* Approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005
What Electrical and Electronics Engineers Do?
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems, from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs). Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.
Duties of Electrical and Electronics Engineers:
Electrical engineers typically do the following:
1.Design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products
2.Perform detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
3.Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that products meet specifications and codes
4.Investigate complaints from customers or the public, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
5.Work with project managers on production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
Electronics engineers typically do the following:
1.Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications
2.Analyze customer needs and determine the requirements, capacity, and cost for developing an electrical system plan
3.Develop maintenance and testing procedures for electronic components and equipment
4.Evaluate systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair
5.Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, and systems to make sure that they meet safety standards and applicable regulations
6.Plan and develop applications and modifications for electronic properties used in parts and systems in order to improve technical performance.
Electronics engineers who work for the federal government research, develop, and evaluate electronic devices used in a variety of areas, such as aviation, computing, transportation, and manufacturing. They work on federal electronic devices and systems, including satellites, flight systems, radar and sonar systems, and communications systems.
The work of electrical engineers and electronics engineers is often similar. Both use engineering and design software and equipment to do engineering tasks. Both types of engineers also must work with other engineers to discuss existing products and possibilities for engineering projects.
Engineers whose work is related exclusively to computer hardware are considered computer hardware engineers.
Important Qualities for Electrical and Electronics Engineers:
Concentration.
Electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must be able to keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics when performing these tasks.
Initiative.
Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake. In addition, they must engage in continuing education to keep up with changes in technology.
Interpersonal skills.
Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly. This collaboration includes monitoring technicians and devising remedies to problems as they arise.
Math skills.
Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment.
Speaking skills.
Electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians. They must be able to explain their designs and reasoning clearly and to relay instructions during product development and production. They also may need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise.
Writing skills.
Electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents.
Program Overview:
● Basics of Electricity and Electronics
● Electrical Design
● PLC Basic
● PLC Advance
● Robotics
● Industrial Electrician Fundamentals
● Drafting Systems: AutoCAD
● Design & Drafting Systems: MicroStation
● Job Preparation and Career Development
Student has an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, OR
Is 18 years of age or older on or before the program begins AND can pass a qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent.
Common Jobs
Electrical Engineers:
● Engineering services
● Electric power generation, transmission and distribution
● Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
● Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
● Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
Electronics Engineers:
● Telecommunications
● Federal government, excluding postal service
● Engineering services
● Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
● Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
Careers Related to Electrical and Electronics Engineers:
Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies.
Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare.
Computer Hardware Engineers
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. These engineers discover new directions in computer hardware, which generate rapid advances in computer technology.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment. They are also involved in the manufacture and deployment of equipment for automation.
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries.
Electricians
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
Electro-mechanical Technicians
Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
Sales Engineers
Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products’ parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.