Overview
About the program
The Distribution Design for Electrical Utilities Microcredential program was created to meet the increasing need for distribution design specialists. This program will provide students with the industry-specific knowledge needed to start a career in electrical utility distribution design.
Based on basic knowledge of electrical technology, the program will develop students’ knowledge and skills so they can design simple overhead or underground distribution systems using industry standards and guidelines. These courses will provide critical skills related to the design of equipment, which will allow Canada to move towards the electrification of transportation and inclusion of small wind and solar resources in the grid. Topics may include electrical equipment, utility design standards, voltage drop, cable tension calculations, protection device selection and coordination, project management, conductor sizing, voltage levels, pole types, grounding, and more. Software may be used to demonstrate examples of distribution design techniques used in industry.
Who it’s for
This program is open to anyone who is interested, including electrical technologists, engineers, or those who wish to enter the field.
What grads can do
After taking the courses, students will be able to:
- Identify the components of a distribution system.
- Select and specify the overhead distribution system equipment.
- Select and specify underground distribution systems.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Ongoing throughout the year.
Recommended for success
Students without industry experience, or a diploma or degree in electrical engineering, can take the following bridging courses prior to entering this program:
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid status in Canada other than study permit. International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.
Apply to program
Formal application to the microcredential is not required. Upon successful completion of the courses, email the program contact with your full name, student number, and mailing address to be issued a microcredential.
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
Books & supplies
Online course materials will be provided through the Learning Hub.
Courses
Class hours
Classes are scheduled between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm on weeknights. Please see course outlines for details.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ELEX 2000 | Electrical Utility Distribution Design Fundamentals | 3.0 | |
| ELEX 2001 | Overhead Distribution System Design | 3.0 | |
| ELEX 2002 | Underground Distribution System Design | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 9.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
This microcredential can be completed in one year.
Grading
Students must obtain a passing grade of 60% in each course.
Additional program options
Students who take this program may also be interested in the following programs:
Accreditation
These courses can be taken to meet the EGBC professional development requirement.
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Note: In-person labs may be made available to students if there is interest. Please contact the Program Assistant for more information.
Program location
Graduating & Jobs
Job opportunities
Students can get an entry-level job as a distribution design technologist or engineer if they also hold a diploma or degree in electrical engineering or an adjacent field.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty
Kathy Manson, MASc, P.Eng.
Tel: 604-432-8253
Email: Kathy_Manson@bcit.ca
Nurul Islam, PhD, PEng, smIEEE
Tel: 604-451-6804
Email: Nurul_Islam@bcit.ca
Ali Palizban, PhD, PEng
Program Head
Tel: 604-451-6924
Email: Ali_Palizban@bcit.ca
Roger Gale, BSc, MBA
Interim Associate Dean
Tel: 604-432-8976
Email: Roger_Gale@bcit.ca
Staff
Katie Howard
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8237
Email: khoward18@bcit.ca
Contact Us
Katie Howard
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8237
Email: khoward18@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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