Reasons to Consider an Energy Systems Engineering Program

Energy is central to almost everything in the universe. The entire economy as well as our daily life depends heavily on energy systems. However, there are some pressing issues that the modern world is facing today. There is an increased need to design, develop and make use of such energy systems that regulate the entire process beginning from energy generation, transmission, distribution and consumption while helping in its conservation.

Considering this, the utility sector in Canada and the rest of the world is undergoing a radical shift and is constantly developing more efficient energy systems that make use of renewable sources. Both individuals and businesses are going green and are actively adopting green energy generation initiatives, to feed their electricity, heat and air-conditioning to homes and offices respectively.

Need for Energy Engineering Technicians

Already there are many new products in the market that make use of biomass, gas turbines, fuel cells, and solar and wind energy to generate electricity. However, constant innovation in this field is resulting in the development and implementation of more sophisticated and advanced energy systems that are more suitable for urban environment.

The shift in utility sector, society's changing views on energy and innovation in technology has resulted in a demand for energy systems engineering technicians who have specialized knowledge in energy systems along with a breadth of knowledge across the mechanical, electronic, electrical and automation engineering fields. Another factor that has contributed to increased demand for energy systems technicians is the widening skilled-labour shortage. As baby boomers generation plans to retire itself, a large number of positions will be left vacant by engineering technicians and tradespersons who have gained expertise in energy systems by working several years in the industry.

Therefore, there is an immediate need to meet industry demand for young technicians who already have specialized knowledge in this discipline. If you're interested in a building career in this field, you may consider a post-secondary program in energy systems engineering. It offers you a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in the modern world. The program also covers the fundamental skills to understand energy and its use in modern society. You also learn how to integrate and use modern sustainable energy technologies to ensure maximum efficiency.

Choosing the Right Program

Numerous Canadian colleges offer post-secondary energy systems engineering programs. However, not all help you meet your specific career goals. A program is worth considering, if it

• Is CTAB (The Canadian Technology Accreditation Board) accredited
• Offers opportunities to work on state-of-the-art energy systems
• Offers hands-on lab experience
• Includes research and development projects
• Provides project management skills
• Incorporates computer-aided drafting
• Teaches ethics in technology and the environment
• Provides you with the eligibility to apply for more advanced courses

Centennial College's program in energy systems engineering technician meets all the above mentioned criteria. The program offers a right balance of theory and practical, and prepares you for careers with power plans, energy systems manufacturing firms, energy distribution companies, construction companies and residential, commercial and industrial units.

Why Should You Consider a Career in Energy Systems Engineering

Everyone around, including businesses and people, is becoming more concerned about the environmental and financial issues associated with the energy usage and is adopting green initiatives. Even the construction industry is embracing a host of sustainable energy solutions and engineering practices while constructing new buildings.

The utility sector is undergoing a radical shift and is taking initiatives to spread awareness about various innovative small-scale renewable sources of energy. However, the challenge to integrate these sources of energy in large urban environments still persists. This has opened doors for energy systems technicians who can help construction companies and other establishments in going green and installing a range of innovative energy sources to feed electricity to businesses and homes in a consistent manner. In addition, the job opportunities are also available with the companies engaged in manufacturing, distributing and installing energy solutions.

Becoming Energy Systems Technicians in Canada

The demand for energy systems technician program is anticipated to grow further in the coming years. This is because the reliance on sustainable energy sources will be more than ever in future. Individuals interested in working in this field must be able to:

• Analyze energy needs in a facility (residential/commercial/industry)
• Make recommendations to reduce energy cost
• Suggest ways to reduce energy demand
• Conduct energy audits
• Assist architects in planning the construction of energy efficient buildings
• Design, size, install, maintain, troubleshoot and replace sustainable energy systems
• Develop innovative/efficient energy systems

There is a short supply of energy systems engineering professionals in Canada. People working in this field have learnt the skills after years of on-the-job experience. This calls for the need for technicians who already possess knowledge across diverse engineering fields and are ready to apply their knowledge in designing, developing and installing green energy or energy efficient systems as soon as they get on the job.

Education for Aspiring Energy Systems Technicians

Strong employment prospects exist for professionals who have undergone a formal education and training in energy systems engineering. The energy systems engineering technology program teaches students the fundamental skills to understand various sources of energy and their uses and importance in the modern society. It offers a unique balance of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills. The program covers basic science subjects, such as physics, mathematics and statistics as well as advanced subjects including computer aided drafting, fabrication and installation, digital and power electronics, mechanics and materials, fluid mechanics and dynamics, pneumatics, and boilers and auxiliaries.

Studying Energy Systems Engineering Technology in Canada

Numerous Canadian Colleges offer post-secondary energy systems engineering programs. However, not all are accredited. They may also not provide students extensive hands-on approach, which is a necessary requirement for seeking employment after course completion. Centennial College's two-year post-secondary energy systems engineering technician program is CTAB nationally accredited program. It also meets the national technology accreditation requirements established by the CCTT (Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists). Besides, a strong focus is placed on practical labs and research and development projects.

In order to apply for this program, students will need to submit an application along with a copy of secondary school diploma certificate and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent and Mathematics Grade 12 C or University or equivalent.

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.

Change the Way the World Looks at Energy By Attending an Energy System Engineering Technician Program

The world is changing in terms of the way it views energy. As such, today's energy systems engineering programs must include in their curriculum a focus on innovative energy projects using small-scale sources such as fuel cells, solar, gas, wind, hydro turbines and biomass to feed electricity, heat and air conditioning to homes and businesses. Additionally, new green building initiatives are quickly increasing awareness and the use of sustainable, integrated architecture and engineering practices for new buildings is becoming common. These programs must also reflect those changes.

Centennial College's Energy Systems Engineering Technician program addresses both developments head-on as it trains students to: implement energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems; work in power plants; design and maintain heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and work with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings.

All training incorporates practical and theoretical components conducted from classrooms that are equipped to offer students hands-on experience that makes them employable upon graduation. Projects that mimic real world assignments, group work, research and more give students the opportunity to become comfortable with the tasks of an energy systems technician in Toronto.

To really understand the program and how well rounded it is when it comes to blending technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in modern energy and sustainable building companies, here is a look at some specific courses.

Digital & Power Electronics: Understanding digital circuits is essential to understanding energy distribution. This course blends theory and practical application as students learn about number systems and codes, all common gates (combinational logic), Boolean algebra, mapping, basic arithmetic circuits, gated latches, counters, and shift registers.

Renewable Energy System: Wind energy, solar systems, geothermal heat pumps, biomass, small hydraulics and fuel cells are all common renewable energy systems. Therefore, the theory governing these systems and their working principles are explained in this offering.

Energy, Environment, Society: Current topics in modern energy use are discussed. They include: world and North American primary energy sources; supply, demand and reserves, including fossil, nuclear and renewable energy resources; the laws governing conversion of energy from one form to another; thermodynamic efficiency of heat engines and end-use efficiency; and the fundamentals of electricity generation, transmission and end-use. As a practical aspect, students visit a fossil-fuelled or nuclear power plant, or electrical transmission substation.

Power Engineering and HVAC: Split into two parts, this course introduces students to prime mover and engine technologies, pumps and air compressors, and some of their applications. It also covers air conditioning and built-up HVAC systems and their related equipment technologies, as applied to large building design.

Design Project: Arguably the most practical of all the courses within this offering, Design Project places students into groups to design basic mechanical systems under the guidance of faculty. Students must consider aspects such as planning and design, time and cost management, and application of techniques developed from other mechanical courses to perform detail component analysis and necessary calculations.

Induce social change with the energy systems engineering program

The future is now, as everything we do today - good or bad - will result in the changes and developments of tomorrow. One of the concerning issues is the source of energy, which is not only compromised due to its limitations, but also because of the negative effects on health, wildlife, and climate change. However, we are building renewable sources of energy, so we can build a better future. You can join this movement by enrolling in energy systems engineering programs. An excellent institution to attend is Centennial College, where students are taught the right academic and hands-on training in the Energy Systems Engineering Technician (3755) program.

This revolutionary program will help generate long-term plans for energy usage. Students will remain on top of their field with the following program benefits:

• Receive a college diploma within two years and have the capacity to apply energy systems functions, such as heat transfer, fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics and mechanics.
• The program meets industry standards and is recognized by industry leaders, including the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
• Centennial provides state-of-the-art energy systems for students to apply their knowledge and gain practical experience at Progress Campus.
• Students complete a capstone project by using their technical and planning skills to design a mechanical system, with an emphasis on mathematical abilities, teamwork, project management, and time and cost management.
• Highly qualified faculty and staff researchers guide students in their program, keeping them on track with the energy and utility sectors, and advising them of the industry's direction.
• Students are engaged in networking events through program-specific events, where they can learn more about their field and gather contacts for future references.
• Centennial College created the Centennial Energy Institute (CEI) to initiate workshops, conferences, and educational and networking events for students and professionals.
• Students and program graduates are eligible to apply for some job positions by the CEI, helping them gain preliminary work experience in the industry.
• Students are ready to launch their career and acquire industry's TSSA (Technical Standards & Safety Authority) Operating Engineer, 4th Class certification.
• Another option includes further education with an easy transition to Centennial's technology program called Energy Systems Engineering Technology.

"Many other colleges are doing (a similar) energy program, but our program is more focused on power generation on solar, wind turbines, biomass, and also power generation from power plants," says El-Hedi Maloufi, Engineering Professor at Centennial. He hopes students will solve our energy problem today and create innovative ideas to provide long-term, sustainable solutions for our energy consumption.

The hands-on training provided by the college is helping the students acquire and retain valuable information and skills required in the industry. Not only does Centennial teach a comprehensive curriculum and work with advanced technologies, it involves each student to learn the CAD system, which is the computer-aided design program for designing electrical models. Graduates can become an energy systems technician in various work settings, including commercial and residential buildings, architectural companies, and research facilities.

Energy Systems Technicians Job Description and Educational Requirements

Energy systems technicians are responsible for implementing energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings, designing and maintaining heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units and troubleshooting energy systems. They also work with architectures to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings.

The professionals have in-depth understanding of energy systems including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, gas turbines and fuel cells. They possess excellent technical skills that are required to design, integrate and use all modern sustainable energy technologies in a manner consistent with urban environments.

The technicians typically find employment in

• Power plants
• Construction companies
• Moulding and casting companies
• Petrochemical processing companies
• Integrated circuit packaging
• Heat exchanger
• Boiler designing and manufacturing
• Architectural firms
• Refrigeration and heating units

They may work indoors or outdoors or both depending upon their employment. They are responsible for

• Ensuring smooth functioning of energy systems
• Ensuring efficient production of energy
• Finding efficient ways of supplying power
• Minimizing environmental damage
• Checking site conditions for installation of renewable energy technologies
• Carrying out site inspections and energy survey
• Being involved in development of new energy technologies
• Monitoring new applications
• Preparing feasibility studies and cost estimates

However, additional roles and responsibilities may vary depending upon employment, exact job title and individual experience.

Career Prospects

The utility sector is undergoing a major shift. This opens doors to a wide range of new and innovative energy projects. With new products hitting market and innovative concepts, the demand for formally educated and trained energy systems professionals has increased.

Most people currently working in this field have gained skills and experience after years of working. Employers are facing a shortage of young skilled professionals with an in-depth understanding of energy systems, prior hands-on-experience and computer knowledge and business communication.

The job prospects for youngsters are bright in this field. There is a huge demand for professionals who possess knowledge in mechanical, electrical, electronic, energy and automation engineering fields.

Education Prerequisites for Becoming an Energy Systems Technician

The post-secondary energy systems engineering programs prepares students for entry level jobs in the areas related to energy systems. The program is intense and helps students gain a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills.

Centennial College’s two-year energy systems engineering course covers a wide range of subjects including technology mathematics, physics, chemistry applications and climate, applied statistics, differential calculus and analytic geometry.

It also covers digital and power electronics, fabrication and installation, electronic devices, boilers and auxiliaries, renewable energy systems, fluid mechanics and dynamics, wind and solar energy, power engineering and HVAC, pneumatics and project design and computer aided drafting.

A strong focus is placed on hands-on-lab to enable students put their classroom learning into practice. Students also get opportunities to research and develop projects as well as work on state-of-the-art energy systems.

Enrollment Guide

In order to apply for this program, you will need:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent
• English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
• Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 c or University or equivalent

The graduates of this program can either choose to study further for an advanced program or pursue careers in the field of energy systems.

Energy Systems Engineering Programs Offer Various Post-Graduation Options

When obtaining a college education, you want to ensure that the program you choose offers a variety of career options. That is exactly what you'll get by attending Centennial College's Energy Systems Engineering Technician program (as it is officially known), which produces well-trained energy systems technicians to fulfill the demand caused by the widening skilled-labour shortage and quickly advancing technology in the energy sector. This technology includes the adoption of new green building initiatives and many new products that provide ways to implement advanced energy control in commercial and residential structures. Energy systems technicians come up with ways to integrate and use all of these modern sustainable energy technologies in a manner consistent with our urban environments. As such, energy systems technicians are equipped with a range of knowledge across the mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering fields, which sets them apart from other candidates.

It is worth noting that students of Centennial College's offering who want to pursue more education after they complete this energy systems engineering program, have the option to enter year three of the school's Energy Systems Engineering Technology program.

What makes this energy systems technician training truly unique is that it also teaches a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in the industry. Specific topics include: physics, electric circuits, fabrication and installation, electronic devices, digital and power electronics, wind and solar energy, renewable energy system, and more.

Housed at Progress Campus, the energy systems technician offering employs a multi-faceted approach to teaching its students. This approach includes: a strong focus on practical labs to enhance classroom rooms and applied research, development projects to promote innovation skills, and practice on state-of-the-art energy systems. However, the approach would not be as effective if it weren’t for the experienced faculty members who not only teach the future energy systems technicians but also share personal anecdotes, make time for one-on-one and help with networking.

Applicants interested in attending this energy systems engineering program in Toronto must posses at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

In the field, these energy systems technicians serve an important role, as they are responsible for implementing energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems. Energy systems technicians may also operate power plants of various sizes; design and maintain heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and work with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings. Specific industries in which they are employed include: moulding and casting, integrated circuit packaging, heat exchanger/ boiler design and manufacture and petrochemical processing.

Energy Systems Engineering Programs in Canada Combine Engineering and Construction

There is currently a major shift happening in the world of construction and those who have attended energy systems engineering programs are at the forefront. That's because as society becomes more concerned about the environment, the utility industry in particular is including new operating practices to heat and air condition homes and businesses that include: solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, gas turbines and biomass to feed electricity. Additionally, when building our cities, the construction industry is engaging a host of new green initiatives. The challenge and opportunity to learn to integrate and use modern sustainable energy technologies falls in the hands of energy systems technicians.

 

As such, these energy systems technicians: implement energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems; operate power plants of various sizes; design and maintain heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; work with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings.

 

Additionally, energy systems technicians apply 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.

 

Centennial College's energy systems engineering program, officially known as Energy Systems Engineering Technician, focuses on power plants, renewable energy, wind turbines, power generation, wind turbines, biomass, and more. As such, students obtain fundamental skills to understand energy and its uses in modern society. This is achieved through a challenging but rewarding combination of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in modern energy and sustainable building companies. Among the specific courses covered within this energy systems engineering program are: Energy Systems Engineering Technician courses such as Electric Circuits, Physics, Computer Aided Drafting, Fabrication and Installation, Applied Statics, Electronic Devices, Technology Mathematics, and more. Additionally, to ensure that students are obtaining real life practice, practical labs, applied research and development projects supplement classroom lessons in this energy systems technician program.

 

Graduates of this two-year energy systems engineering program, which results in an Ontario College Diploma, who wish to continue their education have the option to enter year three of the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program.

 

Applicants to this energy systems engineering program are required to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the credits for compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Energy Systems Engineering Programs Produce In-Demand Graduates

Did you know that a widening skilled-labour shortage and quickly advancing technology in the energy sector are creating huge demand for energy systems technicians who possess a breadth of knowledge across the mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering fields? The job of these professionals entails a few responsibilities. Overall, they implement energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems. This is achieved through 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. In addition, energy systems technicians may operate power plants of various sizes; design and maintain heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and work with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings.

In Canada, one of the respected Energy Systems Engineering programs is offered at Centennial College. It teaches students the fundamental skills to understand energy and its uses in modern society. The program is reputable as it offers a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in the industry. To apply, students are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the credits for compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once are accepted to the Energy Systems Engineering Technician program (as it is officially known), they will discover a strong focus on practical labs to enhance classroom rooms and applied research, and development projects to promote innovation skills. In addition, the opportunity exists for students to work on state-of-the-art energy systems. Throughout these learning methods, experienced faculty members, who teach a technical curriculum that is complemented by project management skills, lead students. Courses within the energy systems technician training include: Electrics Circuits (introduces the students to the fundamental principles and theorems of D.C. and A.C. series and parallel resistive circuits); Renewable Energy Systems (involves the description, theory design and operation of renewable energy systems. The renewable energy systems presented are: wind energy, solar systems, geothermal heat pumps, biomass, small hydraulics and fuel cells); Digital and Power Electronics (introduces the student to digital circuit’s theory and lab practice. Topics include number systems and codes, all common gates, Boolean algebra, mapping, basic arithmetic circuits, gated latches, counters, and shift registers); and more.

Upon completion of the Energy Systems Engineering program, students are prepared to enter the field. If however, they want to pursue further students, as graduates of the two-year energy systems engineering program, they have the option to enter year three of the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program.

Energy Systems Engineering Program Sees Students Graduate in Just Four Semesters

Are you ready to take on the challenge of learning how to integrate and use all modern sustainable energy technologies in a manner consistent with our urban environments? Do you want to possess a breadth of knowledge across the mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering fields? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, your ideal career path may be as an energy systems technician.

At Centennial College, students are prepared for the industry in just four semesters by attending the Energy Systems Engineering Technician program. The undertaking’s reputation is build off of the fact that it offers a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in the industry. To apply, students are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the credits for compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

A strong focus in the Energy Systems Engineering program is placed on practical labs to enhance classroom learning as well as applied research, and development projects to promote innovation skills. Technical curriculum is complemented by project management skills and the opportunity for students to work on state-of-the-art energy systems. These state-of-the-art energy systems mimic the ones currently in the industry. Specific courses within this undertaking include: Electric Circuits, Computer Aided Drafting, Physics, Chemistry Applications and Climate, Applied Statistics, Electronic Devices, Digital & Power Electronics, Mechanics and Materials and more.

Once they have completed the Energy Systems Engineering program, students are presented with the opportunity to obtain further education. That’s because graduates of the two-year offering, have the option to enter year three of the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program.

If, however, they should choose to pursue their career right away, graduates enter a field that has a widening skilled-labour shortage and quickly advancing technology in the energy sector, which are creating huge demand for energy systems technicians. These Energy System Technicians have a number of responsibilities. Overall, they implement energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems. This is achieved through 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. In addition, energy systems technicians may operate power plants of various sizes; design and maintain heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and work with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings. 

Get a Solid Foundation in the Energy Systems Engineering Technician Field At Centennial College

Professionals who posses a wide range of knowledge across mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering fields can find jobs as energy systems engineering technicians. In the utility sector innovative energy projects are using small-scale sources such as solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, gas turbines and biomass to feed electricity, heat and air conditioning to our homes and businesses. Meanwhile, the construction industry has adopted a host of new green building initiatives that are quickly increasing awareness and the use of sustainable, integrated architecture and engineering practices for new buildings. Energy Systems Engineering Technicians are responsible for taking on the challenge of integrating and using these modern sustainable energy technologies in a manner consistent with our urban environments.

Through the Energy Systems Engineering Technician program at Centennial College, students learn fundamental skills to understand energy and its uses in modern society. Once students complete the Energy Systems Engineering Technician program, they may enter year three of the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program to complete a further credential.

The two-year program is challenging, but offers a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in modern energy and sustainable building companies. Students learn all about: implementing energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems; operating power plants of various sizes; designing and maintaining heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and working with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings.

The Energy Systems Engineering Technician program places a strong focus on practical labs with the opportunity for students to work on state-of-the-art energy systems. Applied research and development projects promote students’ innovation skills while technician curriculum is complemented by project management skills. Courses covered in the Energy Systems Technician undertaking, include: Physics, Electric Circuits, Applied Statistics, Chemistry Application and Climate, Boilers and Auxiliaries, Mechanics and Materials, Wind and Solar Energy and many others.

In order to apply, student must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the credits for compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Successful energy systems technicians enter a field in which a widening skilled-labour shortage and quickly advancing technology in the energy sector are creating huge demand for technicians who possess a breadth of knowledge. In their varied positions, energy systems technicians work with industries that include moulding and casting, integrated circuit packaging, heat exchanger/ boiler design and manufacture and petrochemical processing.

Energy Systems Engineering Technicians Find Futuristic Solutions to Today’s Problems

A challenge looms in the energy field, as energy systems engineering technicians must learn how to integrate and use modern sustainable energy technologies in a manner consistent with our urban environments. The focus on the environment and global warming is ensuring that the construction industry is adopting new green building initiatives that are quickly becoming mainstream. Manufacturers have many new products that provide ways to implement advanced energy control in commercial and residential structures. They must work with the energy systems technicians if the products are going to succeed. The door is now open to a range innovative energy projects using small-scale sources such as solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, gas turbines and biomass to feed electricity, heat and air conditioning to our homes and businesses. 
The door is also open to those who want to change the world by becoming a energy systems engineering technicians.

So what exactly is this door opening up to? Well, to put it frankly, many jobs in the energy systems engineering technician field — which includes heat transfer, fluid mechanics, computational fluid dynamics and mechanics. This is due to a widening skilled-labour shortage and quickly advancing technology in the energy sector that are creating huge demand for technicians who possess a breadth of knowledge. In their varied positions, energy systems technicians work with industries that include moulding and casting, integrated circuit packaging, heat exchanger/ boiler design and manufacture and petrochemical processing. Depending on where they work, these professionals may: implement energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems; operate power plants of various sizes; design and maintain heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and work with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings.

Clearly, these techs are required to posses a wide range of knowledge across mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering fields. In order to gain that knowledge, they must attend a post-secondary program such as Centennial College’s Energy Systems Engineering Technician program, which takes two years to complete. In order to apply, you must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. You must also have the credits for compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once you have been accepted, you will discover a program that been designed to teach fundamental skills to understand energy and its uses in our society. The energy systems technician undertaking uses applied research and development projects, practical lab experience and the opportunity to work on state-of-the-art energy systems to prepare its students. Its technical curriculum includes courses such as: Technology Mathematics (covers “intermediate” topics in algebra and trigonometry), Electric Circuits (theory and lab course introduces students to the fundamental principles and theorems of D.C. and A.C. series and parallel resistive circuits), Electronic Devices (introduces students to the Electronic Semiconductor Diodes and Transistors and their basic circuits), and many others. Another standout feature of the program is that it is part of the student chapter of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which allows for networking and other opportunities.

Upon successful completion of the two-year Energy Systems Engineering Technician program, you have the option to enter year three of the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program.

Fill Today’s Labour Shortage in Energy Systems Engineering Technology

Did you know that a widening skilled-labour shortage as well as quickly advancing technology in the energy sector is opening many doors for educated Energy System Engineering Technicians? Professionals who deal with today’s energy systems face entirely new challenges, as society’s views on construction and utility shift to a greener outlook. This shift means that Energy System Engineering Technicians must find innovative ways to incorporate alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, gas turbines and biomass into our city’s electricity, heat and air-conditioning units. Because these energy sources are not our top source (yet), Energy System Engineering Techs must have the ability to integrate our modern sustainable energy technologies with the new ones in ways that are consistent with the urban environment. In order to do this, techs are required to posses a wide range of knowledge across mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering fields.

Other tasks in the Energy Systems Engineering Technology field include: designing, assembling and programming building automation systems; developing advanced control systems for energy, chemical processes or manufacturing; designing and maintaining heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and operating power plants of various sizes.

The first step to entering this field is a valid post-secondary education. Centennial College offers a three-year Energy Systems Engineering Technology program that challenges students with its unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial teachings that result in skills that are highly sought after in modern energy and sustainable building companies. In order to be considered for the program, you must possess at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. You should also have compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Within the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program, students take courses such as: Computer Aided Drafting, Fabrication and Installation, Electronic Devices, Wind and Solar Energy, Mechanics and Materials and more. In addition, advanced courses are also provided. They include: Energy Auditing and Management, Motion Controls and Network, Building Automation Systems and more. Students also have the opportunity to participate in labs, applied research and development projects to further enhance their knowledge.

Lastly, qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities and institutes. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. Centennial College’s partners are Athabasca University where you can obtain a science degree and Lakehead University where you can study to graduate with an engineering degree. Students must maintain a C grade average to graduate from Centennial College.