FAQ

Plenty. First of all the graduate can get employed by any of the classic carriers like Bell, Bell Mobility, Telus, MTS Allstream or similar. Although responsibilities vary, graduates may start off as Telecommunications or Network Analysts ensuring the telecommunications network is operating without error. Graduates can also start off as Operations or Field Technologists ensuring the field components operate without error.
Next, there are huge opportunities within the field of computer networking. Employers like IBM, Ericsson, and Bell Mobility are always looking for graduates with a strong networking background and certifications from Cisco that we prepare you for. Graduates may start off as Networking (Systems) or Networking (Service) Technologists ensuring that all the networking components are free of congestion. Graduates can also be employed as Field Installers, ensuring the hardware is installed correctly and functioning.
Additional examples would be: fiber optic splice technicians, RF operation technician, even web site administrator, and the list could continue for a while.
Telecommunication technologists primarily work with various transmission and reception devices, systems, and types of signals that carry useful information. In addition, they have a strong understanding of radio frequencies (RF), fiber optics and copper media limits. They are often responsible for the installation, activation, and servicing of the network.
The computers and networks technologist will install local media and devices, configure end devices and network elements, and perform various tests as per desired architecture. The computer and network technologist will work with the different operating systems, computer and network hardware, and will deal with network security issues in the wired and wireless networks.
Many of the activities and tasks performed by a telecommunications technologists and a computers/networks technologist overlap today. Technologies have advanced and so have computer networks that carry data, voice and video through their media. In the past, the transmission of information utilized dedicated types of media and communication networks for the information to reach its destination. Today we are seeing the different technologies converging toward a unified solution.
The program is considered demanding and requires the student to study in order to promote student success. Between school and home studies, most students in the program claim that they need between 40 and 60 hours/week, including class and lab time.
Yes. Some of our graduates go on to university: École de technologie supérieure (ETS) has been specifically designed for graduates in career/technical programs entering the field of engineering and Concordia University gives advanced standing for coursework already completed at the CEGEP level. We are always looking at ways to further develop and improve pathways to university.
Specific ministerial admission requirements*:

  • Sec IV Mathematics – Technical & Scientific option or Science option 564-406/426 or 565-406/426 or Sec V Cultural, Social & Technical option 563-504
  • Sec IV Science & Technology or Applied Science & Technology 555-404/444 or 557-406/416

*For students graduating before June 2010 or from an Adult Education Centre, the prerequisites are Physical Science 436 and Mathematics 436.

The electronics and mathematic textbooks purchased in the first semester will also be used in the second semester, and will cost approximately $400. Lab materials will cost approximately $70 for the electronics specific courses taken in the first semester. Additional books may be required for the general education courses.
Some of your expected daily tasks would be such things as: system installations, instrument calibration, repairs, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, monitoring, writing incident reports, possibly traveling to the customer premises and interfacing with the customer, and many other employer-specific tasks. Careers as an electronics technologist tend to be more hands-on.
Absolutely. If the graduate decides to call the province of Quebec home, certainly the ability to communicate and interact with colleagues in the French language would be essential. Current regulations in the province of Quebec specify that French is the language of choice in the workplace regarding small to medium-sized businesses. The more fluent one is in French the easier time one has in managing their career path.
No, it is not. Just kidding! 🙂 Students will work with state of the art equipment to design and build exciting projects. Learning in Electronics Technology is serious work because you are preparing for a career which will be making real demands on you when you graduate. But, nobody ever said your teachers don’t have a sense of humour.
With a modernized curriculum, state of the art lab equipment, and industry recognized certifications, you will be more than adequately prepared to go straight into the work force in a wide range of career roles.
Electronics Engineering Technology is particularly well suited to those who enjoy variety in their work and thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. As the fields of telecommunications and networks continue to converge, technicians, technologists and engineers are increasingly asked to work on a wide variety of technologies, from electronic circuits to high-speed network routers, from fiber-optic systems to handheld wireless devices and base-stations. These technologies are evolving more quickly than ever, so the very best electronics professionals will have the curiosity to continuously learn new skill and be excited by the prospect of doing something completely new every few years throughout their careers.
If you are only missing one prerequisite course, you can still apply. If you are accepted into the program, you will be given a conditional acceptance. You will be required to complete this course in the summer before beginning the program in the fall semester.
You can improve your language skills and/or complete or update the necessary prerequisite science/math courses by registering in the appropriate courses through the Continuing Education department at any CEGEP or through an Adult Education centre.
If you are unsure that you have the program pre-requisites, you can check with an academic advisor to determine whether you should be completing additional courses before applying to the program.
The program is offered during regular daytime hours only. Students must take a full load of courses, which includes all courses indicated in the program grid for each semester of study.
No, students are admitted to the program only in the fall semester.
The chance of finding employment is excellent. Employers often come to Dawson to interview students before they graduate. Furthermore, there is currently a shortage of technologists as the Information and Communications Technology Council indicates in the area of Quebec. You can read the report by visiting http://www.ictc-ctic.ca/?page_id=1761.
Student Services provide a great deal of support to students. Check the College website to find out about many services at Dawson College, including the Academic Skills centre, the Mentor Program, the Peer and Faculty Tutoring Programs, Academic Advising, Counseling, Career Counseling and Financial Assistance.


Last Modified: January 21, 2019