Diploma in Environmental Technician – Water and Wastewater Systems Operations (Compressed, Co-op Option) Northern College - Kirkland Lake Campus, Canada

You’ll understand the design and operation of complex treatment facilities. You’ll learn the role that chemicals and microorganisms play in the process. And, you’ll master the lab techniques and safety protocols required to make a real difference for the environment and in our everyday lives.

Along the way, you’ll also improve your problem-solving skills, gain a solid foundation in chemistry and physics, and earn the confidence you’ll need as a licensed hands-on operator.

This program provides the specialized training required to become a licensed drinking water and/or wastewater systems operator under Ontario’s rigorous standards. You’ll train for interesting, good-paying, stable work opportunities that are making a real difference in our environment. This is the fastest path to Ontario licencing qualifications.

It’s a trades-focused, hands-on operator’s line of work – where operators and practical environmental stewardship meet.

Students have a choice of studying under the original compressed co-op delivery program or an uncompressed, non-co-op delivery. Both options include a blended program combining on-site and distance learning. Co-op education provides an opportunity to earn while you learn. Northern cannot guarantee co-op employment; students are encouraged to contact local waste and wastewater employers before starting the program.

Co-op Delivery Option
Co-operative education is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with an academic credit for practical work experience. Our original program co-op delivery option provides students with the fastest path to becoming fully licensed operators in Ontario. Students follow a continuous 6-semester cycle of academic and placement semesters, taking 2 years of continuous study or placements until graduation.

This compressed (4 academic semesters into 3) delivery prepares students with a strong combination of theory and the opportunity to obtain up to one year of paid co-op practical systems operator experience. Because it is a compressed delivery, the academic semesters have up to 27-28 hours classes/ week.

Northern College will make every effort to assist students in finding co-op employment, but cannot guarantee co-op employment. Students are encouraged to speak with local employers in water and/or wastewater treatment plants about co-op placements prior to starting the program.

Students write the Ontario Operator-In-Training (OIT, a kind of “learner permit”) examination and the Drinking Water Operators Entry-Level Course exam, and through three 4-month-long co-op placement semesters have the opportunity to obtain the year of work experience required to take their full industry certification exams and enter the industry as fully licensed Class I operators.