Education · 1 of 5
The path
A college diploma, a job, then voluntary certification.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Grade 12 math, physics and English. Most programs want the 65% to 75% range, not the 90s.
- 2
College diploma
2 years
Two years in electrical engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or instrumentation. Look for a program accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada.
- 3
First job
Right after graduation
Junior technologist at a consulting firm, a utility, a plant or a controls company. Co-op terms usually lead straight to it.
- 4
Certification
2 years after graduation
After about two years of supervised work, apply to your provincial association and pass the professional practice exam to use the C.E.T. (certified engineering technologist) title.
- 5
Optional: keep climbing
Later
Some employers pay for a degree bridge to an engineering degree, or for Alberta's professional technologist designation, which lets you stamp work inside a set scope.