Generator Service Technician
An Generator Service Technician - also known as a Generator Mechanic - installs, maintains and tests the generators and the engines that drive them. It's a specialized field working with internal combustion engines that run on various types of fuel systems as well as the generators and electrical systems used for back-up, emergency and primary (off grid) power systems. Qualified technicians are in demand with a strong and growing job market in this sector.
Program Information
Start Date
January 08, 2024
Domestic Availability
Waitlisted
International Availability
Closed
Program Code
EPG
Delivery
Hybrid, Co-op
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
January 06, 2025
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Closed
Program Code
EPG
Delivery
Hybrid, Co-op
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
This specialized, intensive diploma program will prepare you to install, maintain, test and service electrical power generation units up to 10,000 kilowatts that are used for emergency power, standby power and prime power generation, in compliance with regulated standards. The job market for qualified specialists in the electrical and alternate power generation field is strong and growing, due to supply shortages, climate disruptions and the increase in energy demands. Power generator systems ensure consistent power generation in response to unreliable electricity grids or when traditional hydroelectricity is unavailable.
Employment opportunities include working with generator companies that sell and service equipment for mining and aggregate production industries, the construction industry, manufacturing plants, hospitals, hotels, and large buildings that require a continuous source of portable, standby and emergency power. The operation and maintenance of these generators is a highly specialized field that requires specific training. Upon successful completion of this program, you will have acquired this expertise and will receive an Ontario College Diploma in Electrical Power Generation at the Technician level.
You will take the same program of study as the Heavy Equipment Techniques certificate during the first three semesters. Most of these courses are common to both areas of study. The second (summer) semester is a paid co-op. The fourth semester focuses exclusively on the skills required to work in the field of electrical power generation.
*Students complete their paid co-op experience over the summer semester. In this program, you pay tuition and fees for three semesters. In addition, students will pay a co-op fee (approximately $558.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op.
As a result of the paid internship, I was offered a job prior to graduation. This is a unique program in a highly specialized field. The industry is growing quickly, and many companies are looking for skilled technicians. Fleming College provided a good balance in the curriculum between the necessary safety aspects and the knowledge of how to work with the generation systems.
Andrew Kilgour, program graduate.
The EPG program at Fleming college gave me the opportunity to have a career in a dynamic and very specialized field. Generators are everywhere, you just don’t see them. With the company I’m with now we provide services to almost any industry you can think of. The amount of work in this industry dwarfs the amount of skilled technicians available to do it. The Fleming EPG program provided me with a skill set that will ensure I’ll always have employment.
Denis Tyler, Graduate, Operations manager - Power generation
Our experience over the last 20 years with Fleming graduates of the EPG Program has been extremely positive. The students are well prepared to transition into a technician role or other support functions. Every student we have hired shows up ready to continue to learn and work. Our EPG graduates show their knowledge of safety and are advancing in training levels easily and quickly. Many of our long-standing EPG graduates still talk with pride about their experiences at Fleming. We will gladly continue to work with Co-op students and graduates going forward and support the EPG program.
Mike August, Total Power, Operations Manager
- The Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology at Frost Campus in Lindsay is the only one of its kind in Canada.
- The Centre is known for its up-to-date training, extraordinary hands-on learning opportunities, high industry employment rates, and skilled, knowledgeable faculty.
- The opportunity to acquire two specialized, in-demand skill sets, through a certificate in Heavy Equipment Techniques, and a diploma in Electrical Power Generation, will provide you with a unique, comprehensive and powerful combination of expertise when it comes to your job search.
The following skills and characteristics are key to your success in this field:
- strong electrical interest
- safety-minded and safety-aware
- knowledge of and adherence to industry-approved standards and relevant codes
- math skills
- computing ability
- strong customer service orientation
- self-motivated
- disciplined
- good manual dexterity
- willingness to work long/various hours
If you are a graduate of the Heavy Equipment Techniques program, you can apply and enter directly into the fourth semester of the Generator Service Technician program or re-enter the program at a later date. With one more semester of study, you can obtain an Ontario College Diploma, expand your skills, and your career opportunities. (The Generator Service Technician program shares the same courses as for the Heavy Equipment Technician certificate in the first three semesters.)
Servicing companies that maintain power supply, such as Total Power, GENREP Ltd., Gal Power Systems, Toromont Energy, Wajax, Cummins, and Paramount Power, employ electrical power generation technicians. Hospitals, airports and buildings over five storeys high all require a backup, uninterrupted power supply to meet fire code regulations. Mining and aggregate production industries, which are frequently operating in remote locations, also require technicians to install and maintain generators and electrical power supply. With rising energy demands, the instability of the power grid, and mining industry growth in Alberta and the north, it is easy to understand why the need for qualified technicians is on the increase in Ontario and across the country. Starting salaries range from $18.00 to $24.00 per hour, with plenty of overtime potential. Job titles include:
- Generator Service Technician
- service technician
- maintenance technician
- generator maintenance technician
- emergency and standby generator technician
- diesel mechanic.
All students entering this program are required to purchase and have available, tools and safety equipment for use in our labs. We ask that you acquire the equipment needed for the program prior to start-up.
You will need a basic hand tool set, hearing protection and safety boots. (If possible, we suggest watching for sales to purchase at stores such as Walmart or Canadian Tire.) Medium quality tools are all that are required at an entry level.
To be admitted into any shop area, each student must wear CSA approved green-patch 8” OHM rated work boots - approx. $200.00. You will also be provided with a digital multi-meter, safety glasses, hard hat and coveralls which will be included in your program tuition. (You will be responsible for cleaning your coveralls.)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn in labs, the main shop, and on the yard. PPE is required in all areas at all times or you will be removed from the area.
Tool List
Your hand tools should consist of:
- Tool box that will fit into your 11” W X 14” H X 24” L storage space at the shop (approx. $40 - $80)
- Combination wrenches 5/16”-1”, 8-21 mm (approx. $100)
- Shallow ¼”, 3 /8”, ½” drive socket set, metric and standard, 12-point socket set preferred up to 15/16” (approx. $200)
- Feeler gauges .001 to .030 (approx. $20)
- Flashlight (approx. $20)
- Magnet - extendable (approx. $20)
- Allen wrench set and chisel set (approx. $25)
- Screw Driver set: Phillips / Robertson / Flat (approx. $40)
- Slip joint pliers and vise grip pliers (approx. $5)
- Seal Pick Set (approx. $60)
- Adjustable wrench 12” or 300mm (approx. $30)
- Miscellaneous items: clip board, tape measure, ball peen hammer, punches and seal pick (approx. $50)
- Troubleshoot and repair a variety of electrical power generators following manufacturer's recommendations, standards, and guidelines.
- Overhaul, maintain, test, and adjust equipment and components including electronic control systems, electrical circuits, and diesel and gaseous fuel powered electrical generators according to manufacturer's specifications.
- Work safely and follow all approved health and safety procedures in the workplace.
- Interpret and use a variety of equipment manuals, installation and maintenance codes.
- Use tools and testing equipment according to manufacturers' guidelines and recommendations.
- Interpret schematics and blueprints applicable to power generation sets and other equipment for systems diagnostics.
- Assess the installation and operation of power generation systems as specified by the manufacturer.
- Document maintenance, repair, and service records according to industry standards and best practice.
Students applying to Generator Service Technician must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English and Gr 11 C Math
PC / Windows
- Operating System:Windows 10
- Processor:Core i5 - 1.6Ghz minimum
- Memory:8GB minimum
- Hard Disk:160GB minimum
Internet Connection: 2.5 Mbps Download and 3.0 Mbps Upload (minimum)
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
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