Sustainable Energy Training in Canada Updated Feb. 2008
A number of colleges and universities now offer certificate or diploma programs based on renewable energy technologies. This number is set to grow in the next few years. This introduction includes current and upcoming programs in Canada’s schools, as well as a couple of on-line programs.
- Current Programs
- ONline Courses
- Sustainable Energy Co-ops
Current Programs
NEW:
Certified Energy Advisor, www.GreenCommunitiesCanada.org
For individuals with the right backgrounds (building engineer, architect, construction trades, renovations, home inspection), a 4 day course is now available from the Green Communities network. Contact Green Communities Canada to search for a branch nearest you.
Humber College, Toronto Ontario
Humber’s Sustainable Energy & Building Technology (SEBT) program is a 3-year full time Advanced Ontario Diploma program. Developed in response to industry demand, it produces energy system designers experienced in both Renewable Energy technologies as well as green building design and construction.
As a SEBT grad you will work with building and energy site development teams, applying your powerful knowledge/skill sets in solar, wind and earth energy technologies, passive solar building design, energy efficient building envelopes and heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and water systems. The program has a paid summer co-op as well as entreprenurial and business skills components to facilitate entry into this growing, dynamic sector.
Lambton College, Sarnia, Ontario
www.lambton.on.ca
Alternative Energy Engineering Technology. A 3 year program, it focuses on integration of existing and emerging renewable energy tech into existing energy sources and infrastructure.Tuition is approx. $3,000 a year, including all fees.
St Lawrence College, Kingston, Ontario
www.sl.on.ca
Energy Systems Engineering Technologist/Technician From the website: “These exciting new programs will put you at the leading edge as Canada embraces alternative energy systems and products. You will gain a solid understanding of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems with an emphasis on energy conservation and alternative energy systems. Your hands-on experience with solar air and water systems, photovoltaic systems, wind power generation, and other emerging technologies will make you a leader in this rapidly developing field.” Tuition is approx. $3,600 but is subject to change. Program lengths are 3 years and 2 years.
Centennial College, Toronto, Ontario
www.centennialcollege.ca
Integrated Energy Systems Technician – This 2 year program blends technical, engineering, and business skill sets, with a focus on emerging technology. Cost not listed
Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario
www.cansia.ca/seneca.asp
http://cbe.senecac.on.ca/
PV Technician – Presented together with the Canadian Solar Industries Association, this is the first comprehensive solar energy programs available in Canada. Includes 3 levels of training, at $395 per level.
Willis College, Ottawa, Ontario http://www.williscollege.com/Options/CleanEnergyIndex.html
An array of programs are offered here, in-class programs 12 to 59 weeks in length. On-line curriculum made up of 9 different e-learning courses, and 1 day corporate clean energy analysis sessions are also offered. Willis College makes great use of the RETScreen software throughout their programs.
Le Centre de Gaspe, Various Locations, Quebec
www.collegia.qc.ca
Wind Technician –This program is available at the Gaspe campus. Details all currently in French.
University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment, and Economy
www.iseee.ca
Features a number of programs and initiatives aimed at a wide range of sustainable development priorities.Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development: www.ucalgary.ca/usfq
A program held in partnership with Universidad San Francisco de Quito. This 10 month training takes in Quito, Ecuador. Tuition is approx. $20,000 CDN.
Assiniboine Community College, Brandon, Manitoba
www.assiniboine.net
Two instructors have engaged in a 5 week wind power intensive in Germany, and sending updates of their experience to the College website. A 10 month program is planned, to be hosted by their School of Agriculture & Environment. Chair Derrick Turner is the faculty member heading up the committee, which includes 6 more Canadian schools, the goal of which is to develop a Canadian wind energy training curriculum, based on EU standards (BZEE).
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, BC
www.bcit.ca
The Centre for Energy Systems Applications offers two short PV power courses. Intro to PV and Intro to PV part 2 both run for 3 days, at a cost of $300 each. Work is underway at BCIT to expand its renewable energy program portfolio. BCIT also hosts an Renewable Energy Applied Research Team, through which students may gain hands-on experience with RE technologies.
Selkirk College, Nelson, BC
School of Renewable Resources
www.selkirk.ca
A comprehensive two year renewable energy technician’s program is being introduced to Selkirk College’s Silver King campus in Nelson. Scheduled to begin in Fall 2007, the program development was led by Robert Macrae, and is being linked to entry-level electrical training and other skilled trades training.
Contact 250.365.1441 or rmacrae@selkirk.ca.
Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo BC
Green Building & Renewable Energy Technology, scheduled to start in September 2008. This is a two year diploma program focusing on renewable energy & efficiency in buildings. Practices in the LEED context will be examined. Program includes both academic and hands-on components. Applications are being accepted between Nov 15 2007 and March 31 2008.
Northern Light College, Dawson Creek, BC
One of Canada’s few CANSIA-certified Solar Hot Water Installer courses is being launched at Northern Lights College this spring. Contains 8 course modules, taught over 1 week. This hands on course includes theory and in-shop segments, and will prepare certified plumbers to write the Canadian Solar Industries Exam to become certified in Domestic Hot Water installation.
NLC is also constructing the 3,500 square foot Energy House facility, which will serve as the base for a growing suite of renewable energy programs the College plans to offer beginning in the Fall of ‘08.
Canadian Solar Industries Association
www.cansia.ca
In addition to the current program offered at Seneca, CANSIA is currently seeking Canadian schools interested in developing a similar partnership for Solar Hot Water. CANSIA currently offers a certificate for individuals already experienced in Solar Hot Water installation.
ONLine Courses
Willis College www.cleanenergyeducation.net
Willis College has been offering a comprehensive cluster of renewable energy modules, on-line, for three years. Natural Resource Canada’s RETScreen software is employed extensively. Module examples include:
- Introductory Programs
- Green Heat Certificate
- Clean Energy Certificate for Developing Countries
RETScreen www.RETScreen.net
Now available in its 4th edition, RETScreen is the World’s most widely used renewable energy project assessment software. Energy Efficiency modelling is just one of the new features introduced in the latest version. Using RETScreen educates one about everything from properly siting a project to the short and long term financial considerations, not to mention the weather. Available in 26 languages.
Solar Energy International
www.solarenergy.org
SEI is widely recognized as one of the leading sources for renewable energy training in the US. They have 17 locations where on-site learning takes place. In addition, several courses are offered on-line:
- PV Design 6 weeks $725US
- PV Design Advanced 5 weeks $725US
- Sustainable Home Design 6 weeks $725US
Energy Alternatives
www.energyalternatives.ca
An online course on the basics of microhydro system design and installation is offered through this Victoria, BC company. The course is approx. 12 to 16 hours worth of study, at a cost of a mere $50.
Sustainable Energy Co-operatives in BC
Vancouver Renewable Energy Co-operative
www.vrec.ca
Volunteering with a renewable energy co-operative is a hands on, community-driven way to gain experience with renewable energy design and installation. VREC is a workers co-op, and has been active since 2004. Their primary focus is PV, Solar Hot Water, and providing locally-based carbon offsets, the purchase of which helps facilitate Solar Hot Water systems by Vancouver housing co-operatives.
Peace Energy Co-operative
www.peaceenergy.ca
This organization is a renewable energy community enterprise. Members must live in the region, and pay $250 to join. They are then a part of a group which has successfully partnered with Aeolis Windpower and AltaGas to win a contract for one of BC’s first utility scale windfarms, at Bear Ridge near Dawson Creek. Members are from both BC, Alberta, and across Canada.
Whoa, as a entry level electrician with a huge interest in Alternate energies, Im impressed by the site! How old is it?? nice work!