Water Engineering Technology Diploma
Pipes. Storage. Microbes. Runoff. Stream protection. Treatment. Erosion. There’s a lot more to Water Engineering Technology than you think.
OC's Water Engineering Technology Diploma is a Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) nationally accredited program at the technologist level.
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- Kelowna
Legend:
- Full program offered
- Partial program offered
Credential
Diploma
Delivery options
Full-Time
- International students eligible
Tuition and fees
2024-25: $13,180.63 (Total for the two year program)
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This program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid & Awards
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Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.
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All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
Program details
This program is a unique blend of traditional chemical and civil engineering technology combined with innovative water-focused environmental studies. The goals of the program are to educate, train and equip students to work in the water industry where they are able to monitor and protect both public health and the natural environment.
The program includes courses in hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, water/wastewater treatment, operations and maintenance along with water-focused biology and chemistry. During the second year students can choose between two options: Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Water and Wastewater Technology (WWT).
- The EM option has option specific courses in groundwater hydrology, limnology, and freshwater biology.
- The WWT option has option specific courses in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems, and industrial computer controls.
All students are expected to complete a capstone technology project where emphasis will be on application of theoretical and practical experience gained in the program.
Graduates will receive a diploma in Water Engineering Technology in one of the options listed above.
On graduation, there will be a wide choice of career opportunities which include: laboratory technologist, provincial or federal monitoring technologist, municipal water quality technologist, environmental engineering technologist and water or wastewater treatment plant operator.
The Program is nationally accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and is recognized by both the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia and the College of Applied Biology of British Columbia. Graduates are eligible for registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and/or a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) after two years of related work experience.
Graduates are also eligible to write certification exams administered by the Environmental Operators Certificate Program (EOCP) of B.C. Based on the practical hands on experience obtained in the WET Program, graduates are awarded six months credit towards the required work experience necessary to be eligible to write one of the EOCP Level l Examinations.
After graduating with a Diploma in Water Engineering Technology, students who wish to obtain a Bachelor Degree can continue with their education. Please refer to the Water Engineering Technology department for a complete list of the universities and their degree programs.
Water Engineering Technology has two primary fields of specialty:
- Environmental monitoring focuses on natural waters, including training in surface and groundwater flows, freshwater biology and statistics. мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ Lake provides the perfect outdoor laboratory for applied field work.
- Water and wastewater treatment focuses on the processes involved in providing a safe drinking water supply and reliable wastewater management, including municipal and industrial treatment, hydraulic systems and industrial computer controls.
Graduates are qualified to become Operators under the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP). With the right post-graduation work experience, graduates can also register as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and/or a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech).
Employment that graduates often seek:
- Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
- Federal/Provincial Water Monitoring Technologist
- Water, Fuels and Environmental Technician (see )
- Water Quality Technologist
- Environmental Engineering Technologist
- Laboratory Technologist
Learn more about through the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation.
The academic transfer options for OC's Water Engineering Technology students are:
- :
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- Bachelor of Science in a variety of disciplines. See for more information.
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- Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management. See for more information.
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- : Bachelor of Technology in Trades and Technology Leadership.
Are you interested in increasing your technology skills? Do you want to know more about career opportunities in the water industry? This course will provide you with skills and knowledge related to the growing water technology sector.
- Free training offered by мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ College and SD23
- Attend classes two evenings per week at мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ College
- Taught by industry professionals
- Gain hands-on skills directly related to the water industry
Program details
Tuesday and Thursday
4 – 6 p.m.
Course runs Jan. 2025 to Apr. 2025
FREE for grade 11 – 12 students interested in environmental science, skilled trades and a professional career where you can make a difference for your community.
Students will receive four high school credits toward their high school diploma and three мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ College credits towards Water Engineering Technology diploma.
Contact your High School Career Centre for more details: careerlife.programs@sd23.bc.ca.
For more information about Water Engineering Technology diploma, please contact wetchair@okanagan.bc.ca.
| Campus | Start date | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Kelowna | Sep. 04, 2024 |
Admission requirements
B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
English requirement: English 12 with minimum 60% or .
Math requirement:
- A minimum of 60% in any of:
- Pre-calculus Grade 12
- Principles of Mathematics 12
- Applications of Mathematics 12
- Adult Basic Education MATH 012
- мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ College MATH 120
- Or a minimum of 67% in any of:
- Pre-calculus Grade 11
- Principles of Mathematics 11
- Adult Basic Education MATH 011
- Or a minimum of 85% in an мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ College Mathematics 11 Proficiency Test
Chemistry 11 with a grade of 67% or better.
The Water Engineering Technology program stresses the use of computers in solving engineering problems. It is recommended that students entering the program have a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools software. An introductory course in computers or computer experience is strongly recommended.
Mature Students: Applicants who do not have secondary school graduation may apply as a mature student provided they are at least 19 years of age and have not attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a year or more. Mature students must complete specific entrance requirements that apply to regular applicants.
Program outline
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Notes
Year 2 - Water and Wastewater Option
Semester 3
Notes
Additional information
View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page
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