City infrastructure is constantly expanding and becoming more complex. New infrastructure construction can come into conflict with pre-existing infrastructure and poses serious challenges due to underground congestion.

In order to properly build, manage and maintain utility infrastructure, proper damage prevention procedures are necessary to secure and safeguard all those existing and yet to be installed. Without proper utility damage prevention practices in place, the safety and resources of all stakeholders is put at serious risk.

With any type digging or excavation, there is always the possibility of striking a buried utility such as gas, hydro, and electric. A potential utility strike can cause explosions, flooding, electricity leakage, or most importantly loss of life. These situations are extremely expensive to fix and cause vital service disruptions that can negatively affect all aspects of proper city operation.

Utility locating is the process of finding underground utility lines with special equipment, properly marking the ground with paint where these lines exist, as well as creating digital drawings on maps to specify where exactly that utility line is located. This is done to prevent damage to pre-existing utilities when any type of excavation is done.

This course will provide you with a deep understanding of underground infrastructure and utilities, including gas/pipeline, telecom, electrical, water/sewer, and more. You will also learn how to read maps, use utility locating equipment, and follow all safety regulations, and get real experience in the field. Successful completion of this course will result in a certification. Visit the course curriculum section to learn more.

Admission to this program is based on several factors. You must complete our online application form, which can be found here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with multiple course start dates throughout the year. Limited spots are available in each training cohort, and applications must be received at least 21 days in advance of the course start date you wish to apply for.

Admission requirements & pre-requisites for this program include:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including:
  • Grade 12 English, or equivalent
• Ability to distinguish between colours for marked utilities
• Ability to carry up to 15 pounds
• Intermediate computer skills
• Valid driver’s license with clean driver’s abstract

Applicants should note that:

• Most employment opportunities require that certain physical standards, driving abstracts and health standards, including vision, must be met
• A Police Criminal Record Check (PCRC) (pardons are possible, seek legal counsel) and additional selection criteria may be used to assess applicants in this program
• Applicants should be advised that most employers require a criminal records check (PCRC)
• Applicants are advised that there are specific requirements that must be completed prior to participating in a co-op placement and that it is their responsibility to ensure the requirements are met
• Students are required to successfully complete several tests designed for damage prevention careers and a written assessment to achieve certification

Tuition for this program is broken down as the following for anyone who completes the work commitment:

• Course Fee $0.00 CAD (No tuition cost for CUTI program applicants when committing to work placement)
• Paid Practicum Fee $0.00 CAD

The total value of the in-class/in-field components of this training program is $8100.00 CAD. In this cohort, successful trainees will complete paid practicums and job placements with real companies in the utilities industry, who will be sponsoring course fees for trainees who complete the Paid Practicum & 3-month Full Time Employment.

• If you successfully complete the training program, the 3-month paid practicum, and the minimum
  3-month full-time employment component of this program (total commitment ~7-8 months), you will not be
  responsible for any fees.
• If you do not complete the training, paid practicum, or 3-months of full-time employment, you will be
  responsible for all of part of the course fee, based on the Terms & Conditions agreement.
• You may take this course without the desired outcome of employment, in which case, you will be
  responsible for all course fees.

Above fees based on 2022 program start dates. Contact us to confirm fees for other start dates.

This 4 to 5-week program covers the following topics:

• Training on locating gas/pipeline facilities, telecom, electrical facilities, and water sewer infrastructure (including map reading for all utilities)
• DPT certification course
• Computer operations and map reading skills
• Theory and operations of locating instrumentation, communications and wireless devices
• Safe locating field practices and individual utility operational standards and requirements
• Occupational health and safety training
• Work procedures and safe work practices
• Government safety regulations and codes
• Certified safety auditing training program
• Ground Disturbance Course – standards of safety practices when working in the field
• Level 1-2 Confined Space Course
• Theory and operations of locating instrumentation, communications and wireless Devices
• Equipment and operational procedures
• Safe locating field practices and individual utility operational standards and requirements
• Government safety regulations, codes and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use
• Advanced locating course (Pipeline Locating)
• WHMIS course
• First Aid rescue course
• H2S Alive course

This 4 to 5-week program is broken down as follows:

Section 1: In-Class Learning

• Section 1 includes in-class learning of all concepts and theories
• Concepts include types of utilities, protocols of facility owners, equipment types, drawings, documentation and interpretation, etc.
• Each trainee is given access to a computer station within our training facility

Section 2: Written Exams

• Section 2 includes written exams to ensure proficiency in knowledge and concepts required to safely and properly begin field training
• Written exams require a score of 80% to advance to field training

Section 3: Supervised Field Training

• Section 3 includes supervised training by a senior trainer in the field, in order to apply all the in-class knowledge to what is in the field
• This training will be concluded by a pass-fail examination, which will allow trainees who pass to advance to the next level of the program

Section 4: Unsupervised Field Training

• Section 4 includes unsupervised field training to determine how well trainees can apply all that they have learned in the program without constant guidance
• The results of this training will determine if the trainee has achieved certification status

Paid Practicum/Co-Op

• Once fully trained and certified, it is highly recommended that all trainees undertake 3-month (12-week) paid practicums that CUTI arranges
• This will ensure that all skills are solidified with ongoing practice
• At the end of this practicum, trainees will have the option of full-time employment at a higher wage

Once certification is achieved, trainees will be able to:

• Read site plans, area maps and blueprints to determine location of underground high-voltage electrical cables, water lines, sewer lines, steam lines, gas lines, telephone and other communications lines, as well as duct banks and electric/water/gas taps to buildings.
• Utilize site plans, area maps, blueprints, computer mapping database and other location information along with conduit-location equipment to locate conduits; correct and update records using field findings.
• Mark buried utility locations and communicates relevant information to excavation personnel or other appropriate authorities. Operate line locator equipment, including metal detector.
• Provide accurate documentation and/or sketches with measurements using an electronic drawing tool for the requested work area. Maintain accurate records of work time and client identities to allow proper assignment of charge codes.
• Complete tickets in a timely manner and upload to management programs
• Maintain start and end logs of work perform.
• Operate company vehicle in a safe manner, and maintain professional appearance.
• Transport equipment/supplies to assigned job sites; clean and maintain locating equipment.
• Adhere to all health and safety procedures, including completing daily forms and reports.

In addition, some benefits of completion include:

• Gaining a thorough understanding of utility construction and operation
• Gaining confidence in dealing with customers and clients
• Learning to work independently and within a team setting
• Going to different work sites everyday
• Growing knowledge of different companies while working on-site at different projects
• Keeping physically active and getting to work outdoors
• Gaining knowledge of different areas in local cities/regions
• Being able to travel to other provinces/areas

Career Opportunities

Where you could work includes:

• Utilities Companies: Canadian Locators Inc., Tierra Geomatics
• Safety Authorities: TSSA

Contact Our Information Hub
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Information Hub for details on programs, how to apply, and more.
info@cuti.ca
Phone: (647) 494-4882