Diploma in Fire and Life Safety System Technician (Co-op Optional)

Durham College - Oshawa Campus

Canada,Ontario

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24 Months

Duration

CAD$ 13,852/year

Tuition Fee

CAD$ 95 FREE

Application Fee

Apply Date

Canada, Ontario

Type: College

Location Type: Urban

Founded: 1967

Total Students: 13,600 +

Int. Students: 2,000 +

Campus Detail

Main Campus Address

2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada

Diploma in Fire and Life Safety System Technician (Co-op Optional)

Program Overview

The Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician program is designed to prepare you for career opportunities in the fire prevention industry by providing a curriculum that directly aligns with current employer demands – giving you an edge when it is time to enter the workforce. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the design and technical methodologies for various fire and life safety such as fire detection and suppression systems. Furthermore, students will acquire a strong understanding of life safety planning and skill requirements vital for immediate success.

This program is designed for individuals who enjoy challenging projects, which require the knowledge, practical skills and accepted practices used in the fire detection systems and life safety industries. You will also have two options to gain valuable skills in the workforce and will either complete a field placement or a co-operative education (co-op) experience. Completion of this two-year diploma program will prepare you for immediate service in both expanding sectors. Upon graduating, students are also qualified to apply for their Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) designation and C.Tech designation from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologist (OACETT).

Students will have two options to gain valuable skills in the workforce and will either complete a field placement or a co-operative education (co-op) experience. Students completing the field placement will participate in a 100 hour, unpaid work placement completed 2 days per week during semester 4. Students who qualify for the co-op experience will complete a four-month paid work experience in between first and second year of their program.

Program highlights:

  • A strong understanding of the building control systems, fire codes and standards used at the municipal, provincial and national levels
  • Close to 100 hours of placement experience with employers in the final semester, allowing for work on several different projects and the gaining of essential, hands-on skills
  • Critical thinking skills for the design of fire alarm and life safety systems equipment (e.g. sprinklers, suppression systems, elevators, strobe lights, building automation systems, etc.) using current codes, standards, regulations and laws
  • Testing, verifying, troubleshooting and maintenance of fire alarm and life safety systems including extensive laboratory experience in second year to gain relevant practical knowledge

As a graduate, you will be eligible to work toward certification by the Canadian Fire Alarm Association following one year of employment.

Co-operative education (co-op):

The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.

Students in the Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students who qualify for co-op will be eligible to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third academic semesters of their program.

Supports are available through the Co-op office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Co-op office is in contact with co-op students and the employers during their work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their third and fourth academic semesters of the program before graduating.