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Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial

An electrical engineering student is working with wires and circuits inside a classroom setting. The student is wearing a white lab coat with their hair tied up in a ponytail.

As automation continues to evolve across various industries, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can drive manufacturing and industrial transformation. Gain skills in electrical principles, industrial automation and PLC programming.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

Loyalist’s focus on industrial automation provides the foundation for a vast array of career options: 

  • Industrial, construction/maintenance electrician 
  • Alternative energy technician 
  • Alarm systems technician 
  • Smart home technician 
  • Automation specialist 
  • Robotics technician 
  • Programmable logic controller programmer 
  • Appliance repair 
  • Heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) 
  • Electrical estimator 
  • Industrial networking specialist 
  • Electrical inspector 
  • Electrical systems and products trainer 
  • Communications systems technician 
  • Gaffer (movie/video production electrician) 
  • Railway signal technician

Our grads get great jobs

  • Electrical Designer, Bombardier Inc. 
  • Millwright/Machine Maintenance, Horizon Plastics International Inc. 
  • Construction/Maintenance Electrician, Hydro One 
  • Electrical Apprentice, Quorum International 
  • Account Manager, Torbram Electric Supply

Is it for you?

Students who thrive in this program: 

  • Like taking things apart and knowing how they work. 
  • Enjoy hands-on learning by doing. 
  • Enjoy working with computers and new technology.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Receive hands-on, real-world training within a supportive learning environment that fosters personalized interactions with instructors: 

  • During your first year of study, gain a working understanding of electricity and electronics, as well as the fundamental skills needed in electrical construction and automation. 
  • Develop skills in electrical installation, motor control and the basics of industrial processes – including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and process control. 
  • Experience hands-on work with actual PLCs in your first year, not just simulation software. 
  • Gain a solid understanding of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. 
  • A second year of study delivers skills required in installing, configuring, maintaining and calibrating industrial control systems, including industrial robotic and automated production systems. 
  • Apply your knowledge to extracurricular projects, such as building a racecar simulator arcade game using only automation equipment and software. 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Learn with dedicated instructors who come from and still work in the industry. 
  • Professors have extensive backgrounds in manufacturing, engineering, construction, technology and telecommunications in a variety of roles such as industrial and construction/maintenance electrician, lead technician, technical project manager, network engineer and corporate trainer. 

Courses

ELTP1001 Basic Electricity

Students learn the fundamental electrical principals and DC series, parallel and combination resistive, capacitive and inductive circuits. Basic AC and an introduction to three-phase power are also covered, as well as the fundamental mathematical concepts used to describe basic electricity and electronics.

ELTP1010 Basic Installation Practices

Students learn basic installation practices relating to electrical wiring systems used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Students use hand tools, machinery and the actual materials used in industry. Emphasis is placed on the quality of work and safe and professional working practices.

ELTP1005 Industrial Control

Students install electric motor control circuits using relays, contactors, starters, push buttons and other electrical control devices. This course also covers electronic and electro-mechanical sensing devices commonly used in industrial applications.

ELTP1002 Industrial Diagrams & Applications

This course focuses on the basics of translating diagrams to working circuits. Students learn about electrical diagrams and symbols and how to build a circuit correctly from an electrical diagram. Extra low-voltage circuits such as communications, alarm and control systems will be explored. Proper professional procedures and workmanship are emphasized.

SAFE1001 Occupational Health & Safety 1

Students learn the rights and responsibilities under the OHSA. Safety related to the uses of overhead cranes, forklifts, proper hook-ups lifting loads, and awareness to safety concerns within the industry are introduced.

MATH1018 Technical Math 1

This math course provides skills in basic math, trigonometry, geometry, and algebra relevant to solving problems within the Electrical program.

ELTP1007 Advanced Electricity

Students demonstrate the fundamental concepts of AC electricity in both single and three-phase applications, AC reactance and impedance, power factor, power factor correction and the analysis and troubleshooting of AC circuits. Magnetism, transformers, three-phase power and other topics related to AC systems are also included. Prerequisite: ELTP 1001, MATH 1018

ELTP2000 Codes & Installation Practices

The objective of this course is for the student to be able to demonstrate the ability to use the Canadian Electrical Code, Book I to determine proper equipment, installation and maintenance requirements for Industrial electrical equipment. The student will understand and be able to apply the relevant code pertaining to industrial Control and Automation Systems. This will include the installation of fire alarm systems, emergency Stop systems, fuses, circuit breakers, as it applies to Automation Systems. Prerequisite: ELTP 1010

COMM1066 Communications-Common Core

This course prepares students to be successful in college communication and is foundational for workplace communications.

ELTP1000 Industrial Control Electronics

Students develop an understanding of semiconductor devices such as diodes, transistors, SCRs, TRIACs and their application. Other electronic devices used in power supplies, amplifiers motor control and other industrial control equipment are also included. Prerequisite: ELTP 1001

ELTP1012 Industrial Distribution Systems

This course introduces students to industrial distribution systems, from the service entrance to the end equipment being supplied. It includes such items as service entrance equipment, metering, safety switches, wireways and busways, panelboards, switchboards, circuit breakers and fuses. Prerequisite: ELTP 1010, ELTP 1001

ELTP1006 Programmable Logic Controller Fundamentals

This course provides an overview of the programmable logic controller, PLC installation and I/O wiring procedures, general PLC programming procedures, basic PLC programming, memory basics, number systems and PLC timers, counters, arithmetic functions, number comparison function and data move functions. Prerequisite: ELTP 1001, ELTP 1005

ELTP1011 The Electrical Safety Code in Ontario

This course is entirely focused on the Ontario Electrical Safety Code as covered in the Ontario Electrical Safety Code book. Students learn through exercises with limited time spent on lectures. The objective is for students to demonstrate the ability to use the Ontario Electrical Safety Code book to determine proper equipment, installation and maintenance requirements for electrical equipment. Prerequisite: ELTP 1010

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

ELTP2001 Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers

This course covers advanced use of the Programmable Logic Controllers and necessary instructions for advance control and communications. This course will include the Tag Based Programming used in the Control Logix Platform. It will also introduce students to Remote I/O and network control. Prerequisite: ELTP 1006

ELTP2017 Alternative Energy

This course is intended to provide the student an introduction to the production of electrical power by non-traditional means. Students will explore different sectors of the renewable energy field with an emphasis on wind and solar technologies used in residential and small commercial applications. A combination of lectures and labs will provide the student with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively design, install and maintain functional renewable electrical energy systems. Prerequisite: ELTP 1007

CADD2006 CADD Electrical

Using AutoCAD software, the student will create basic electrical schematics, equipment layout and building construction drawings. In support of this the student will learn the basics of navigating in AutoCAD, drawing basic shapes, use of editing and productivity tools, printing and organizing of drawings. Prerequisite: ELTP 1005, ELTP 2000

ELTP1009 Fluid Power and Control

This course covers the basics of pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Common electrical and fluid symbols, drawings and devices are also covered. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on application of learning. Prerequisite: ELTP 1002, ELTP 1005

ELTP2016 Instrumentation Systems Theory and Practical

Prerequisite: ELTP 1002, ELTP 1005, ELTP 1006

MATH2008 Technical Math 2

Students learn the basic concepts of calculus using practical applications. Includes a study of statistics required to provide information for reports and documents. Prerequisite: MATH 1018

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

ELTP2006 Advanced Motor Control

This course is intended to further acquaint the student with the aspects of motor control using relay logic and to introduce him or her to the fundamentals of Adjustable Speed Drives, the type used in industry today. Students explore the construction, operating characteristics and connections of the alternating current type motors used in the hands-on lab experiments in the course. Upon completion of this course, the student will be better prepared to complete wiring tasks of electric motors and associated control circuit wiring using relay logic. Prerequisite: ELTP 1005

ELTP2007 Control Systems & Interfacing

Human-Machine Interfacing (HMI) technology is explored and applied in a lab setting. Students use PC based software to develop operator screens that along with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are the brains behind todays production machinery and processes. Prerequisite: ELTP 1005, ELTP 2001, ELTP 2016, ELTP 2000

ELTP2011 Industrial Communication Networks

Exploration of industrial communication methods used to interconnect automation equipment to share data and control. A variety of communication protocols will be discussed and applied to interface automation equipment. Remote I/O, HMI, PLC and VFD systems will be used as lab examples of the application of this technology. Prerequisite: ELTP 2001, ELTP 2016

ELTP2008 Industrial Production Systems & Drawings

This course is intended to acquaint students with the functions of production management as it applies to maintenance. Topics covered include: the TPM system (Totally Productive Maintenance) and the basics of project management as it relates to electrical. It will cover estimating both time and materials. Prerequisite: ELTP 1011

ELTP2005 Instrumentation & Digital Control Systems

This course builds on knowledge from the previous semester. Students demonstrate how to interface Analog control into the Automation system as a whole. Prerequisite: ELTP 2001, ELTP 2016

ELTP2004 Motion Control

This course provides an overview of motion control concepts. Students will be able to demonstrate the functionality and applications and programming of a variety of Variable Frequency Drives and how they are interfaced to the control system using automation networks. Students will demonstrate knowledge with Servo Systems and the functionality and application of DC motors and AC motors. Prerequisite: ELTP 2001, ELTP 2016

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

Many students in the electronics lab are working on large vertical boards and using instructions on their computers. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent, AND 
  • Grade 11 Math 

OR 

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Two students in the electronics lab are looking at the same computer screen. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

What’s next? 

Graduate into the workforce – many electrical automation careers do not require an apprenticeship . 

Earn a double diploma in another college program, in as few as two semesters  

  • Electrical grads can enter Mechatronics with advanced standing and can receive a second diploma in only one more year. 

Fast track into an apprenticeship  

  • The skills and experiences you gain in Loyalist’s two-year Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial diploma program can help you jump-start your apprenticeship journey! Learn how.  
  • Information about qualification requirements leading to certification is available on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website. You can also contact an Employment Ontario apprenticeship office near you.

Pathways and university transfer 

Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Autodesk certification 

Students are eligible to take the Autodesk certification exams at Loyalist College. Completing these industry-recognized credentials enables students to highlight that they have the in-demand skills employers are seeking. 

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