All The Skills. Online + On-The-Job.
Discovery Tech
2-Year Power System Technology Diploma.You can start your high-tech, high-voltage, high-paid career in Power System Technology right now!
How It Works
The Hybrid Advantage
1. Learn Theory and Foundations at your own pace. Evenings and weekends, full time or part time.
2. Build and test your own power systems and develop the exact skills you need, without the fluff.
3. Access all the information all the time, with personalized direction from industry expert mentors.
4. Get paid to earn your diploma. Paid on-the-job training.No relocation. Significantly lower tuition. Real learning and real earning.Ready to Start Your High Tech Electrical Career?
2-Year Diploma
The Program
Year 1 (Online and hands-on)
You'll be using the tools, building your own circuits and devices, testing, analyzing and mastering the theory and fundamentals of electrical power systems. Your mentor will help guide you through 17 projects that progressively build practical skills and grow deep roots of understanding:
-Electrical Measurements - DVM, Oscilloscope, Clamp-on Ammeter
-DC Circuit Analysis, Capacitors and Inductors
-AC Circuit Analysis, frequency response
-Transform High Voltage
-Build your own Generator
-3 Phase Power
-Hack a radio
-Secret Data Channels
-Microcontrollers
-Electronics and Power - mV to MV
-Test Equipment Build
-Utility Power Systems
-Protection and Control 1
-Telecommunications 1
-Protection and Control 2
-Telecommunications 2
-Mastery Project - DIY Utility Power SystemYear 2 (On-The-Job)
You'll be assigned to an industry partner, and enter the workforce as a paid student trainee. Your work will follow major projects and may take you all over Canada and the US, all paid for by the company. With your mentor's support you will demonstrate mastery of core competencies:
-Follow Engineering/Maintenance Standards and complete test records accurately
-Assess system and personal safety risks and apply appropriate mitigations
-Perform complete maintenance on protection systems including: Feeder, Line, Bus, Transformer, Reactor
-Safely take on-load, in-service voltage and current measurements of P&C circuits.
-Fluent use of Doble Power System Simulator for relay testing.
-Primary injection of Current Transformers
-Testing and Commissioning of new P&C, Telecom equipment.
-Fibre Optic splicing and OTDR
-Bit Error Rate Testing of new communication channels
-Perform complete maintenance on communication systems including: Power Line Carrier, VHF/UHF Radios, MW Radio, Battery Banks
-Document design changes and mark-up engineering drawings
FAQ
The details
How much does the program cost?
Our 2-year diploma is significantly lower cost than traditional campus programs because there is no relocation expense or brick-and-mortar overhead. Exact tuition varies according to chosen payment schedule, but you could plan for approximately $9,250 - $11,850 including tuition, books/software, tools and parts.Do I have to move or relocate?
No, but proximity to the work is a benefit. The entire theory/fundamentals portion is 100% remote, you can complete it anywhere, as long as you have a little workbench space. On-the-job mentoring will almost always involve travel but will be paid by your industry partner.What is a career in P&C, Telecom like?
You will be a technology expert working in the field; testing, commissioning and maintaining the complex systems that govern power generation and transmission. Often in a substation control building, generating station, industrial facility or mountain top communications repeater. You are not afraid of long hours, remote work sites, critical responsibilities, and exacting standards. And for all of this you can expect significant compensation.Tell me more about 'significant compensation'
Salaries for grads could expect to start around $70,000/year.
Overtime can often add another $8,000–$15,000. After a few years of kicking butt, you could earn $90,000 – $130,000/year plus OT, nearly double the national average income.What is the work schedule?
The work is usually scheduled on a shift basis (most common is a 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off) but it highly variable. You will travel to, and work, at some of the largest utility and industrial sites in North America.Is this program accredited or recognized by utilities?
A Discovery Tech diploma is recognized by Industry Leaders and they have explicitly partnered with us to accept students. Accreditation is underway and should be complete in 2028.What are the admission requirements?
High school diploma or equivalent. Strength in physics, math and craftsmanship are a benefit. When you apply, think of it as a job application. We are mostly interested in your positive attitude, work ethic and ability to learn rather than your previous credentials. No prior utility experience required — we accept career changers and working adults. If you're an electrician in the utility/industry field and you've always wanted to level up your education and career prospects, this is perfect for you.How does the on-the-job mentoring work?
In year two, you will begin working shifts with an industry partner for structured, paid rotations. You learn on real equipment under experienced Techs while earning credit toward your diploma. In addition to your work related responsibilities, your mentor will tailor assignments and assessments for you to complete during evenings, weekends or days off.Is the program full-time or part-time?
We're flexible. Most students complete it in 24 months full time, but you can spread it out and take a little longer if it works better for you. The amount and type of field work can also vary, so hard dates for completion are not enforced.Who could I work for?
The combination of formal diploma + real field experience is exactly what employers are looking for. You could work for an electrical utility like BC Hydro or Idaho Power, or an engineering and field service provider like BBA or Vector Power.When can I start?
We have limited spots available in Fall 2026. Our next intake starts February 2027. Fill out our contact form to get info on admission and program updates.
About
The founder
Hi, I’m Jeff Burkinshaw — founder of Discovery Tech.With 25 years as a Senior Protection & Control Technologist, Technical Instructor, Construction & Commissioning Manager, and Director of Field Services, I’ve led the testing, commissioning, and energization of over 500MW of hydroelectric and wind generation and transmission substations.I’ve developed and delivered technical training courses for BC Hydro, built a successful new field-services business line for a national engineering firm, and earned my Provincial Instructors Diploma alongside my BCIT Electrical Power and Computer Control diplomas.I started Discovery Tech because I hate bad training. I can't stand to waste peoples time with busy work that checks boxes while students check out. And now more than ever, knowledge and skills can be shared quickly and remotely. You deserve lightning speed education at a reasonable cost.Don't waste your time. Don't waste your money.With Discovery Tech, students no longer need to relocate to the city (at great expense) and follow the rigid structure of a brick-and-mortar.Learn from actual experts in the field. You can start your high-tech, high-voltage, high-paid career in Power System Technology right now!
