School of Energy & Applied Engineering

Power & Process Engineering delivers certificate, diploma, and graduate certificate programs focused on power generation, chemical processing, and renewable energy systems.

About the department

The Power & Process Engineering department prepares students for careers in power generation, chemical processing, and renewable energy systems. Under the leadership of department chair Ingrid Solberg, the department delivers hands-on programs that blend classroom theory with practical lab work in the Escarpment Building. Students graduate with the technical knowledge and safety certification needed to work in industrial plants, power facilities, and environmental processing sites across Ontario.

Programs

The department offers three programs in power, process, and renewable technologies:

• Power Engineering Technician — a two-year diploma covering steam systems, boiler operation, and plant controls.
• Chemical Process Technology — a six-year advanced diploma with three co-op work terms focused on industrial chemistry and process safety.
• Renewable Energy Systems — a graduate certificate exploring wind, solar, and biomass energy integration.

Facilities and labs

Power & Process Engineering students train in the Escarpment Building's dedicated power generation simulation lab and process engineering pilot plant. The labs feature industrial-scale boiler controls, chemical processing skids, and renewable energy grid simulators that mirror real-world plant operations. All practical sessions are conducted under strict occupational health and safety protocols.

Contact the department

For program questions, course registration, or advising, contact the Power & Process Engineering office at [email protected] or call 519-555-0170, ext. 4410. The department office is located in Room 312 of the Escarpment Building on the Benchlands Campus.

The Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Technology department covers the MECH and MFGT subjects across several certificate, diploma and degree programs.

About the department

The Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Technology department covers the MECH and MFGT subjects. You will study mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and systems integration across our programs. Our curriculum blends applied theory with hands-on projects so you can solve real industrial problems.

Programs

• Mechanical Engineering Technology (Ontario College Advanced Diploma)
• Manufacturing Engineering Technician (Ontario College Diploma)
• Bachelor of Applied Technology — Advanced Manufacturing (Bachelor of Applied Technology)

Labs and workshops

Most of your practical work takes place in the Escarpment Building and the Tamarack Building. The Escarpment Building houses the department's engineering labs, where you will run simulations, test materials, and work with advanced manufacturing equipment. The Tamarack Building provides the shops and welding bays needed for fabrication and machining projects.

You must be 16 years old to enter the shops. If you are under 18, you will need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. The department also offers three paid co-op work terms for eligible programs, so you can gain industry experience before you graduate.

Department leadership and contact

The department is led by Chair Douglas Ferreira. You can reach the department office in the Escarpment Building, or call 519-555-0170, ext. 5100. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A full-time Ontario College Advanced Diploma at Wrenford Polytechnic's Benchlands Campus, focusing on circuit design, power systems, and electronics with three paid co-op work terms.

Program overview

Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technology is a full-time Ontario College Advanced Diploma offered at our Benchlands Campus. You will spend two and a half years building the technical skills needed to design, test, and maintain electrical systems and electronic circuits. The program prepares you for roles in industrial automation, power distribution, and electronics manufacturing. You can start in September or January.

What you will study

Your coursework is centred on the ELEC and ELNX subject groups. You will learn circuit analysis, control systems, microprocessors, and power electronics. You will also take courses in mathematics, physics, and technical communication to support your lab work. The program includes three paid co-op work terms, so you will graduate with real industry experience alongside your diploma.

Labs and facilities

Most of your classes and hands-on labs take place in the Escarpment Building on the Benchlands Campus. You will work in our electrical engineering labs and electronics testing rooms, using industry-standard equipment to build and troubleshoot circuits. You will also use the college's fabrication and machining shops for prototyping projects. The Escarpment Building is easily accessible by Wrenford Transit routes 3 and 7.

Meet your department chair

Helena Varga is the chair of the Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technology department. She oversees the curriculum, lab safety standards, and co-op placements for the program. If you have questions about course content, lab schedules, or department policies, you can reach her office during regular business hours.

How to reach the department

The department office is located in Room 312 of the Escarpment Building. You can call the department line at 519-555-0170, ext. 4310, or email the administrative team at [email protected]. For general admissions questions, contact the Admissions office at 519-555-0171.