Become an Energy System Engineering Technician and Change the Utility and Construction Sectors

At the forefront of today's construction and utility sectors is a major shift in using green building initiatives. This approach includes the use of sustainable, integrated architecture and engineering practices for new buildings. Additionally, manufacturers who produce products that feed electricity, heat and air conditioning to homes and businesses must create new products to accommodate the changing landscape. These products make use of small-scale sources such as solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, gas turbines and biomass. The challenge is to integrate and use the modern sustainable energy technologies in a manner consistent with today's urban environments.

That's where the energy systems technician comes in. This person has at his or her disposal a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in modern energy and sustainable building companies. It is important to note that a widening skilled-labour shortage and quickly advancing technology in the energy sector are creating huge demand for technicians who possess a span of understanding across the fields of mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering.

At Centennial College, students can attend the Energy Systems Engineering Technician offering, which not only results in an Ontario College Diploma but also the know-how needed, which includes:

• Using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems to implement energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings
• Working in power plants
• Designing and maintaining heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units
• Working with architectural companies to integrate the latest energy technologies into green buildings
• Applying knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics and mechanics to industries such as: moulding and casting, integrated circuit packaging, heat exchanger/ boiler design and manufacture and petrochemical processing

This comprehension, acquired over two years, is different from other energy systems engineering programs in Toronto in that all training is hands-on and practical. Applied research and development projects complement the technical curriculum in order to allow students to gain project management and innovative skills.

Among the specific topics covered in this offering are: Electric Circuits, Computer Aided Drafting, Fabrication and Installation, Chemistry Applications and Climate, Digital and Power Electronics, Mechanics and Materials, Wind and Solar Energy, Design Project and more.

Once students successfully complete the offering, they may continue their education in the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program. That's because they are able to use their training and credits to transfer into its third year and complete the Advanced Diploma in two semesters.