Electronics Technician Program Overview

Shane McCurdy likes working with electronics and wanted to learn how to maintain them.  “All aspects of the Electronics program are great. The online forum was helpful and provided detailed explanation on how to correctly answer many equations. The whole course provides a lot of information that will benefit my technical work”   

Sandy Poirier is a Distribution Designer at Synergy North, ‘responsible for electrical distribution design & Inspections for new subdivisions, design & planning of electrical maintenance & repair projects, Overhead & Underground utility design.

The Electrical Technician program completion is a requirement for my role as Distribution Designer. My experience / background has always been in Mechanical / Structural Engineering with little knowledge of the electrical engineering / distribution industry, and this is why Synergy North mandated this course as a probationary requirement. I'll apply knowledge of voltage drops & resistances while designing distribution systems.

My favourite part of this course is the unlimited practice questions for studying.’ 

Zack Graves is an Electrical Engineering Designer at Tri-Star Industries, a global leader in custom-engineered ambulances and emergency vehicles. He is responsible for the ‘creation and control of the electrical schematics for the different types of emergency vehicles that are designed and built at Tri-Star.’

He registered into the Electronics Technician program ‘because it let me work on the modules at my own pace and allowed me to continue working while I was in school. I am able to do my job more efficiently and more accurately now that I have a better understanding of the theory behind the actual work I am doing.’

“I enrolled in the Electronics Technician Program as it is a mandatory requirement for the Shaw Apprenticeship Program and is the starting point for me to become a journeyman.  There are several things I like about this program; first it allowed me the flexibility to study online at my own pace through distant education and accommodate my busy family and work schedule. Second it has provided a foundation of knowledge that I can apply at work.  Third, this program has taught me to become a better field technician troubleshooting all aspects of cable equipment.” 

“I used the Resource Center extensively for tutorial support.  My experience was very positive with the tutorial support team!!! They were very responsive was able to get immediate responses through emails and phone. Whether I was trying to figure out Nodal Analysis or Kirchhoff's Voltage & Current Laws these staff members--Shimona, Bency, and Dwayne-- were very helpful in supporting me through my course.  I also used the online forums a lot when I am stuck in trying to solve a problem or an exercise. The staff’s help certainly made this the best experience with online distant education!!!”

“The Electronics Technician Program has helped me gain more insight into my current role, get accepted into the Shaw Apprenticeship Program and enter the next phase of my career at Shaw, as a Journeyman.  My work responsibilities will increase over time, as I begin the Shaw Apprenticeship Program.  I just want to say thank you George Brown College and your amazing staff!!!”

Eric Steinman works at Accucam Machining where he is responsible for predictive, preventative and breakdown maintenance of CNC Lathes and Mills. He enrolled in the Electronics Technician program to boost his skills in ‘troubleshooting and repairing drives, boards and communication issues with the CNC’s. While my role at work has not changed, I am better at diagnosing problems, for example rather than swapping or replacing a suspect board, I now know what to look for in terms of individual components and possible repairs.’

‘I found the supplemental learning materials and forums useful. Thanks again, I will be taking more courses in the future.’

Alvaro Real has recently completed the Electronics Technician Certificate program and found ‘it has provided me with deep theoretical and practical foundations for electronics. It’s appropriate for anyone looking to learn about all relevant concepts related to electronics; especially since you can work on it at your own pace’

 ‘I always had a very positive experience when I used the Resource Center. The staff members are quite helpful and proactive which was much appreciated. ‘

Billy Yung: I have been at Kingstec Technologies Inc., a Contract Manufacturer, for over 20 years, and am currently working as a Business Development Manager. Our projects range from simple cables to multi-layers PCBA’s and while I do have some basic knowledge in electronics I felt it would be important to have some in-depth electrical knowledge when dealing with our customers.

The Electronics Technician program material is very well organized, and is easy to follow and understand. The staff was very helpful and patient, especially Ms. Babb who provided technical support. I’d give her two thumbs up!!!”          

David Konkler has worked at Gartech Enterprises Inc. for over 17 years in various roles with many different responsibilities. Currently, he maintains schematic drawings, quotes projects, does minor design work in CAD software and also provides training.

David registered into the Electronics Technician program because of its thorough coverage of the subject matter.

”I liked that I could get a full understanding of the basics of electrical engineering on my own schedule. Also, it has helped in my preparation to assume the role of Engineering Manager and given me more confidence and understanding of projects that I've worked on.”

Caleb Long 

"I’d like to start by saying thanks for providing such a well-organized, professional course. I’m presently employed at a mining instrumentation manufacturing company called Mine Design Technologies. I have been employed here for 7 years. My job responsibilities are the building of the company’s electronic products such as data loggers, readers etc.

I came across your program when I decided that I wanted to start upgrading my education to further understand how the products I was building really worked, and how I could improve my troubleshooting and repair skills.

The program has greatly improved my understanding of electronics. It was incredibly satisfying having the “oh, that’s how that works” moments throughout the course.

Once again, thank you for providing this high-quality program. George Brown College will be the first place I’ll look for my next course!"

Olubunmi is a Test Technician for a fire alarm, communication and security system facility where he tests electronic components and final products, isolates non-compliant results and troubleshoots and fixes defective products. “When I initially started with the company I was in packing and then moved to assembly hoping that my previous experience in quality control coupled with my science degree would help me get a Test Technician position. However I was told without an electronics education or direct experience I wasn’t qualified. Once I completed the first 6 modules of the Electronics Certificate I was given the opportunity to work as a Technician.’

'The Electronics program helped me develop my troubleshooting skills making me more confident in my job. Now I train new technicians and offer technical support to the production line.’

Rodney Tyson is a Senior Maintenance Technician with YanFeng Global Automotive Interiors, a world leader in the manufacturing of automotive interiors. While Rodney has worked with Electronics for over 20 years he did not have any formal training. The Electronics Technician Certificate not only allowed him to get his academic credential but is “just the beginning of my training and is a great foundation to pursue other certificates. I am now taking the Electromechanical program and then will take the PLC or Automation Technician programs.”

“There are many aspects of the Electronics Technician program I liked including the self-paced format which made working on it easy with my full time work schedule. Also your Resource Center is absolutely awesome. They are kind, understanding and willing to help with everything. For example, I had some trouble with the algebra so it was great having then there to assist me. Please extend my thanks to them.”

“I am so thankful that I found George Brown College. With the completion of the Electronics Certificate I will be given a pay increase and am hoping to assume an engineering role. I will also recommend George Brown College to all of my fellow associates. In fact one of my coworkers has already started your Automation Technician program.”

Jamie Harrison is a Musical Instrument Technician at Mountford Music where he "repairs all kinds of musical instruments including electronic instruments and amplifiers". Jamie registered into the Electronics Technician Certificate program at George Brown College because the program was "self-paced and (because of the) simulation software’s virtual labs: it seemed to be the best online electronic technician program".

Jamie turned to the Resource Centre Discussion Forum and emailed the tutors when he needed help; a process that was "simple and very helpful".

"Since starting the course I’ve taken on a lot more amplifier repair work."

Peter Brink

I have been an Automotive Service Technician for 35 years and have always enjoyed the electrical part of my job. As electronics has become an increasingly important part of the automobile, I have continued to be interested in advancing my knowledge in this area. In my current job, we usually don’t have a lot to do with “in-depth” electronics but I figured that this program would not only help with my diagnostics skills but with my interest in it as a hobby.

The Electronics program certainly helps with my work and perhaps if I decide on a career change it will look good on my resume!

Regarding the Resource Center and tutorial support, it worked well. Dwayne's response for any questions or concerns that I had were clear and prompt.

As a final note, if this program wasn’t available online, it would not have been possible for me to take it and achieve my goals. Thank you for the opportunity and your help.

Patrick Denis graduated from the Robotics Technician program and is currently taking the Electronics Technician program. He is a Maintenance and Calibration Technician at Maetta Science, a company that specializes in specializes in MIM (metal injection moulding).

While Patrick had an Electromechanical Diploma he felt it was important to understand robotic systems, "Today all types of companies have robotics systems in place and I want to make sure I keep up to date". "With the Robotics program I am able to understand how a robotic system works, from pick and place, to a palletizing system or even a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines). In fact I have been able to fix work problems as they come up; for instance one time our palletizing system failed and I was able to correct the program and restart the production line...something I couldn't have done before taking the Robotics program."

"My biggest challenge was to manage my schedule; I work full time so the distance education programs at George Brown College made it possible for me to continue to learn and upgrade my skills."

Roger Allan Jackson needed “a solid understanding of the fundamentals of Electronics to help in the creation of my interactive artwork” and found the Electronics Technician program was a perfect fit. 

“I was most attracted to the self-paced nature of the program. I am self-motivated and was able to schedule my time to work on the course material at a pace I was comfortable with.”

“The Student Forums were extremely helpful and I always reviewed the additional online material before attempting each Module. I was able to see the issues other students encountered and the solutions that were presented to them. .. I ran into very few problems by doing this.”

“I have learned quite a bit in program that will help me going forward and now plan on enrolling into the Electromechanical Technician program.”

Dale Splettstoeszer is a Senior Microelectronics ECAD Designer for a hearing aid company. He works in the development of next generation technologies and platforms, including designing the tiny flexible circuit that is contained in the hearing aid.

Dale`s manager, a George Brown College Electronics Technician Certificate grad, recommended the GBC program to Dale. Supported by his company, Dale enrolled, looking to expand his working knowledge of electronics.

While there were many aspects of the program that Dale enjoyed, he particularly appreciated “the ability to move at [his] own pace.” He also found the textbook “was well written, well designed and really complemented the computer-based material.” When Dale contacted GBC tech support about an incorrectly posted exam grade, “[he] was very impressed with how quickly they responded by phone and email and fixed the problem.”

As a result of the program Dale is more knowledgeable and productive in his job. “Now, when I sit in meetings and listen to the product engineers discussing the hearing aid circuits, I understand far more of what they are talking about”.

A retired Drilling Engineer in the Petroleum Industry, Myles McDonald, enrolled in the Electronics Technician Certificate program "to learn the basics of electronics. It was a great introduction providing a foundation which has augmented my hobby of building amplifiers and speakers."

"I liked the fact that the program covered the basic spectrum of electronics. With this introduction, one can then decide which area is of most interest and choose to go down that path. For me, this meant spending more time on the Amplifier and Coupling and Filter Circuits modules. I also appreciated the extra material covering some of the troubleshooting techniques."

Kyle McAulay is a Junior Technologist at a weather service agency where his responsibilities range from operating an electrolyzer (for the gas production) for weather balloons in the artic, to observing surface weather and preforming snow and ice surveys. Kyle enrolled and completed the Electronics Technician program to expand his skills in electronics. He has applied some of this new knowledge ‘while working on an assignment, [he] tested the resistance on a circuit board for a wind sensor’.

Kyle is confident that he is now better prepared to pursue his next goal, as an Inspector, Technical Services, responsible for the maintenance of the agency’s weather stations.

Brendan O Reilly, a restaurant manager in New York, decided to enroll in the Electronics Technician program to facilitate a change in his career. While he found the program, "difficult at times, it was enjoyable and [I] gained a good understanding of electricity. The simulation software, 3D Lab, was quite good as was the help I received from the Student Support Center. The people there were great and solved my problems quickly and easily."

"My goal is to earn a degree in energy, and plan to take the Electromechanical Technician certificate next. A big thanks to all the people involved who helped me along the way to complete the program."

Argenis Ortiz is an ASC Electronics Engineering Technician II working for BAE Systems. His interest in Electronics and initial skills were attained in High School, and then self-taught though years of on-the-job training. Argenis enrolled in the Electronics Technician program to expand his skills and to demonstrate his commitment to his company. He also plans on continuing his education to acquire an Electronics Technician diploma online, at George Brown College, with the goal of moving into an engineering assistant position.

‘Being able to work at [his] own pace’ was important to Argenis but he also appreciated the ease of payment with the pay-as-you-go registration option. He found the archived questions and answers in the Discussion Forums helpful in clarifying his questions with more difficult concepts.

‘I have already worked on projects where my new knowledge was used on the oscilloscope and a multimeter to troubleshoot equipment. I hope this program helps others like it helped me!'

Christine Wiskot:

For many years I have been employed in electrical assembly, responsible for building wiring harnesses, soldering equipment and working with circuit boards and solar systems. After all my practical experience I felt I also needed to obtain an academic credential so I enrolled in the Electronics Technician Certificate program.

I thoroughly enjoyed the program; the material was great and liked the fact that I could work at my own pace especially since I already had experience with some of the topics. The staff were helpful and very quick to respond to my questions by phone and email.

I would recommend George Brown College to anyone interested in taking a distance education course.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking the Electronics Technician program.

Andre Lariviere enrolled in the Electronics Technician program ‘to gain knowledge and expertise that would be pertinent to my job as a Motion Picture Conservator at Library and Archives Canada. I was able to apply the theory and put it into practice, most recently in understanding audio frequencies and sine waves in order to work with audio material.’

‘I used the forums for tutorial support and called the Support Center when I needed technical support. All experiences were positive.’

‘I am hoping this program will lead to greater opportunities.’

Stephan Pimentel received tuition reimbursement from the Toronto Transit Commission to enroll in the Electronic Technician Certificate program.

‘By completing this program I will be able to move up from my current job, into motor repairs. I liked working on the simulated labs and found the Resource Center and staff helpful in getting me through difficult material. I will definitely be able to use my new knowledge when I get promoted to my new position.’

Nicolas Allende is an independent contractor currently involved in the installation of solar photovoltaic systems. ‘The program met my expectations and I have already applied my new knowledge in my day-to-day work.'

'The curriculum was well structured. Whenever I needed extra help I checked the online forums or emailed my questions to the Resource Center. My inquiries were always answered and well explained.'

Clement Bergeron is a welder at BRP, a manufacturer of recreational vehicles including Ski-Doo snowmobiles, watercraft and Can-Am Spyder off-road vehicles. Clement was able to take advantage of a tuition-reimbursement program that BRP has to help pay for his continuing technical education.

‘I researched many courses before selecting the Electronics Technician Certificate. In the early 2000’s, I had completed a Computerized Systems Technology program and felt the Electronics Technician Certificate would be a good way to refresh and update my technical skills. I work full time and the fact that I could work at my own pace made it possible for me to register and complete this program. I plan to continue my education at George Brown College and take the Electromechanical and Robotics Programs.’