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Ministry-approved title: Environmental Technician
Scholarships Available
Environmental technicians play an important role in protecting air, land and water by applying scientific skills to environmental challenges. This program prepares students for roles in the environmental sector through hands-on learning aligned with industry practices.
Students build a foundation in core scientific and applied environmental areas, including:
Using industry-standard equipment, students develop practical skills that support environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, remediation projects and water and wastewater operations.
Students in the Environmental Technician program complete the Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator course and exam as part of their studies, gaining a recognized credential valued at approximately $2,000.
Graduates are prepared for employment with government agencies, consulting firms, laboratories, utilities and water and wastewater facilities.
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The Environmental Technician diploma program provides applied education focused on the scientific, technical and regulatory aspects of environmental protection.
Students study core scientific disciplines while developing strong laboratory and field skills, including:
A significant portion of the program emphasizes hands-on learning, where students apply field and laboratory techniques in practical settings. Students also explore environmental legislation, sustainability principles and professional practices, preparing them to work within current environmental standards, policies and procedures.
As part of Durham College’s commitment to career-ready learning, students in the Environmental Technician program complete the Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator course and certification exam. Valued at approximately $2,000, this industry-recognized credential supports employment opportunities in Ontario’s drinking water sector and enhances graduates’ professional qualifications.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment and are eligible to apply for certification with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).
Graduates can register to become a certified technician through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), a self-governing body that is widely recognized by employers and professionals across Canada.
OACETT offers voluntary designations for Certified Technicians (CTech). Graduates of this program will have the required credential to register as a C.Tech with OACETT.
DC students in the EVTN program are also eligible to apply for a OACETT student membership.
The OACETT belongs to one of nine provinces that is nationally affiliated with Technology Professionals Canada (TPC) and Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). It follows TAC standards for technician and technologist certification and accreditation of post-secondary technician and technologist programs.
Graduates can register to become a certified Environmental Professional in Training (EPt) through EcoCanada, a nationally recognized professional environmental designation. EPt Designation is a multi-disciplinary environmental professional certification for specialists across all industries in Canada who are dedicated to the advancement of sustainable practice and responsible economic growth.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Domestic and international tuition for this program are yet to be determined as Durham College awaits tuition approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
Environmental Technician students have access to several industry-specific scholarships that support career development in the water, wastewater, and environmental sectors. These scholarships are offered by professional associations dedicated to advancing environmental protection and water quality in Ontario and beyond.
Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) Scholarships The Water Environment Association of Ontario offers two scholarship programs for students pursuing education in the water quality field:
Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) Scholarship OCWA's Scholarship for Second-year Students in an Environmental Program provides both financial support and career-building opportunities. Two scholarships are awarded annually with a value of up to $2,500 plus one paid co-op work term with OCWA.
Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) Scholarships OOWA sponsors annual education scholarships to support student members or students of OOWA members enrolled in post-secondary programs related to onsite and decentralized wastewater management. One scholarship is awarded annually with a value of $2,000.
American Public Works Association (APWA) Ontario Chapter - Pathway to Public Works Scholarship The Pathway to Public Works program supports students pursuing careers in public works, offering both financial assistance and professional development opportunities in fields related to environmental studies and public infrastructure. One scholarship is awarded annually with a value of $1,000.
Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada Student Scholarship Women in Nuclear Canada recognizes young women who play pivotal roles in highlighting the benefits of the nuclear industry, including applications in environmental monitoring. Two scholarships are awarded annually with a value of $3,000.
For more information about scholarship eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines, please visit the individual scholarship websites or contact the respective organizations directly.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Experiential learning is embedded throughout the Environmental Technician program, allowing students to apply classroom concepts in practical laboratory and field settings.
Students gain hands-on experience in science and computer laboratories, developing skills in:
Field-based activities provide additional opportunities to apply monitoring and sampling techniques related to air, water and soil quality, while following health, safety and regulatory requirements.
These applied learning experiences help students build confidence and job-ready skills for entry-level roles in environmental monitoring, laboratories, consulting and water and wastewater environments.
Programs graduates could consider for further education:
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
While a laptop is not mandatory for this program, it may support your success in completing your studies.
A240, Gordon Willey Building, Oshawa
Our state-of-the-art Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory houses chromatography and spectroscopy instruments where students gain independent, hands-on experience by preparing samples and standards, operating the equipment themselves, and analyzing the resultant data. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="width: 0px;overflow: hidden;line-height: 0" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
Location: A206, Gordon Wiley Building, Oshawa
Our Containment Level 2 Microbiology Lab provides students with opportunities to learn and practice the skills required to culture, manipulate and identify microorganisms relevant to the food pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and environmental sectors. Our lab adheres to Canadian biosafety regulations and industry best practices, ensuring students develop the technical and safety competencies required for careers in these sectors. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="width: 0px;overflow: hidden;line-height: 0" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
Location: Durham College Campus, Oshawa
Explore our outdoor campus for a multitude of learning opportunities. The Oshawa Creek West arm provides opportunities for surface water monitoring. Groundwater monitoring wells on campus allow us to sample groundwater.
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