Overview
Are you interested in how electricity works and how to control it? Discover a rewarding and exciting career in the electrical field.
With more reliance on electricity and electrically powered devices, there is a greater need for skilled electrical workers with a wide variety of electrical experiences and knowledge. Lambton College's Electrical Engineering Technician - Power Distribution & Control program prepares students for a career in the rewarding and extensive electrical field.
Working both in the classroom and in various lab and shop settings, students gain practical, hands-on experience along with strong theoretical training in electrical fundamentals.
This program teaches students how electricity works, how to wire and program PLCs, control strategies, power generation, distribution and protection, the wiring of residential, commercial and industrial circuits, interpreting electrical codes, and how electronics and instrumentation devices are used in today's high-tech world, along with many other electrical tasks.
The optional co-op provides students with the opportunity to gain important electrical experience and in many cases, co-ops are the beginning of a rewarding, full-time career. There are many student success stories of graduates extending their co-op into a full-time career. This course diversifies the student, and includes: automation control, project management, and the distribution and control of power.
Women in Technology & Trades
Female students, alumni, staff, and faculty of the technology and trades programs at Lambton College meet once a month to:
- Network and support each other
- Share experiences
- Build a sense of community
Each year, the group attends a final retreat at Camp Ak-O-Mak. Learn more by emailing Nikki Noble or Erin Soeder.

Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 12 Mathematics C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Physics C or U (recommended)
Grade 12 Mathematics Requirement
Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology or any grade 12U mathematics is recommended; Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (MAP4C) minimum final grade is 60%. If the program is highly competitive, students with Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology or any Grade 12U mathematics will be given preference.
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Technology & Trades (PTEC) program at Lambton College.
Costs
- Year 1 $4,600.94
- Year 2 $4,518.94
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Additional Fees
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Safety Shoes$250.00
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Safety Glasses$20.00
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Calculator$25.00
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TagOut Lock$20.00
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Tool Kit *$325.00
*Tool Kit Includes
- Linesmen Pliers - High leverage 9" side cutting pliers
- Side Cutters
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Tongue and Groove Pliers
- Slot Screwdriver
- Terminating Slot Screwdriver - 2.5 mm - 3 mm width
- Philips Screwdriver - #2
- Two Robertson Screwdrivers - sizes red and green
- Measuring Tape
- Wire Strippers
- Knife - no utility knives allowed
- Torpedo Level - short 9" or so
- Claw Hammer
- Safety Lock
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Equipment
Courses
Basic Electrical Installations I
The student will develop a general knowledge of the operation of common hand and power tools; install common switching devices, outlets and enclosures, GFCI and AFCI circuits, as well as three and four way lighting circuits. All installations well be performed to the CEC and the student will correctly terminate conductors and demonstrate the application of non-metallic sheathed and armoured cable. The student will demonstrate the skills required to install a complete residential consumer's service. They will properly bend and install both EMT and Rigid conduit.
Electrical Theory
This course covers the explanation of the fundamentals of electrical theory, from the molecular structure of matter to the laws that govern the calculation of current, voltage and power in DC circuits. Topics will include the relationships between voltage, current, resistance and power including Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws. Calculations will be made on series, parallel and combination circuits and current flow and power consumption in 2 and 3 wire systems. Circuits will be wired safely and measurements taken using digital multi-meters. As well, the course will include an introduction to alternating current AC.
Safety & Electrical Code I
This course will focus on the Canadian Electrical Code regulations and the application of those regulations as they pertain to electrical installations in residential dwellings as well as commercial units. The student will learn to navigate through the Canadian Electrical Code and interpret sections including Wiring Methods, Conductors, Installation of Electrical Equipment and Protection and Control.
Workplace Communications
This course focuses on skills required in any organization or position: writing business documents, responding to realistic scenarios, and speaking in an organized and vibrant manner. Students will practice professional and inclusive communications skills by producing, revising, and editing short business documents and engaging in verbal interactions and presentations.
Fundamentals of Instrumentation I
This is an introductory course in process instrumentation and safety. Topics will include WHIMS and an introduction to industrial hazards, Job Safety Analysis, and Work Permits. Basic instrumentation and control loop concepts, instrument signalling, wiring, and calibration techniques will be studied. Pressure measurement will be covered in greater detail. The reading and interpretation of Process and Instrumentation Diagrams will be addressed. The laboratory component will expose the student to the correct use and operation of calibration devices, pressure sensors and measuring instruments.
Mathematics I *
This course reviews and develops concepts in algebra, trigonometry, complex numbers, and vectors with technical applications.
Electrical Systems Applications
This course is designed to extend the student's knowledge and experience into the areas of single-phase AC as well as DC systems. Resistive-reactive DC and AC circuits, power factor correction, DC motors and generators and single phase AC transformers are studied. Emphasis throughout the course is on problem solving. These concepts are supported and reinforced in the laboratory portion of the course.
AutoCAD for Electrical Techniques
This is an introductory course on the use of AutoCAD Computer Assisted Design and Drafting software. Students learn to access AutoCAD commands for preferences, modifying drawings, dimensioning, applying text and plotting in order to produce 2-D drawings. The use of Computer Assisted Design is a drafting and design tool that is used extensively in many industries locally and throughout the world. An individual who learns, understands and can apply this program has little difficulty transferring those skills to other CAD programs. AutoCAD is introduced as a valuable tool that could be used by anyone, with a focus on electrical, process control and instrumentation.
Electronic Devices & Applications
This course covers an explanation of the fundamentals of electronics from digital logic to the operation of basic semiconductor devices in DC and AC circuits. Topics will include logic gates, Boolean algebra, flip-flops, P-N junction diodes, LEDs, transistors, thyristors, opto-couplers and operational amplifiers. The student will apply his/her knowledge of these devices in practical circuits such as dimmers, variable frequency drives and programmable logic controllers.
Fundamentals of Instrumentation II
This course consists of an introduction to some of the fundamentals of process variables such as temperature, pressure, and level measuring instruments. Topics include primary sensing devices, terminology and symbols, and test equipment usage including calibration procedures. The laboratory portion of the course allows the student to become familiar with various types of test equipment, connection of instruments to sense process variation, apply calibration standards, and learn troubleshooting skills.
Industrial Installation Practices
In this course the student will gain the ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics related to motor control. The installation and operation of common controls used in industry including Stop-Start, Jog, Forward/Reverse, and speed control via variable frequency drives will become part of the student's skill set. An introduction to the wiring and programming of Programmable Logic Controllers will complete the student's industrial control knowledge. In addition students will gain the ability to interpret drawings and install conventional fire alarm system class A and class B circuits. Students will become familiar with different fire alarm devices along with their uses and operation.
General Education Elective
Digital Logic
This course is designed to give technology students a thorough understanding of digital techniques and logic circuits, as applied to Industrial Control Circuits and to Processor Based Control Systems. Theory is presented in a two-hour weekly lecture schedule supported and supplemented by a two-hour weekly laboratory, which is designed to reinforce the lecture materials. The foundation of the course begins with a study of digital logic gates and functions and expands to include combinational and sequential logic, culminating with a study of the architecture and functioning of microprocessor based systems such as computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
Mathematics for Technology II
This course contains elements of algebra, and introduces the concept of functions including graphing. It also introduces differential and integral calculus with basic applications.
Introduction to Transmission & Distribution of Electric Power
This is an introductory course on electric power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization focused on industrial, commercial and residential sites. Students will learn about the construction and the properties of the foundational elementary components as well as how the components interface in order to deliver electrical power to the level of quantity and quality required by the electrical utilities and the end user. Students will learn how to analyze electrical power components and related circuits to determine their operational behaviours and will also learn how to specify components to suit system requirements. Basic knowledge of complex numbers and trigonometry will be utilized throughout this course.
Introduction to Industrial Control & Protection
The course focuses on the application of equipment used in any industry to safely and consistently utilize electrical systems at the device level. The course will discuss the safe utilization (lock out tag out) of motor control centres, programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, variable frequency drives, and soft starts. Students will interpret, compare and troubleshoot electrical drawings directly to the hardware associated with the labs. Final projects will test the students ability to design and implement electrical control strategies and will be graded based on completion.
General Education Elective
Application of Power Electronics
This is a course on the application of switching power devices such as transistors, thyristors like silicon controlled rectifiers and new emerging semiconductor power electronics modules. The application of these various devices will be studied in renewable energy conversion systems, power supplies including uninterruptable power supplies and variable speed drives.
Programmable Logic Control
An integrated lecture/laboratory course where learners are introduced to the fundamentals of programmable logic control design. Applications of programmable logic controllers are stressed. This course will allow the learner to study control systems which use discrete components and continuous/analog systems operated in well defined sequential steps to bring about a desired result. Using the unique control features afforded by PLC's, and by judicious application of PLC fundamentals, the learner will also demonstrate an ability to bring process systems under control.
Electrical Metering
This course is an introduction to various types of electrical metering devices. The student will gain the ability to identify, select and safely use electrical meters to measure various electrical quantities. The student will further their ability by commissioning electrical equipment through measurement, trouble shooting problems with their circuits, and creating accurate measurement circuits.
Control Systems Architecture & Data Communications & Controls
This course is an introduction to industrial process control systems, hardware architecture, and industrial data communications. Techniques and tools utilized for troubleshooting process control loop problems, and data communication systems are examined. The need for Instrumented Safety Systems is investigated and various system architectures are examined and evaluated using traditional qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. Laboratory exercise involve the programming of traditional operator interfaces, implementing, integrating, and troubleshooting industrial communication systems, safety instrumented systems, and processes.
Introduction to Protective Relays
This is an introductory course on power protection and associated application in residential, commercial and industrial electrical systems. Students will practice voltage drop, fault and short circuit current calculations in single and three phase systems in industrial applications. They will also learn how to estimate protection devices ratings in accordance with the Canadian standards.
General Education Elective
Co-op Work Term (optional)
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation. For further information regarding co-op, please refer to: https://www.lambtoncollege.ca/student-supports/co- ops-placements
Contact
Program Information
1-844-LAMBTON
Applied Science, Engineering Technology & Trades
519-479-2337
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities

Job opportunities in the Electrical Engineering Technician - Power Distribution & Control field have been steadily increasing. To survive in today's global market economy, industry must draw from a pool of technically competent engineers, technologists, technicians, and skilled trades people.
Graduates of this program have the skills to compete in a wide variety of industries including power generation, distribution and utilization, industrial telecommunications, electrical maintenance and installation, and control systems.
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i3 Processor or equivalent
- 4 GB of RAM or more
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 10)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.