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Electrical Techniques 

Two students are standing side-by-side each other. The students are wearing hard hats. One is using a measuring tape against a wooden board and the other person is leaning their wrist on the wall holding a pencil.

As our dependence on electricity grows, so too does the demand for skilled electrical workers. During this one-year program, gain foundational skills in electrical principles and building construction wiring.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Electrical Techniques 
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
One year or less
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 
  • Appliance repair 
  • Heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) 
  • Electrical inspector 
  • 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 

Get practical, real-life training in a supportive learning environment that nurtures one-on-one relationships with instructors: 

  • The first year provides a working understanding of electricity and electronics, as well as the fundamental skills needed in electrical construction and automation. 
  • Develop skills in residential, commercial and industrial electrical construction. 
  • Gain a solid understanding of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. 
  • Receive an introduction to motor control and the basics of industrial processes – including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)  

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.

*Courses subject to change.

A close-up image of a person's hand working with a din rail, circuit board, wire duct, and electrical panel. Fourteen light green graphic circles are along the bottom left 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.

Three students are working together on a circuit board in an electronics lab. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

What’s next? 

With a certificate in Electrical Techniques, you can progress directly into year two of the Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial diploma program. 

The fundamental skills and experience you receive may make it easier for you to market yourself to employers willing to take you on as an apprentice. Learn more about apprenticeships.

Pathways and university transfer 

Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. 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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