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Learn how to plan, install, test, inspect, troubleshoot, and service all types of industrial electrical equipment.

You will take courses in the essentials of electricity, wiring and circuits, as well as advanced courses in automation and motion control, programmable logic controls, industrial communication systems, and computer-aided design.

The Industrial Electrical Technology program also prepares you for a variety of roles by teaching you construction and residential wiring methods. What you learn in class, you’ll demonstrate and test in a variety of on-site electrical lab areas, giving you hands-on training and exposure to real-life working conditions to prepare you for a career as an industrial electrician.

  • September 2026

    Summerside Waterfront Campus

    Program Length

    2 Years

    Credential

    Diploma, Industrial Electrical Technician

    Canadian Tuition

    View full breakdown

    International Tuition

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    Canadian Applicants

    Waiting list

    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

    Waiting list

    Other International Applicants

    Waiting list

  • Admissions Requirements

    • Grade 12 academic
    • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

     

    Notes:

    • Preference will be given to applicants with academic Grade 12 math and Grade 11 or 12 physics.
    • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your high school equivalency credential through Adult Education. It’s free!
    • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements.
    • This program accepts Mature Student applications. 
  • Degree Pathways

    This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

    Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
    University of New Brunswick - Saint John Bachelor of Applied Management Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree.
  • Program courses

    Course Code

    Course Name & Description

    Credit Values


    SAFE-1005

    PEI Occupational Health and Safety

    An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act...

    0


    ATMN-2100

    Programmable Logic Controls I

    In this course students learn the knowledge and~skills necessary to understand what a~Programmable Logic Control (PLC) is, some of what~it can do, and how to perform basic programming~and troubleshooting.

    1.00


    ATMN-2110

    Programmable Logic Controls II

    This course builds on the foundation set in~Programmable Logic Controls I, allowing students~to expand their knowledge of programmable~controllers and programming. Students learn the~graphical programming languages Function Block~Diagram (FBD) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC)~and construct programs using subroutines.

    2.00


    ATMN-2120

    Instrumentation and Motion Control

    Instrumentation (process control) and motion~(servo) control are two branches of control~engineering that use industrial automation to~produce a product or control a process. Students~learn about the components, circuits, instruments,~and control techniques used in these two branches~of industrial automation. Theory is reinforced~through lab activities and projects.

    4.00


    ATMN-2130

    Industrial Communication Systems

    This course provides students with an overview of~the industrial communication networks used today~in many industrial plants and factories. Students~learn about various hardware components, cabling~types and network protocols. Using the Industrial~Ethernet protocol, students develop software~programs to communicate between Programmable Logic~Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces~(HMIs), and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).

    2.00


    ATMN-2150

    Automation and Control Wiring Methods

    In this course students learn the practical~skills required to perform the task of building~an industrial control panel, complete with a PLC~controller (programmable logic controller) and~all associated inputs/outputs required for a~complete turn-key operation. Students are~responsible for ensuring that the control panel~meets all applicable code requirements for the~wiring methods used. Students also input their~own PLC program to make the control sequence~operate as per the specifications of the project.

    2.00


    BLPR-1010

    Electrical Blueprint Reading

    The ability to read and understand blueprints is~essential in the construction field, as~blueprints are used to design, plan, estimate and~build projects. This course introduces students~to blueprint reading and sketching, with a focus~on engineered drawings for residential and~commercial types of structures.

    2.00


    CADD-1015

    Introduction to Computer-Aided Design

    This course is an introduction to basic~terminology, concepts and functions of~Computer-Aided Design / Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)~software. Students acquire the skills and~knowledge to produce and modify technical~drawings, set up and manage an electronic filing~system, and specify hardware and peripheral~equipment required to generate drawings. Students~are also introduced to 3D modeling techniques and~processes used to produce manufactured parts.

    2.00


    CADD-2015

    Computer-Aided Design II

    This course focusses on the application of CAD~software and the reproduction of specific use~drawings for other courses.

    2.00


    COMM-1005

    Workplace Communications

    This course is designed to allow students to~develop preparatory skills for securing and~retaining employment including; workplace~communication, time management, critical thinking~and problem-solving, and customer service. Upon~successful completion of this course students are~able to use oral communications techniques, and~create a variety of written documents and reports~used in the workplace. Methods and strategies~for job search, preparation and retention are~also incorporated.

    3.00


    COMM-2005

    Workplace Communications II

    This course combines essential oral and written~communication skills needed for transitioning from~school to the workplace. It covers formal~technical writing, including business~correspondence, informal and formal report~writing, proper citation techniques, and report~formatting. Additionally, it focuses on developing~oral presentation skills for technical content,~utilizing technology to enhance presentations.

    2.00


    COMP-1000

    Computer Essentials

    Students learn productivity software and explore~digital environments with practical applications~for various workplaces and educational~institutions. The main areas of focus include word~processing, spreadsheets, presentation software,~email and other electronic communication tools,~various digital environments, and~industry-specific applications.

    3.00


    ELEC-1001

    Occupational Safety and Canadian~Electrical Code

    Students learn safe working practices and~measures to ensure both personal and public~safety as it pertains to the electrical trade. ~Students also learn about the Canadian Electrical~Code (CEC), how to utilize this standard, and how~it applies to electrical installations that they~will encounter in the program, and throughout~their careers.

    3.00


    ELEC-1015

    Electrical Fundamentals

    Study of electricity, passive direct current (DC)~circuits, and passive alternating current (AC)~circuits. Learners analyze DC and AC circuits;~select and test passive components; measure~electrical quantities using appropriate test~equipment. Construction and troubleshooting~techniques for circuits are introduced.

    5.00


    ELEC-1035

    Residential and Commercial Wiring~Methods

    Students learn the wiring methods and practical~skills required for both residential and~commercial / industrial installations ensuring~compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code~(CEC). The course focusses on the proper~selection and installation of wiring, conduit,~tubing and cables and the wiring methods employed~with their installation.

    4.00


    ELEC-1053

    Three-Phase Circuits

    This course introduces the theory of three-phase~circuits and systems and their use in commercial~and industrial wiring. The advantages of using~three-phase circuits is that motors, generators~and transformers are cheaper and more efficient,~three-phase transmission lines can deliver more~power for a given weight and cost, and the~voltage regulation of a three transmission system~is superior to that of a single-phase circuit.~The course has a lab component to aid in~reinforcement of theory.

    3.00


    ELEC-1055

    Three Wire Distribution Systems,~Conductors and Voltage Drop

    In this course students learn about the various~types, designs, and applications of three wire~distribution systems and electrical conductors. ~Students explore internal and external variables~that limit a conductor's ability to conduct~electricity. Students perform calculations of a~conductor's performance in the presence of~certain variables, using the Canadian Electrical~Code (CEC) as a guide.

    4.00


    ELEC-1150

    Transformers

    This course covers single-phase and three-phase~transformers. A transformer is an AC machine~that transfers energy from one circuit to another~circuit. They are sometimes called voltage~changers. This course has a lab component to aid~in reinforcement of theory. The Canadian~Electrical Code is applied in this course for the~sizing of conductors and overcurrent devices used~in transformer circuits.

    3.00


    ELEC-1160

    Introduction to Rotating Electrical~Machines and Controls

    This course introduces the theory of DC and AC~rotating machines and their basic control, with~focus on the proper identification of the machine~as well as the wiring connections and control~methods. As part of this course, students are~given the opportunity to demonstrate motor wiring~skills in a practical workshop environment.

    4.00


    ELEC-2100

    Electronic Devices

    Electronic devices are the fundamental building~blocks from which all useful electronic equipment~is constructed. This course covers the theory~and operation of electronic devices and circuits.~ Diodes, Bipolar Junction Transistors,~Operational Amplifiers, Thyristors, and~Photoelectric devices are studied.

    3.00


    ELEC-2110

    Digital Logic Circuits

    Digital Technology forms the foundation for~computers, automobile electronics, industrial~control systems, consumer electronics, wireless~communication, television and radio. This course~covers the core fundamentals of digital~technology. Topics explored include logic gates,~adders, encoders, decoders, comparators,~multiplexers, demultiplexers, latches,~flip-flops, timers, counters, shift registers and~data conversion. Theory is reinforced through~lab activities and projects.

    3.00


    ELEC-2130

    Industrial Motor Control

    This course builds on the knowledge and skills~developed in the Introduction to Electrical~Rotating Machines and Controls course. Advanced~motor control methods will be introduced~including Variable Frequency Drives, Servo Motor~control, Timers, Detection Sensors, and Motor~Control Centers. There is a significant component~of wiring advanced control schematics into real~world scenarios. The course primarily lab based.

    3.00


    ELEC-2135

    Industrial Methods and Practices

    Students learn the purpose, requirements, and~installation methods and practices for various~types of electrical systems, including medium and~high voltage systems, environmental and hazardous~installations, cathodic protection systems,~lightning protection systems, and signaling~systems, with an emphasis on requirement set by~the Canadian Electrical Code.

    3.00


    ELEC-2140

    Building Systems - Electrical

    This course provides an overview of the various~building electrical systems that electricians~typically encounter in both residential and~commercial settings. Systems explored include~building lighting systems, heating, ventilation~and air conditioning (HVAC), solar photovoltaic~systems, as well as standby and backup systems. ~Students gain an understanding of the electrical~characteristics of these systems in order to~properly install and troubleshoot equipment in a~safe and proficient manner.

    3.00


    FLUD-1000

    Introduction to Fluid Power Systems

    This course is an introduction to fluid power~technology as it relates to hydraulic and~pneumatic systems. The course begins with a~study of the physical properties of fluid power~systems. The function and application of~compressors, control valves, pumps, actuators,~reservoirs, filters and accessories are explored.

    3.00


    MATH-1100

    Technical Mathematics I

    This course is designed to enable the student to~develop technician level math skills relating to~their program and future career. Emphasis is~placed on developing problem solving and critical~thinking skills that the student will use in~troubleshooting. Students are challenged to~continually make connections between math and~their main program, as well as every day~applications.

    4.00


    NCPR-1001

    Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C

    A comprehensive two-day course offering standard~first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)~skills from a certified trainer. As required by~regulation, this course covers CPR and the~management of other breathing, airway and~circulation emergencies, as well as, the control~of bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing~fractures and dislocations, head and spine~injuries, and more. Also, includes automated~external defibrilators (AED). This certification~expires in 3 years.

    0.00


    NCPR-1002

    Workplace Hazardous Materials~Information Systems

    Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials~Information System (WHMIS) training and~certification.

    0.00


    NCPR-1066

    Certified Fall Protection

    Students are trained and become certified in the~application and use of fall protection equipment.~ Students explore hazards, legislative~requirements, as well as various types of fall~protection systems and their components. ~Demonstration of the proper application and use~of fall protection is required in order to pass~this course.

    0.00


    NCPR-1068

    Elevated Work Platforms

    Students acquire knowledge, demonstrate~proficiency, and become certified in the safe use~of elevated work platforms. Please note that~Certified Fall Protection training is a~pre-requisite for this course, and students are~expected to supply their own personal protective~equipment, including hard hat, eye protection, and~steel toed footwear.

    0.00


    PHYS-1000

    Physics

    This course is designed to introduce students to~mechanical physics. Topics in this course~include kinematics, statics, energy, states of~matter and waves. Emphasis is placed on~developing problem-solving and critical thinking~skills as the students relate the physics'~concepts to their program of study and their~future career.

    3.00


    PRAC-2300

    Industrial Electrical Work Integrated~Learning

    Work Integrated Learning (WIL) training provides~students with an opportunity to apply skills and~knowledge acquired in the Industrial Electrical~Technology program to a relevant work environment.~WIL participants are expected to assume, with~appropriate supervision, the duties and~responsibilities normally expected of an~entry-level employee in a similar position. Using~their own observations and initiative, students~are expected to acquire and apply new skills as~may be expected of a new employee in their~respective workplace setting.

    4.00


Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Work in accordance with applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and national codes to ensure personal and public safety.
  • Demonstrate wiring methods and techniques for residential, commercial, and industrial installations and systems in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.
  • Interpret and follow diagrams, blueprints, and schematics, and produce technical documentation for electrical systems and controls.
  • Apply the principles of electricity, electronics, math and science to analyze and solve technical problems.
  • Use programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to control and monitor industrial processes and machines.
  • Implement instrumentation and motion control techniques to measure, regulate and automate physical variables such as pressure, temperature, flow, speed and position.
  • Apply troubleshooting techniques and critical thinking skills in the design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of industrial control systems and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements, and specifications.
  • Communicate and work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other tradespersons.
  • Identify the importance of ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities and keep pace with industry changes.

The most successful path to a Red Seal as an industrial electrician begins with the Industrial Electrical Technology program. This program enables you to earn 30 hours of apprenticeship time for each week of training and write two years of apprenticeship block exams, which puts you well on your way to Red Seal certification. Upon graduation, once you are working with a suitable employer, you will register as an apprentice to complete your journey to challenge the Red Seal exam. When you register, Apprenticeship PEI will give you credit for the hours earned and block exams passed while you were at Holland College.

The Red Seal gives you the ability to work anywhere in Canada without further testing or certification.

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