Powerline Technician (Optional Co-op)

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical Theory I
ELEC1557

Description:

This course introduces the student to theoretical principals including magnetism, atomic structure and resistance in electric circuits. The course includes circuit structure, introduces Ohm’s and Watt’s Law and teaches students standard methods for completing series, parallel and combination circuit calculations.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Powerline Theory & Construction I
ELEC1565

Description: In this introductory course students will learn the fundamentals of pole line construction techniques. Students will conduct effective job plans and tailboard sessions. The course will introduce them to the design and layout of a powerline system as well as the different material used in its construction. Students will climb poles and raise/lower material while utilizing ropes, knots and running handlines as well as perform pole top rescue. The safe operation and proper use of various gas powered accessories and tools used in powerline construction will also be covered. Students will be introduced to grounding and bonding. Utility Standards Forum (USF Standards) will be explained and used during pole line construction exercises.
  • Hours: 210
  • Credits: 11
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Occupational Health and Safety I (Powerline Worker)
OHS1170

Description:

This course is designed to provide an appreciation of relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations. Responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers will be discussed. There will be a review of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Regulations, MOL requirements, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR). This course will also apply the above standards, rules and regulations to specific work procedures used in the line trade. Also included is a discussion on the importance of involvement by all levels of workers and management in an occupational health and safety program.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR1020

Description: This series of modules will prepare students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Coop Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while developing an awareness of self-reflective practices. Students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and examine available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical Theory II
ELEC1580

Description:

This course builds on the theory covered in Electrical theory I. Students will gain knowledge of sources of electricity that supply the electrical distribution system. Students will be introduced to high voltage electrical measuring instruments and gain knowledge on the safe use of multimeters. They will learn the principals of magnetic induction, and the basic necessities of voltage generation. The fundamentals of single phase transformer operation, fusing and arrester sizing are discussed in addition to secondary service loading calculations. Students will also learn about single-phase low voltage systems in addition to the operation, installation/removal and reading of various revenue meters. The course will give students the knowledge and skills required to perform operational checks on meter bases prior to revenue meter installation.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Powerline Theory & Construction II
ELEC1595

Description: In this second powerline theory and construction course, students will begin to use the Radial Boom Derrick (RBD) and the Material Handling Aerial Device (MHAD) to construct a basic 3-phase distribution line. Conductor weights and tensions will be calculated when performing line construction modules. Rigging principles and equipment will be used to install transformers. They will learn the principles of traffic control and will co-ordinate their work assignment preparation and completion with other students, and will continue to learn safe practices and acquire the basic skills needed to handle themselves safely on the jobsite. Students will perform holding valve checks on a MHAD as well as perform a bucket evacuation and a bucket rescue. Utilities Standards Forum (USF) standards will be employed.
  • Hours: 210
  • Credits: 11
  • Pre-Requisites: ELEC1565
  • CoRequisites:

Occupational Health and Safety II (Powerline Worker)
OHS1340

Description:

The occupational health and safety professional plays a major role in the development and application of accident investigations, risk assessments, loss prevention, and safety training programs for employers and workers. In this course students will learn about the rules and regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Regulations, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR) that govern the safe use of equipment during powerline specific tasks. Students will learn the necessary rules and regulations that apply to the Radial Boom Derrick, Insulated Aerial Device, Working at Heights, Traffic Control, Ladders and Rubber Protective Goods. Students will also learn about WHMIS as it applies to the powerline trade.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Co-op Work Term I (Powerline Technician)
COOP1420

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Electrical Theory III
ELEC2200

Description:

Building on the foundation of Electrical Theory I & II, students will solve complex circuit problems by using Ohm's and Watt's Laws. Alternating Current principles are introduced, including induction, effective voltage, reactance, and power factor correction. Students will gain a thorough understanding of single-phase transformer operating principles, features, connections, and banks.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Powerline Theory & Construction III
ELEC2215

Description:

Students will be introduced to the electrical hazards of live line distribution system maintenance, and the proper mitigation of such hazards through the use of the Electrical Utility Safey Rules. Approach distances, in the form of the Safe Limits of Approach, will be thoroughly examined and practically implemented. Working from an Insulated Aerial Device, a Material Handling Aerial Device, and from a wood pole, students will use rubber glove work methods to install rubber protective equipment and/or equipotential point-of-work grounding. Various rigging and tensioning scenarios will be solved by selecting the equipment most appropriate for the task, according to Working Load Limits and electrical environment applicability, including an introduction to relocating energized overhead conductors using a MHAD. Single-phase underground distribution systems will be used to introduce to the basic concepts of the Utility Work Protection Code, and students will install, connect, and terminate medium and low voltage underground cables. The installation of overhead transformers will be completed using a MHAD, and students will transfer overhead residential services from an open secondary bus to a spun secondary bus. Students will work in small teams to build a 5-pole three-phase line according to USF Construction Standards, using a Radial Boom Derrick and conventional stringing methods.

  • Hours: 210
  • Credits: 11
  • Pre-Requisites: ELEC1595
  • CoRequisites:

Occupational Health and Safety III (Powerline Worker)
OHS2000

Description:

In this third OH&S course of the Powerline Technician Program, students will further their understanding of hazard assessment and control, the hierarchy of controls, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and its applicable Regulations, the Electrical Utility Safety Rules, and other industry standards (including USF, CSA, and ASTM), policies, and procedures. Students will apply their knowledge of these areas by completing detailed Job Safety Analyses and working in groups to design a Safe Job Procedure. Arc Flash hazards and powerline-specific Occupational Diseases will also be explored.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 5

Course details

Co-op Work Term II (Powerline Technician)
COOP2100

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Level 6

Course details

Electrical Theory IV
ELEC2225

Description: This course expands on many of the topics covered in Electrical Theory III. The relationship between inductance and capacitance within an AC circuit will be studied to gain a practical understanding of the need for capacitor use, voltage regulation and power factor corrections. An analysis of three phase AC systems and sine waves relating to three phase motor/equipment operation as well as the theoretical principles regarding troubleshooting three phase systems. This course also examines ferroresonance, tingle voltage and work on the neutral conductor. Students will study three phase power generation and the formation of Wye and Delta electrical systems. Three phase transformer bank schematic development evolving into practical bank construction, wiring and loading calculations. Students will also be able to identify different types of transformers used in the electrical distribution system and logically solve common voltage problems.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: ELEC2200
  • CoRequisites:

Powerline Theory & Construction IV
ELEC2235

Description: Students will learn how to properly use and maintain live line tools and protective equipment and to safely execute a range of procedures such as changing insulators. As the students move onto the next stage of training they will be introduced to significant voltages, amperages and hazards inherent in this type of work. This activity is designed to supplement the students' awareness of the powerline trade. The student acts as a lead hand responsible for the safety, schematic interpretation and finally the construction of a distribution system. The student selects, organizes the tools, equipment, material and personnel to complete the distribution system build. Students will use a Material Handling Aerial Device (MHAD) to complete live line exercises. Students will discuss the relevance of industry policies, procedures and standards and the importance of teamwork. Utility Standards Forum (USF) will also play an important role in this semester.
  • Hours: 210
  • Credits: 11
  • Pre-Requisites: ELEC2215
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Communicate information effectively and accurately by analyzing electrical drawings and other related documents and graphics.
  2. Analyze and solve routine technical problems related to electrical technology and power distribution by applying the principles of mathematics and science.
  3. Calibrate, use and maintain instrumentation and test equipment to verify status of electrical equipment
  4. Identify problems with overhead and underground powerline equipment and systems by following established procedures and using a variety of troubleshooting techniques.
  5. Use appropriate safety procedures for self and others while utilizing personal protection equipment and the utility protection code for construction practices.
  6. Plan work and projects by preparing and maintaining appropriate records and documentation to complete work safely
  7. Perform tasks and install equipment related to powerline applications safely, and in accordance with relevant laws, policies, procedures, standards, and regulations.
  8. Select and apply appropriate materials and tools for a variety of electrical powerline applications