Taking UFV’s Power Line Technician (PLT) program can open the door to an exciting and well-paid career building, maintaining, and repairing the overhead and underground electrical transmission systems that power our world.
Power line technicians are physically fit, love the outdoors, and enjoy the challenge of working on ladders, in hydraulic buckets, or other aerial devices. The rush of performing emergency repairs at the top of a transmission tower is not for the weak-hearted. But power line technicians would never exchange their open-air workplace for the dreariness of an enclosed office.
The UFV twelve-week Power Line Technician foundation program is delivered in collaboration with instructors from industry-recognized Electrical Industry Training Institute (EITI Global), who teach you the real-world technical and safety skills you need to succeed in this trade.
Seats in this program are limited. To qualify, interested candidates must attend an orientation day to undergo testing for fitness and aptitude.
Power line technicians are employed by electric power companies, electrical contractors, public utilities, equipment suppliers, or mining companies. The demand for electrical power keeps rising as society adopts new technologies. And with an expected wave of older workers soon to retire, this trade is currently in high demand.
The Government of Canada's Job Market Report reveals that over the period 2015-2024, the demand for electrical power line and cable workers & telecommunications line and cable workers will remain stable. New job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 8,200, while 8,000 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them.
Power Line Technician is a nationally designated trade under the Red Seal program. Students who complete the UFV Power Line Technician foundation program can pursue an apprenticeship with an electrical utility or electrical contractor company.