Power Engineering Technician

Certificate
Power Engineering Technician

Program Overview

For more information about college deliveries and college start dates, contact Great Plains College (1-866-296-2472), or Parkland College (1-866-783-6766).

Power engineering technicians help keep power plants running safely and efficiently. A shortage of certified technicians means job opportunities have never been better. You could work in the oil patch, mining, manufacturing, energy, health and other industries. It’s a physical job that requires manual dexterity and good vision, as well as problem-solving skills and a knack for working with machinery.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is Saskatchewan’s primary provider of power engineering certification. We offer two levels of training: the one-year Power Engineering Technician certificate program and the two-year Power Engineering Technology diploma program.

The one-year Power Engineering Technician certificate program is offered at Great Plains College (Swift Current), and Parkland College (Yorkton). You’ll study Fourth Class interprovincial standardized material, which will prepare you to challenge interprovincial Fourth Class examinations.

You’ll receive practical training in boiler operations, maintenance techniques and tool use. You’ll develop troubleshooting skills in practical labs, get boiler firing time in the power lab and industry work experience in your second term.

The balance of hands-on labs, work experience and exam preparation makes Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates productive on the job from day one—something employers look for when hiring and promoting.

Certification Opportunities

Power engineering is divided into levels of skill and training called classes (First Class is the highest level). You progress from one class to another through a combination of work experience, course completions and rigorous interprovincial exams.

As a Power Engineering Technician graduate, you will earn one year of Fourth Class qualifying time credit from the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK), and be prepared to challenge:

  • TSASK Fourth Class exams, and
  • TSASK Refrigeration Engineers exam

TSASK certificates are recognized across the country.

Personal study is recommended before you write any industry certification exam.

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) of Ontario website includes a video that provides information about the power engineering industry and training that may be helpful in determining whether this career is right for you. (The program and students shown are not from Saskatchewan Polytechnic).

Provincial certification (TSASK) is required to work in the industry. TSASK test writing fees are not included in tuition.

TSASK examination fees are:

  • Fourth Class - Two exams at $108 per exam
  • Refrigeration Engineers - One exam at $108

Graduates are also eligible to enrol in Year 2 of the Power Engineering Technology program, based on seat availability.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Graduates are prepared to work as power engineers or process operators in a variety of industrial and heating plants. These include utility (power) plants, refineries, hospitals, pulp and paper mills, breweries, mines, gas processing plants, heavy oil upgraders, fertilizer plants or chemical plants.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Power Engineers or Process OperatorsPower Engineers and Power Systems Operators (9241)$56,200 - $121,700

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):
Length:

36 weeks


Locations

  • Delivery is subject to needs assessment

Admissions

Admission Requirements

 

Note

  • Chemistry and Physics are not admission requirements; however, they would be extremely helpful to your success in the program and may be required by some employers as a condition of employment.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of a current 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification within the first month of the program start date. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

 

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

  • Math B30

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 254 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 250 Reading
  • 245 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2021/22 Academic Year

$7,970

Courses

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Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
COMP 172
Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel
1
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You will learn the purpose and uses of a word processor and electronic spreadsheet. You will develop the basic skills of creating, editing and formatting documents and spreadsheets.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 120, COAP 172, COAP 381, COMP 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
ELEC 188
Basic Electricity 1
2
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You will be introduced to the basics of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits and machines. You will use electrical metering devices, perform electrical calculations as well as describe the operation of transformers and electrical distribution systems.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Corequisites(s):
Equivalent Course(s): ELEC 288, PHYS 224
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
ENGP 179
Applied Mechanics (Fourth Class)
2
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You will solve many types of introductory problems related to the study of motion. You will learn about forces and applications of force such as work and pressure.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): PHYS 121
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
ENGP 180
Power Lab 1
3
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You will learn the major components of a steam plant and participate in the operation of the equipment which is similar to that used in industry.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): PROP 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online
ENGP 181
Plant Maintenance 1
2
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You will study piping, valves, materials and welding. You will use safe practices to perform maintenance tasks using common hand tools.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
ENGP 190
Boiler and Boiler Systems
3
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You will be introduced to boiler terminology, design, and operation. You will study the theory of combustion and feedwater control.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
INST 182
Instrumentation
3
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You will study plant instrumentation and control systems. You will be introduced to various measuring devices as well as transmitters, recorders, controllers and actuators. You will describe the operation and maintenance of programmable controls and control systems. Your studies will also include interpreting various industrial drawings. You will be introduced to the operation of Distributed Control System (DCS) used to operate plant equipment using simulation software.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Corequisites(s):
Equivalent Course(s): INST 220
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
MATH 299
Intermediate Algebra and Basic Trigonometry
2
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You will use the principles of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to solve basic problems in the power engineering field. You will apply these principles to practical problems involving percentages, ratio and proportion, mixtures, speeds, rates, practical problems involving simultaneous equations, and vectors.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): MAT 120, MAT 122, MATH 182, TSYH 120
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
SFTY 172
Safety, Legislation and Codes
3
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You will study general safety information related to power engineering. You will study the basic principles of personal protective equipment (PPE), fire safety and WHMIS. You will study environmental pollutants and their methods of control. You will review the various provincial, Canadian and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) legislation and codes related to the construction and operation of boilers, pressure vessels and refrigeration plants.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
TCOM 105
Communications for Technicians
2
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You will learn and practice written, oral and interpersonal communication for the workplace. You will apply these skills as team members and in short presentations. You will also develop effective job search strategies.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127, TCOM 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
THER 185
Thermodynamics (4th Class)
2
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You will solve introductory problems related to the study of matter, thermodynamics, and chemistry. You will study heat and the modes, methods, and effects of heat transfer.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
Total semester credits: 25

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ENGP 178
Heating Systems
2
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You will be introduced to heating boiler terminology, design, operation and government regulations. You will study various heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the importance of building ventilation. You will study lighting, water supply and sanitary drainage systems.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
ENGP 183
Prime Movers
2
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You will study basics of steam and gas turbine construction and operation. You will study internal combustion engines and steam engines used in industry.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
ENGP 186
Pumps, Compressors, and Lubrication
2
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You will be introduced to the characteristics and operation of pumps and compressors. You will study lubrication properties, methods of application and importance to efficient equipment operation.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
ENGP 187
Power Lab 2
4
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You will produce steam and operate turbines, heat exchangers, pumps and auxiliary fuel systems in a functioning high pressure steam lab.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): ENGP 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online
ENGP 188
Plant Operation and Maintenance
4
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You will study the safe and efficient operational procedures for boilers and boiler systems. You will perform plant maintenance tasks including shaft alignment and rigging procedures.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): ENGP 181
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
ENGP 191
Boiler Controls and Safety Devices
2
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You will study boiler and fittings code requirements. You will study the design and operation of boiler controls and safety devices.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
PROP 198
Plant and Process Operations
2
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You will learn about industrial processes used to produce a variety of products. You will study the equipment used in these industrial processes.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
RFRG 183
Air Conditioning
2
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You will be introduced to theory and equipment used in air conditioning systems. You will study humidification, ventilation, air filters as well as duct design and various types of air conditioning coils.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): AIR 288
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
RFRG 195
Refrigeration (4th Class)
3
Show course details
You will be introduced to the principles of refrigeration used in power plants including operation and maintenance procedures. Common refrigerants and their environmental effects will be reviewed. You will practice refrigeration calculations and become familiar with CSA B52, Mechanical Refrigeration Code.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): THER 185
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
WTER 182
Water Treatment (4th Class)
2
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You will study the basic methods utilized to prepare and maintain the water used in steam generation and its auxiliary equipment.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
Total semester credits: 25

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
CLTR 200
Culture and Diversity
2
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Your studies will focus on the many dimensions of culture and approaches to promoting inclusion and innovation. You will explore culture in Canadian society as it pertains to Indigenous and immigrant populations. You will also examine the correlation between culture and diversity.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning
WORK 185
Work Experience 1
0
Show course details
You will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the operation at the plant site. You will investigate the impact of shift work on personal health and wellness. Your studies will be enhanced by real world experience. Your work experience will assist you in building networking opportunities within industry.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): SFTY 172
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Work Experience - Group
Total semester credits: 2

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Additional Information

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