# PROGRAM INFORMATION T089 - Kirkland Lake (KL) - 6 Semesters Compressed with Co-op | | | |---|---| | Type | PDF | | Size | 231 KB | [Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/Environmental-Technician-2026.pdf) Referenced from: [Program Outlines Archive](/pages/registrar-academic-resources/program-outlines-archive/) ## Document text ## PROGRAM INFORMATION Academic Year : 2026-2027 Credential : Ontario College Diploma Program Delivery : Full-Time Duration : 2 Years Length : 4 or 6 Semesters Program Code(s) : T089 - Kirkland Lake (KL) - 6 Semesters Compressed with Co-op T090 - Kirkland Lake (KL) - 4 Semesters Uncompressed (No Co-op) ## DESCRIPTION Graduate with powerful skills and up to a year of paid co-op experience* thanks to Northern's Environmental Technician - Water and Wastewater Systems Operations diploma. Combining on-site and distance learning and offered in both standard and co-op delivery - you'll gain the specialized training you need to master every step of the treatment process. 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 to our environment. This is the fastest path to Ontario licensing qualifications. It's a trades-focused, hands-on operator's line of work - where operations 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 program. Both options include a blended program combining on-site and distance learning. Co-op education provides an opportunity to earn while you learn. 1 ## Environmental Technician - Water & Wastewater Systems Operations Program Outline 2026-2027 ## Compressed with Co-op (T089) 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 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. This program is now recognized by OACETT as meeting the requirements for the Certified Technician designation for graduates. This provides a path to earning the C. Tech. credential but please note the program is not nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) so some additional steps are required. Please contact us for further clarification. ## Uncompressed No Co-Op (T090) This delivery option paces the 1170 hours of courses more evenly across 4 regular fall and winter academic semesters. It is a recommended path for International students for greater certainty of obtaining a minimum 2year post-graduate work visa permit after graduation, or for students that prefer a workload with lighter weekly hours of study. Students may be able to find industry-related work in the summers but still will require acceptable proof of Ontario Grade 12 equivalency as a prerequisite to writing their Operator in Training (OIT) exam. An OIT certificate is needed to work in Ontario municipal plants. This program delivery option provides the same 1170 hours of course instruction as the compressed 3 academic semester co-op program. However, the weekly hours of instruction are lighter given the courses are spread over 4 instead of 3 academic semesters. 2 ## Environmental Technician - Water & Wastewater Systems Operations Program Outline 2026-2027 ## CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Graduates may find employment in municipal water and wastewater facilities, environmental departments in mines and other industries, solid waste management facilities, and in government. - Environmental technician - Employed by municipal governments and industrial facilities, consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation and other government agencies in a variety of industries. ## VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Collect representative environmental samples, perform routine tests, and interpret results while adhering to standard methods. 2. Monitor activities that are potentially harmful to the environment and assist in their resolution. 3. Assist with the collection and analysis of biophysical information, including habitat assessments, to suggest restoration opportunities. 4. Suggest and engage in sustainable activities that promote stewardship of the environment by adhering to Environmental Best Management Practices. 5. Comply with applicable standards of professional conduct and principles of ethics in all aspects of one's work. 6. Adhere to occupational/environmental health and safety standards and applicable legislative requirements in all aspects of one's work. 7. Use established processes and protocols of environmental management systems to contribute to operational efficiency. 8. Perform tasks to meet expectations and timelines stated in the project plan to ensure successful completion of project. 9. Document, maintain, and present technical information in various formats according to the purpose and audience. 10. Develop and implement strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as an environmental technician. 11. Apply water and wastewater operations principles and procedures to meet provincial requirements. 3 ## Environmental Technician - Water & Wastewater Systems Operations Program Outline 2026-2027 ## PROGRAM COURSES The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the program. Programs at Northern College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. ## T090 - 4 Semesters Uncompressed (No Co-op) | Semester 1 - T090 | Semester 1 - T090 | Hours | | --- Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/Environmental-Technician-2026.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/Environmental-Technician-2026.pdf)