Power Line Technician
Power Line Technician Citation
September/Fall 2009 intake for this program has been postponed.
Description
The Power Line Technician program is delivered through a partnership between Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Electrical Industry Training Institute (EITI). This twelve week (12) program will prepare students for entry into the physically demanding and rewarding power distribution industry where technicians are well compensated for their above average skills and competencies. Power Line Technicians participate in the building of overhead and underground power distribution lines as well as service and maintenance tasks.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program can apply for entry-level positions in the powerline technician trade. They will have employment opportunities with a diverse group of employers including B.C. Hydro, and various independent line contractors and municipalities. It is expected that successful employment in the trade will lead to an apprenticeship agreement with employers and attainment of Journeyperson Red Seal Certification upon completion of apprenticeship.
Student Profile
People who enjoy working in the elements and not being confined to a set location will find this trade appealing. Students should be aware that the Powerline Technician trade is a very physically demanding career that includes controlled-risk tasks including pole climbing and working with high voltage power lines.
Note: Students with mental or physical impairments, who may require program or practicum accommodations, should contact the program coordinator at 604.599.2979 to discuss required skills and competencies, and a Disability Advisor [604.599.3233] to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
Entrance Requirements
In addition to Kwantlen's regular admission requirements, students admitted to the program will have completed the following:
- Mathematics 11, Physics 11 and English 12 with a minimum grade of C+ in each.
- Interview by EITI instructor to evaluate readiness to meet the demands of the program; EITI will forward their recommendation directly to Kwantlen
- Successfully pass the prescribed entrance examinations
- Eligibility will be determined by application dates i.e.: those applying first and meeting requirements will be admitted first, etc.
Students are responsible for appropriate clothing and footwear as well as textbooks and learning materials.
Students are required to attain Motor Vehicle Air Brake Certification and obtain a class 3 drivers license independent of this program prior to graduation. Students are required to complete grade 12 Math and Physics upgrade independent of this program prior to graduation.
Content
Students will study the following courses delivered by Kwantlen Polytechnic University:
- PTEC 1101 (Personal safety section of) Electrical Safe Work Practices and Regulations
- PTEC 1103 Introductory Computer Skills
- PTEC 1105 Communications and Team Building
The Electrical Industry Training Institute will deliver the following courses at their training center:
- PTEC 1101 Electrical Safe Work Practices and Regulations
- PTEC 1106 Applied Electrical Theory
- PTEC 1107 Electrical Tools and Instruments
- PTEC 1108 Electric Utility Equipment
- PTEC 1109 Basic Rigging and Lifting
- PTEC 1110 Electrical Utility Climbing
- PTEC 1111 Electrical Overhead and Underground Distribution
- PTEC 1113 Physical Fitness
Grade 12 equivalency is required by the industry. Costs of upgrading, if required are NOT included in tuition and must be arranged prior to graduation.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Citation toward completion of the pre-apprenticeship Powerline Technician program.