Chemical Process Technology
You will learn how to run and monitor chemical processing plants, manage process instrumentation, and ensure safe operations in industries like petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. The program blends classroom theory with hands-on labs in the Escarpment Building and three paid co-op work terms that give you real experience in the field.
Career outcomes
- Process operator
- Chemical plant technician
- Process instrumentation specialist
- Quality control analyst
- Environmental compliance technician
- Plant safety coordinator
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), minimum 60%
Tuition
Domestic tuition for the 2026–27 academic year is $4,260 per year. Ancillary fees are $1,125 per year, and co-op work terms have no extra fee.
Courses
- COMM 1580 Technical Communication Foundations
- COMM 1820 Business Communication Strategies
- COMM 2180 Digital Communication and Media
- GNED 1690 Scientific Method and Laboratory Safety
- MATH 1210 Technical Mathematics I
- MATH 1770 Discrete Mathematics for Design
- POWR 1110 Chemical Process Fundamentals
- POWR 1790 Chemical Reaction Engineering
- POWR 1820 Process Instrumentation
- POWR 2200 Separation Processes
- POWR 2550 Chemical Plant Economics
- POWR 3420 Pump and Compressor Systems
- POWR 3970 Process Safety Management
- PROC 1380 Chemical Process Principles
- PROC 1530 Instrumentation and Control
- PROC 1780 Unit Operations I
- PROC 2100 Process Simulation
- PROC 3440 Chemical Reactor Design
- PROC 3730 Process Safety Management
- PROC 3830 Pump and Compressor Systems
What you will learn
In Chemical Process Technology, you will study how to design, run, and monitor large-scale chemical processing systems. You will spend time in the Escarpment Building labs working with process simulation software, chemical reactors, and separation units. You will also learn how to install and troubleshoot the sensors and control systems that keep industrial plants running safely. The program covers chemical reaction engineering, unit operations, and process safety management so you can step into a plant environment with confidence.
How the program runs
This full-time program is delivered at the Benchlands Campus over three years and six terms. You will begin each September. Classes follow the 2026–27 academic calendar, with the Fall term starting on September 8, 2026. You will take twenty courses, including technical communication, mathematics, and core process engineering subjects.
Co-op is built into the program. You will complete three paid work terms with industry partners, such as regional manufacturers and energy companies. You will use the Co-op & Career Services office in the Student Union Building to find placements, prepare your resume, and get interview coaching. There is no extra fee to participate in a co-op work term; your tuition covers the coordination and workshop support.
Sample courses
- COMM 1580 Technical Communication Foundations
- GNED 1690 Scientific Method and Laboratory Safety
- MATH 1210 Technical Mathematics I
- POWR 1110 Chemical Process Fundamentals
- POWR 1790 Chemical Reaction Engineering
- POWR 1820 Process Instrumentation
- POWR 2200 Separation Processes
- POWR 2550 Chemical Plant Economics
- POWR 3420 Pump and Compressor Systems
- POWR 3970 Process Safety Management
- PROC 1380 Chemical Process Principles
- PROC 1530 Instrumentation and Control
- PROC 1780 Unit Operations I
- PROC 2100 Process Simulation
- PROC 3440 Chemical Reactor Design
- PROC 3730 Process Safety Management
- PROC 3830 Pump and Compressor Systems
- COMM 1820 Business Communication Strategies
- COMM 2180 Digital Communication and Media
- MATH 1770 Discrete Mathematics for Design
Admission
To apply, you need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or you must meet mature student status requirements. You must have Grade 12 English (C or U) and Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), both with a minimum grade of 60%. If you are an international applicant, you will also need to provide proof of English proficiency through a recognized test or equivalent academic background.
Tuition and fees
Domestic tuition for the 2026–27 academic year is $4,260 per year. You will also pay ancillary fees of $1,125 per year, which cover student services, campus facilities, and health benefits. If you choose to live in residence, Larch House traditional rooms cost $7,950 per year, and a mandatory meal plan is available for $4,600. Parking permits are $210 per term. You can pay your fees through the myWrenford portal, and payment plans are available through Student Financial Aid.
After you graduate
Graduates of Chemical Process Technology are prepared for roles in chemical processing plants, water treatment facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and energy production. You will work as a process operator, plant technician, quality control analyst, or environmental compliance specialist. The program also prepares you for direct entry into apprenticeship levels in power engineering or process engineering. With your co-op experience and technical training, you will be ready to take on supervisory roles or continue your education through the School of Energy & Applied Engineering's degree programs.
How to apply
Domestic full-time applicants apply through the provincial college application service. International applicants use the polytechnic's own application form. The equal consideration date for the fall intake is March 1, 2027. Fall tuition is due on August 3, 2026. You can upload your documents and track your application status in myWrenford. For questions about the program, contact the Power & Process Engineering department at 519-555-0170, ext. 4400, or visit the Admissions page.