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The Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician program is designed to prepare you for career opportunities in the fire prevention industry by providing a curriculum that directly aligns with current employer demands – giving you an edge when it is time to enter the workforce. You will gain comprehensive knowledge of fire prevention and associated legalities that shape the fire and life safety industry. Furthermore, you will acquire a strong understanding of fire safety planning and the design of fire protection systems such as fire alarm systems, water-based sprinkler systems and special hazard systems.
This program is designed for individuals who enjoy challenging projects, which require the knowledge, practical skills and accepted practices used in the fire prevention and life safety industry. You will also have two options to gain valuable skills in the workforce and will either complete a field placement or a co-operative education (co-op) experience. Completion of this two-year diploma program will prepare you for immediate service in both expanding sectors. Upon graduating, students are also qualified to apply for their Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) designation and C.Tech designation from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologist (OACETT).
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Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD) Year one international: $13,852 (CAD)
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To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic course, work terms are a mandatory component to this form of experiential learning.
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This program is designed for individuals who enjoy challenging projects, which require the knowledge, practical skills and accepted practices used in the fire prevention and life safety industry. Completion of this two-year diploma program will prepare you for immediate service in both expanding sectors.
Students will have two options to gain valuable skills in the workforce and will either complete a field placement or a co-operative education (co-op) experience. Students completing the field placement will participate in a 150 hour, unpaid work placement completed 2 days per week during semester 4. Students who qualify for the co-op experience will complete a 420-hour paid work experience in between first and second year of their program.
Upon graduation, students will have obtained the requirements for earning their CFAA (Canadian Fire Alarm Association) credential and a C.Tech designation from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
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 and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2022-23 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
Students completing a field placement will participate in a 150-hour, unpaid work experience completed two days per week during the fourth semester. This will provide the opportunity to integrate theory with practice under the supervision of an industry professional.
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Please visit pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i7 RAM: 16GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
The best way to succeed in your field is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations. Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals.
Students in the Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician program will be invited to apply to the co-op option during their first academic semester. Entrance to the co-op option is limited and the processes for securing a work term are competitive. Students enrolled in the co-op option are required to complete a four-month, paid work term between the second and third academic semesters of their program.
Supports are available through the Experiential Learning office to assist students with securing their work terms. In addition, the Experiential Learning office is in contact with co-op students and the employers during their work terms to help with any questions. Upon completing the work term, co-op students return to campus to complete their third and fourth academic semesters of the program before graduating.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.
Once transferred to the co-op option of this program, students will have a co-op administrative fee of $475 assessed to their accounts during the academic semester(s) prior to scheduled work term(s). The administrative fee goes to support the broad array of support services provided to co-op students. These services are dedicated to support student success.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op student.
Find more information about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer.
Interested in visiting our campuses? We'd love to show you around!
T: 905.721.3000
Co-op related questions? Contact Co-op.
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 7697
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