All The Skills. Online + On-The-Job.
Discovery Tech
2-Year Electrical Engineering Technology Diploma.Specialize in Protection & Control and Telecommunications for Electrical Utilities.
How It Works
The Hybrid Advantage
1. Learn Theory and Foundations at your own pace. Evenings and weekends, full time or part time.
2. Learn and apply the exact skill 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)
-Electrical Fundamentals
-DC Circuit Analysis
-AC Circuit Analysis
-Digital and Electronics
-Technical Mathematics
-Physics for Electronics
-Codes & Standards
-Networking & Data
-Communications
-Fabrication & Safety Practices
-Protection and ControlYear 2 (On-The-Job)
-Power Systems Analysis
-Protective and Control Systems (electromechanical + microprocessor relays)
-Fault Analysis, Coordination & Protection Schemes
-Utility Telecommunications & SCADA Systems (IEC 61850, DNP3, fibre optics, RTUs)
-Electrical Apparatus & Equipment (transformers, switchgear, grounding & bonding)
-Power Generation, Governors and Exciters
-Power Quality Measurement, Monitoring & Mitigation
-Digital Substations & Smart Grid Communications
-Utility Safety, Switching & Preventative Maintenance Practices
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 or brick-and-mortar overhead. Exact tuition varies according to chosen projects and 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% online. On-the-job mentoring will almost always involve travel but will be paid by your utility 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, industrial facility or mountain top 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 USD/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. This is nearly double the national average household 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 a partnering utility service provider 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?
Flexible hybrid format. 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. Theory is self-paced online; on-the-job training is scheduled according to project/client requirements.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?
Fall 2026. Fill out our contact form to get info on early admission and updates.Still have questions?
Submit the at the bottom of this page.
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 training that checks boxes while students check out. And now with the proliferation of information, it seems the old institutes are simply guarding their profession rather than spreading skills.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 brick and mortar talking heads. Our hybrid model fixes that — online theory plus paid on-the-job training and mentoring.Learn from actual experts in the field. You can start your high-tech, high-voltage, high-paid career in Electrical Engineering Technology right now!
