The world runs on power. Power engineering technologists are in charge of operating and maintaining the complex systems used to operate industrial boilers, pumps, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Demand for skilled power engineers is growing, opening the door to good jobs in the oil patch, mining, manufacturing, power generation utilities and more.
Start date
September
Length
72 weeksLocations(s)
SaskatoonLength and location notes
(includes two work experiences)
Power Engineering Technology is a two-year diploma program offered full time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus. You’ll gain knowledge and skills in the operation of power (steam) plants and industrial processes, including:
- air conditioning and refrigeration
- boiler operations (high and low pressure)
- communications
- computer monitoring of plant operations
- controls and instrumentation
- environmental (pollution) management
- equipment checks and maintenance
- plant safety
- pump operations
- water treatment systems
The program combines classroom learning with hands-on labs, power labs, computer simulations and industry work experiences. Graduates are productive on the job from day one—something employers look for when hiring and promoting.
Certification opportunities
After completing Year 1, 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 exams
Upon successful completion of the diploma program, 9 months of credit will be granted towards work experience for your TSASK 3rd Class. Students who have successfully challenged all TSASK 3rd class exams and are enrolled in semester 5 will be eligible to challenge the TSASK 2nd Class Part A exams.
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.
The TSASK examination fees are:
- Fourth Class - (Year 1) - Two exams at $108 per exam
- Third Class - (Year 2) - Four exams at $108 per exam
- Second Class - (Year 2) - Three exams at $216 per exam
- (3 additional second class exams [Part B] are required after course completion)
- Refrigeration Engineers (Year 1) - One exam at $108
Ladder into a degree
Get a global learning experience
Refer to our frequently asked questions for additional information about this program.
Career and salary information
Your career
Power engineering technologists work with large, complex power systems. You could work as a power engineer or process operator in utility (power) plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, breweries, mines, gas processing plants, heavy oil upgraders, fertilizer plants or chemical plants. You could be responsible for heating, air-conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration systems in commercial, institutional or residential complexes. You can also put your knowledge to work in industrial and mechanical design and sales.
Potential careers
| Sample job title | NOC classification |
|---|---|
| Steam plant operator | Power engineers & power systems operators (92100) |
| Building systems operator | Power engineers & power systems operators (92100) |
| Process control system operator | Central control & process operators, petroleum, gas & chemical (93101) |
Admissions
Admission requirements
- Grade 12 with Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30*
- Minimum overall average of 65%
- English Language Requirement
Note
- Prior to starting lab courses in Year 2 of this program, students must present their 4th Class Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK) certificate and license.
- 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 AdmittedThe 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.
2024-25 academic year
Year 1 - $10,260
Year 2 - $6,960
Courses
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.
| Institution | Details |
|---|---|
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology | Graduates of this program may be eligible for direct admission into the two-year Bachelor of Technology program at NAIT. |
Related programs
Instrumentation Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology