Advanced College Diploma - Energy Systems Engineering Technology - Electrical (0029) (Optional Co-op)

Program Description With the focus towards a lower-carbon future, energy professionals are in high demand. This three-year Energy Systems Engineering Technology - Electrical program is specifically designed to meet the high demand for engineering technologists in electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as in low-carbon energy systems, smart building systems, and energy management.

The program includes topics such as conventional and renewable energy generation, including distributed energy resources for Ontario’s low-carbon energy future. Students will develop a strong electrical engineering technology foundation in electrical fundamentals, motors and control, programmable logic controllers, power system generation, transmission/distribution, protection and control, and grid transformation/smart grids. In addition, topics such as residential/commercial/industrial energy savings, building automation, analytics, energy storage, HVAC systems, and energy auditing are applied for careers in the growing specialty of conservation in private and public sector jobs. Mechanical topics include statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics as they apply directly to various energy systems.

Throughout the program, students gain applied experience in AutoCAD and Revit, safety practices, safety standards and equipment, technical writing, and project management. Theory is applied practically in many laboratory settings. Strong industry support is evidenced by the program's high employment rate and successful optional co-op stream. Students benefit from the well-established, high-quality labs, relevant field trips, and active industry mentorship. Faculty have current, specialized credentials and are well-connected with industry to assist with graduate employment.

Students enjoy analyzing Conestoga College’s on-site 250 [ton] geothermal heat pump system and associated 500 [kW] PV solar system as they witness the journey to net-zero emissions on campus. Graduates have developed an applied theory in both mechanical and electrical systems and, as a result, are uniquely prepared to perform technological functions in various aspects of electrical, power, and energy fields for the exciting growth in Ontario’s low-carbon and smart-energy future.

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) category. The optional co-op stream includes four consecutive four-month work terms.