Certificate in Engineering

at Okanagan College - Kelowna Campus Canada

The Business Studies Certificate allows students to focus on a specific discipline. This program may be of interest to those who are already employed. Some courses are also available by distance education. All Business Studies Certificates require the use of Microsoft Office software. Computer experience is recommended.

Co-operative Education: Entry into the co-operative education option is a student's choice, and subject to completion of all first-year courses and an overall grade average of 65%.

This 38-week (1,140 hours) program provides learners with little or no previous experience in the Heavy Duty Mechanic, Commercial Transport Mechanic, Diesel Engine Mechanic, or Transport Trailer Technician trades with the skills necessary to seek employment in the industry. Instruction in theoretical and practical components of all four trades are included, giving students the opportunity to choose to enter any of the four trades as an apprentice. The program includes a two-week industry work placement. Graduates of this program will receive an Okanagan College program certificate, Level 1 Technical Training credit and 450 work-based training hours towards one of the four trades from the Industry Training Authority.

The Advanced Certificate in Communication provides students with skills in applied communications. Students develop competence in areas such as professional writing, public relations theory and practice, management communications, marketing writing, and visual communication. Completion of the program will provide students with a valuable skill-set, applicable to every potential career. The certificate will be of interest to students who are looking to complement their previous post-secondary experience by focusing on an applied, career-related field. 

The certificate features flexible completion of required courses, allowing students to complete the requirements as part-time and/or evening study. In addition, students can apply six credits of first-year Communications or English earned in previous post-secondary study toward the Advanced Certificate in Communication

The civil engineering technologist is involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, highways, streets, parks, subdivisions, dams, drainage and irrigation systems, water supply and sewer systems, and plants. Aspects of civil engineering and urbanization in Canada are studied throughout this program. A diverse and stimulating program, Civil Engineering Technology incorporates field trips to reinforce theoretical background, and to develop appropriate methods of approach and solution. Graduates will possess the following knowledge and skills:

• A knowledge of mathematics, applied science, surveying principles, graphical language and oral and written communication techniques;
• A grounding in applied civil engineering technology as related to highway surveying, road design and construction, municipal construction, bridge construction, municipal water and sewage works, irrigation and drainage, and heavy construction;
• Skills in drafting, detailing, computing, surveying, laboratory testing (soil mechanics, concrete and asphalt paving), construction inspection, writing technical reports and correspondence, preparation of specifications and costs, basic structural design in steel, reinforced concrete, design of water distribution and sewage collection systems, heating and air conditioning and other building services, and engineering law.

This 4 semester 2 year diploma program (76 weeks) is offered in partnership with Northern Lights College (NLC) in Dawson Creek, B.C. The first 3 semesters (55 weeks) of training take place at Okanagan College Aerospace Campus in Vernon B.C. The final semester (18 weeks) takes place at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek. The diploma is conferred by Northern Lights College. All curriculum and entrance requirements at Okanagan College align with the AMT program at Northern Lights College.

The program is designed to take a student with little or no previous experience in the aircraft maintenance trade and supply him/her with the necessary skills to seek employment in that industry as an apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. The curriculum follows Transport Canada's guidelines and upon successful completion of the program, Transport Canada will grant graduates 18 months of experience credits toward the 48-month experience requirement for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license. Graduates also receive a diploma for Aircraft Maintenance Technician from Northern Lights College.

Apprenticeship technical training credit for Levels One through Four will be granted upon successful completion of this program. Apprenticeship practical training credit may also be granted by the employer as a result of prior practical experience.Training provided is applicable to both rotary wing aircraft (helicopters) and fixed wing aircraft, covering a wide range of subjects with emphasis on practical training. Some of the major subjects taught include aviation law, theory of flight, powerplants (turbine and piston), airframe structures and systems, hydraulics, electrical and avionics systems.

The Business Studies Certificate allows students to focus on a specific discipline. This program may be of interest to those who are already employed. Some courses are also available by distance education. All Business Studies Certificates require the use of Microsoft Office software. Computer experience is recommended.

This diploma program produces graduates who possess the skill set, attitude and knowledge to establish careers as certified technologists in the fields of local-area and wide-area voice, video and integrated data communications. Course work stresses messaging principles and provides insight into wired, wireless and fibre-optic signal propagation.

The rapid development and enrichment of global communications has produced a worldwide reliance on IP networks and the convergence of data and telecommunications has stimulated the need for larger and more integrated network implementations. Network and Telecommunications engineering technologists are trained to design, configure and support this telecommunications infrastructure. They are employed as network support specialists, network operations and telecommunications analysts, communications integrators, network administrators and consultants.

Graduates will possess the:

• skill sets, attitude and knowledge to establish careers and work efficiently as certified technologists in the fields of network and telecommunications engineering;
• understanding of how organizations function to provide effective integration of company operations and the networked corporate systems required today and in the future;
• necessary communication skills and knowledge of business operations required by corporate managerial roles or to start their own business as independent entrepreneurs;
• knowledge and practical experience to confidently challenge exams that form part of current industry certifications; and
• general theoretical skills required to pursue life-long learning and/or continue their education. 

This diploma program provides training in analog and digital electronic systems and equipment. The program places equal emphasis on a thorough understanding of circuit and system concepts/applications and proper techniques for building, testing and measuring circuits and systems. Graduates find employment in the areas of communications, microcontroller applications, embedded system applications, systems control and automation. Many jobs relate to the installation, operation, maintenance and design of complex electrical and electronic equipment. Graduates work for a wide range of government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions. Some graduates are employed as assistants to scientists and engineers on research and development projects. With the increasing growth in the industrial Internet of Things (loT) which includes both networked and automated control systems, there is strong demand for technologists with knowledge of analog systems, digital systems and networking.
The Electronics Engineering Technology program offers graduates the opportunity to bridge into engineering degree programs at University of British Columbia - Okanagan, University of Victoria and Lakehead University.

National Accreditation: The Electronics Engineering Technolgoy program is nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). The program's strengths include Analog Systems, Microcontrollers, Communications Systems, and Industrial Data Communications and Networking. While attending Okanagan College, students may register with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). Following graduation and a few years of industry experience, graduates can apply to become Applied Science Technologists (AScT).

This Program is a unique blend of traditional chemical and civil engineering technology combined with innovative water-focused environmental studies. The goals of the program are to educate, train and equip students so they are able to play a leading role in the water industry - both in Canada and internationally - to monitor, assess and protect both public health and water in the environment.

All students complete a common first year curriculum during which they receive a strong foundation of hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, water and wastewater treatment, along with water-focused biology and chemistry. During the second year students can choose between two options: Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Water and Wastewater Technology (WWT).

• The EM option focuses on natural waters with training provided in surface and groundwater hydrology, limnology, statistics and freshwater biology.
• The WWT option focuses on domestic water treatment, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, hydraulics, and industrial computer control.

Both options also provide further training in water microbiology along with environmental and analytical chemistry. All students are expected to complete a capstone technology project where emphasis will be on application of theoretical and practical experience gained in the program.

The diploma program provides students with a broad understanding of business practices. With the experience and skills learned in the classroom, students will be able to progress to more responsible roles in accounting, marketing, operations, personnel or general administration. Year one of the program provides a solid foundation in general business. Options are available in Accounting, Financial Services, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Human Resources Management, Management and Marketing. A General Studies option is also available to those who want to take elective courses from a variety of options.