Training

Electrical & Control Technician Trainees are needed in Nuclear, Hydroelectric and Thermal business units of OPG, however, the equipment used in each unit will vary greatly. You will receive unit-specific training when you join.

OPG will start training you from day one. The Electrical & Control Technician job is a 'composite trades' position, which means you enter with one skill set and are trained in more than one trade discipline. You will receive orientation and general training initially, which will be further complemented by core skills training in the classroom and on the job. This training lasts up to five years, and is extremely intensive. This is a highly skilled and detail-oriented position, requiring you to retain a lot of information. Throughout your career, you will be constantly supported in furthering your knowledge and skill set through various training opportunities. Competency checks will occur throughout your training process to ensure you have mastered the skills and information required to perform your job efficiently and expertly. Training specifics and length may vary, depending on the business unit.

Position Overview

Electrical & Control Technicians work 8-, 10- or 12-hour shifts and must be prepared to be on duty any hour of the day.

It takes skill and patience to be an Electrical & Control Technician, as you will perform diagnostic and maintenance routines. A large portion of your day will be spent inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing instrumentation, electronics or electrical equipment. If you see a problem, it will be up to you to immediately report and record it, consistent with OPG policies and procedures. You will need to be comfortable in communicating and working confidently and safely with others. There is also a great deal of documentation required. Rigorous attention to detail and excellent computer skills are critical to ensuring the information is clearly communicated; an essential element to the safety and success of everyone at OPG.

Safety Is A Priority

At OPG, safety is our first priority. Depending on your unit, you may be required to work in confined spaces, at high temperatures or heights, or in loud environments. Protective equipment and clothing are required to be worn at all times. All of the equipment and clothing are designed to ensure your safety by minimizing risk of exposure to hazardous materials that may be present in your unit.

Education Requirements

In order to be considered for the position, you must have:

• a Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent); and
• completed a minimum two-year recognized community college program in Electrical, Instrumentation & Control or Electronics.

Note: Experience in a related field is preferred.

Realistic Job Preview

Starting a new job can present unique challenges. OPG would like to help make this transition smooth for you. That is why we feel it is important to provide you with a detailed description of what you can expect to experience as an Electrical & Control Technician.

Our Realistic Job Preview gives you detailed information on all aspects of the position, including the positive and potentially negative aspects of the job. The goal of the Realistic Job Preview is to achieve a better fit between you and the position and provide you with realistic expectations. The document is quite long and detailed, however, it is a good investment of your time to read it, as it will better prepare you.

Download our Realistic Job Preview PDF

Future Opportunities

You can really take advantage of training while at OPG. Throughout your career, you will be constantly supported in enhancing your knowledge and skill set. Training, supervisory and management roles are just some of the advancement options open to you. Opportunities to pursue your long-term goals may present themselves anywhere across the province.

Here are just some of the common advancement roles for an Electrical & Control Technician once the trainee component is fulfilled:

• First Line Manager Assistant (Nuclear)
• Trades Management Supervisor (Hydroelectric and Thermal)

Note: These are common progression paths within OPG, but there are many other opportunities available.