Water Engineering Technology Diploma

This program is a unique blend of traditional chemical and civil engineering technology combined with innovative water-focused environmental studies. The goals of the program are to educate, train and equip students to work in the water industry where they are able to monitor and protect both public health and the natural environment.

The program includes courses in hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, water/wastewater treatment, operations and maintenance along with water-focused biology and chemistry. During the second year students can choose between two options: Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Water and Wastewater Technology (WWT).

• The EM option has option specific courses in groundwater hydrology, limnology, and freshwater biology.
• The WWT option has option specific courses in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems, and industrial computer controls.

All students are expected to complete a capstone technology project where emphasis will be on application of theoretical and practical experience gained in the program.

Graduates will receive a diploma in Water Engineering Technology in one of the options listed above.

On graduation, there will be a wide choice of career opportunities which include: laboratory technologist, provincial or federal monitoring technologist, municipal water quality technologist, environmental engineering technologist and water or wastewater treatment plant operator.

The Program is nationally accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and is recognized by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC), the College of Applied Biology of British Columbia (CAB-BC) and the BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA). Graduates are eligible for registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT), a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) and/or a Technical Agrologist (TAg) after two years of related work experience.

The Program is recognized by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a preferred credential. Graduates, who apply and are accepted into the CAF, are “semi-skilled applicants” and are eligible for employment incentives such as higher rank and pay, more holidays and signing bonuses.

Graduates are also eligible to write certification exams administered by the Environmental Operators Certificate Program (EOCP) of B.C. Based on the practical hands on experience obtained in the WET Program, graduates are awarded six months credit towards the required work experience necessary to be eligible to write one of the EOCP Level l Examinations.

After graduating with a Diploma in Water Engineering Technology, students who wish to obtain a Bachelor Degree can continue with their education. Please refer to the Water Engineering Technology department website for a complete list of the universities and their degree programs.