Clean water – for people and the planet

Graduate with powerful skills and up to a year of paid co-op experience* thanks to Northern’s Environmental Technician – Water & Wastewater Systems Operations diploma.

Combining on-site and distance learning – and offered in both standard and co-op delivery – you’ll gain the specialized training you need to master every step of the treatment process.

You’ll understand the design and operation of complex treatment facilities. You’ll learn the role that chemicals and micro-organisms play in the process. And, you’ll master the lab techniques and safety protocols required to make a real difference for the environment – and in our everyday lives.

Along the way, you’ll also improve your problem-solving skills, gain a solid foundation in chemistry and physics, and earn the confidence you’ll need as a licensed hands-on operator.

This program provides the specialized training required to become a licensed drinking water and/or wastewater systems operator under Ontario’s rigorous standards. You’ll train for interesting, good-paying, stable work opportunities that are making a real difference in our environment. This is the fastest path to Ontario licencing qualifications.

It’s a trades-focused, hands-on operator’s line of work – where operators and practical environmental stewardship meet. Students have a choice of studying under the original compressed co-op delivery program or an uncompressed, non-co-op delivery. Both options include a blended program combining on-site and distance learning. Co-op education provides an opportunity to earn while you learn.

Graduates may find employment in municipal water and waste water facilities, environmental departments in mines and other industries, solid waste management facilities, and in government.