaining and solving electrical problems. The course introduces basic electricity, wire sizing, electrical quantities and Ohm’s Law, series and parallel resistive direct current circuits. Safety is paramount in this course and is emphasized throughout.

ELTN 1003 - Residential Wiring Fundamentals
This course covers theory and practice for residential wiring. Learners will interpret and apply proper wiring standards to the Canadian Electrical Code requirements. Learners will install cables, boxes, devices, heaters, controls, service entrances, and communication cabling. Learners will interpret schematic drawings and symbols.

ELTN 1004 - AC Theory
This course is designed as an introduction to alternating current (AC) and its comparison to direct current (DC). You will discuss AC voltage, frequency and waveforms as well as series and parallel circuits. You will learn about electrical characteristics such as resistance, inductance and capacities and carry out calculations associated with AC circuits.

ELTN 1008 - Commercial and Industrial Wiring
This course covers theory and practice for commercial and industrial wiring installations. You will work with schematic drawings and symbols, and apply wiring standards to meet Canadian Electrical Code requirements to install raceways, wireways, cable tray, tubing, fittings, cables and conductors, lighting and motor controls.

ELTN 1009 - Tools and Equipment I
This course introduces the various types of electrical tools and equipment, and procedures for their safe use and care. You will be required to demonstrate the safe operation and handling of both hand and powered tools. You will learn shop safety standards and apply them in this course and throughout the program. Course material also provides instruction in the interpretation and application of the Canadian Electrical Code.

ELTN 1011 - Tools and Equipment II
This course introduces the various types of access and material handling equipment, and procedures for their safe use and care. You will be required to demonstrate the safe setup and use of ladders. The course also provides an introduction to communication cabling and the tools and equipment used in this aspect of the trade.

ELTN 1013 - Electrical Machines
This course provides knowledge and techniques for analysis of the flow of energy from the electrical power distribution system through the electrical machine to the mechanical load. The principles of magnetism and electromagnetic induction are applied to the various types of AC/DC motors and generators. Their construction, operating principles and performance characteristics are studied. Learners will analyze three phase circuits and dynamic interaction between electrical machines and their mechanical loads.

ELTN 1014 - Motor Control and Relay Logic
This course provides you with a sound practical knowledge of industrial motor control, ladder logic and sequential control system fundamentals. Conventional control circuits for industrial motors will be analyzed, constructed and tested. Sequential control problems will be studied in order to design relay logic controller solutions. Practical design methodology and implementation will be stressed. You will also be introduced to the concept of a programmable logic controller (PLC).

ELTN 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides you with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within this occupation. You will assess your own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. You will identify personal outcomes you wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

ELTN 1107 - Commercial Print Reading
This course covers the theory and practice required to read plans and blueprints. You will apply the fundamentals of blueprint interpretations. You will also read floor scaled plans, elevation plans, section drawings, detailed drawings, plot plans, and specifications related to the electrical trade. Estimating skills for projects are also covered in this course.

ELTN 2001 - Integrated Energy Systems / Smart Grid Technology
Building on the green energy focus, this course offers an invigorating vision of our energy future. You will explore how the Smart Grid works as an enabling engine to our environment, our economy, and our future. Discussions will include such topics as, “What is the Smart Grid?” and “The Grid as It Stands: What’s at Risk?” You will also look at current Smart Grid efforts and analyze how they’re succeeding as well as investigate how a smarter electric grid can engage renewables at scale, enable the market for electric transportation, and usher in a new age of sustainable practices.

ELTN 2004 - Semiconductor Circuits
This course introduces semiconductor devices such as rectifier diodes, light-emitting diodes, regulators, solid-state relays, and thyristors. Learners will study and measure the performance of power supplies and inverters using standard test equipment and, optionally, simulation software.

ELTN 2100 - Photovoltaic Design and Installation
This course is a comprehensive presentation of our solar resource with a complete outline of photovoltaic energy production; how it is stored and applied. You will be looking at various energy storage solutions and exploring advantages of solar energy and how set up an industry standard system.

ELTN 2107 - Residential Print Reading
This course covers the theory and practice required to read residential plans and blueprints. Learners apply the fundamentals of blueprint interpretations. Learners will also read floor scaled plans, elevation plans, section drawings, detailed drawings, plot plans, and specifications related to the electrical trade. Estimating skills for projects are also covered in this course.

ELTN 2245 - Technical Communications for Electrical Technicians
This course focuses on the interpersonal, written and oral technical communication skills necessary for working independently and as part of a team in a technical environment. You will develop skills in written forms of technical documentation required for the workplace as well as report creation and oral presentation skills. Team building principles, group dynamics and collaborative writing will be discussed. You will participate in meetings and take responsibilities in a group project from its inception to completion and evaluation. You will continue to enhance and apply research skills. Project management principles will also be introduced. Successful job interviews and portfolio will be discussed.

ELTN 3001 - Wind Energy Fundamentals
The Wind Energy Fundamentals course provides learners with the knowledge, technical skills, and work habits required to pursue positions as a wind energy technician in the growing industry of wind power. The course concentrates on helping learners gain the needed knowledge and to develop the skills in the fundamentals of electricity and its applications. The course will also touch on wind turbine operations, maintenance, diagnosis, and repair.

ELTN 3015 - Applied Math for Electrical Technicians
This course will challenge you to improve your algebraic proficiency skills to the level required by technicians entering the workforce in the electrical and mechanical fields. The course concentrates on the skills that will allow you to efficiently solve complex equations and formulae encountered in the industry. The course emphasizes practical problem solving while it attempts to increase your overall competency in mathematics and physics.

ELTN 5001 - Business, Technology and Modern Society
The course introduces the learner to fundamental business concepts and explores the impact of advancing technology and organizations on the environment, ethics and society. Applicable codes are introduced to the learner.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

MATH 1018 - Fundamental Mathematics for Electricians
This course is designed to review basic math skills. Learners will review adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, decimals, fractions, metric and imperial conversions and algebraic equations.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1025 - Certified Fall Arrest and Protection
This course provides participants with an understanding of the hazards associated with working from heights and compliance with Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (2013). Throughout the course, participants will gain experience in the donning of a harness, an overview and presentation of system components involved when working from heights and learn how to complete a fall calculation and emergency procedures.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.