Power Engineering Technician
Overview
Aim for a career that can take you anywhere in Canada with the Power Engineering Technology program and discovery the wide array of career options available to our graduates.
Throughout Canada only certified Power Engineers are permitted to operate, maintain and manage equipment such as boilers, compressors, turbines and refrigeration units. Lambton College’s newly renovated closed loop 107 KW power generation plant operates exclusively as a training facility and is located in Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies. This is the only training unit of its kind in Ontario and students work collaboratively to generate and operate the power plant. In addition, the Centre also offers many other state-of-practice laboratories including distillation pilot plants, water treatment facilities, computer simulators, electrical and control systems and much more. You will gain knowledge and skills of plant operations and maintenance focusing on the 4th Class level in year one and the 3rd Class level in year two.
There are 4 different levels of Operating Engineer status granted by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), each level involving more complex tasks which qualify individuals for higher level employment. The first two years of Lambton College’s Power Engineering curriculum will make up the Power Engineering Technician, or PETN program. This program follows the curriculum of the standardized Power Engineer’s examination committee (SOPEEC) and prepares students to write the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) examinations for 4th, 3rd class certification.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 12 Mathematics C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry C or U
-or-
Grade 11 or 12 Physics C or U
(both recommended, only one required)
Grade 12 Mathematics Requirement
Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology or any grade 12U mathematics is recommended; Grade 12 Foundations for College Mathematics (MAP4C) minimum final grade is 60%. If the program is highly competitive, students with Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology or any Grade 12U mathematics will be given preference.
Employment Stats
- The Institute of Power Engineers (IPE) reports that an entry level power engineer (4th Class) can expect to make $25 - $30 per hour.
- Top 1st Class Engineers can make upwards of $200,000 after years or even decades of training and experience.
Costs
- Year 1 $6,666.90
- Year 2 $6,584.90
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Additional Fees
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Lab Coat$40.00
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Calculator$40.00
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Safety Shoes$150.00
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Safety Glasses$20.00
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4th Class Power Engineering Textbooks$1,000.00
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3rd Class Power Engineering Textbooks$1,000.00
Scholarships Available
There are 9 scholarships available for this program, with a total value of $1,000!
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Equipment
Chemistry Lab
Chemistry lab exercises complement theoretical concepts and develop goo, safe laboratory practices through hands-on activities and chemical experimentation.
Electronics Lab
This lab contains 15 stations where students are able to practice the safe and proper writing of any number of electrical and electronic circuits. In this lab, students can learn about the theory of DC and AC circuits, basic wiring principles, and the operation of many different devices used in the field.
Instrumentation Lab
In this lab, researchers and students use the technical skills and knowledge to carry out maintenance, make a diagnosis, configure, calibrate, and maintain various measurements and indicating instrumentation in a variety of replicated industrial settings.
Process Flow & Controls Lab
With a glass wall looking into the hallway, this lab focuses on the fundamentals of fluid flow, measurement, and controlling a process. Students of all levels will learn the fundamentals of liquid and vapour flow, fluid, and thermal dynamics and the basic fundamentals of controlling a process.
Process Simulator
Controlling a commercial and industrial plant takes hundreds of hours of training to begin to understand a particular process. With the use of complex process simulators, students learn how to start up, operate, troubleshoot, and shutdown a process safely. Our process simulators have a suite of different processes.
Steam Boiler
One of the best equipped training facilities in the Province, Lambton College's Steam Boiler Lab features both fire-tube and water-tube high pressure boilers, the glass walls of the room showcase a full powerhouse just as they would in an industrial facility. Students learn how to inspect, start, run, maintain, troubleshoo and shutdown boilers and associated equipment such as water treatment, turbines, and compressors.
Courses
Chemistry for Power Engineers
This course introduces students to relevant chemical aspects. It includes a review of fundamental chemical principles including atomic structure,chemical bonding and stoichiometry. Based on these foundations, the course focuses on developing an understanding of aqueous solutions and the treatment of water and wastewater. The course is delivered as two lecture hours per week and an associated two-hour biweekly lab. The laboratory portion applies theoretical concepts to a selection of physicochemical processes and allows students to develop skills of careful manipulation and observation.
Critical Thinking & Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Students explore different perspectives, and through synthesis, analysis, and response, strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. One of the pillars of Lambton College is a commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion, including Indigenization of the curriculum; where appropriate, readings in this course will reflect this commitment. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
Instrumentation for Power Engineers
This is an introductory course in instrumentation for those going into the power engineering fields. Students will develop an understanding of instrumentation terminology, symbology, and elements of instrument systems. Methods of measurement devices for pressure, level, flow, and temperature measurement will be covered in detail. Boiler instrumentation and introductory controls are highlighted for the Operating Engineering curriculum. A series of laboratory experiments will illustrate the operation of conventional and smart field instrumentation.
Mathematics for Technology I
This course reviews and develops concepts in algebra, trigonometry, complex numbers, and vectors with technical applications.
Operating Engineering Studies I
This is an introductory course in Operating Engineering, which will give a general overview of process equipment, systems, and techniques. The codes and regulations that apply to Operating Engineering will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on safety concerns such as WHMIS, plant safety, protective equipment, fire protection and extinguishing equipment, and environmental impacts. Process drawing fundamentals, basic process equipment such as steam traps, relief valves, piping systems, and lubrication systems will be studied.
Operating Engineering Calculations
This course aims to provide students of engineering technology disciplines with a solid foundation in mechanics for process operation and thermodynamics for steam plant operation, to the level required for 4th Class Operating Engineer Certification by Technical Standards and Safety Authority. The emphasis is on the understanding of the theory and applying it to solve practical problems of processes and plant.
Health & Safety for Industrial Processes
The graduate of this course will have a good understanding of safety aspects of the law, the legal responsibilities of the workplace, and his/her own legal rights and responsibilities, as well as work processes and procedures being used in present-day industry. This course will give them a basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its associated Regulations, and an understanding of health and safety issues in an industrial setting.
Job Search & Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
Power Plant Maintenance
Students will gain knowledge of application of common hand tools, mechanical fasteners, hoisting equipment and power tools. There will be opportunity to work in the shop to gain practical experience with related tools and equipment. Equipment applied for hands-on experience includes pumps, compressors, and piping.
Operating Engineering Studies - Boilers
This course covers theoretical knowledge required to understand the systems, processes, and operation of various types of power plants, and helps prepares the student for the Power Engineering Certification Examinations. Topics covered include combustion, piping, types of plants, instrumentation, boiler construction, parts and fittings, boiler operation and control, including legislation and regulations.
Operating Engineering Studies - HVAC
This course focuses on heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and building services. Low pressure steam and hot water heating systems, including their operations, controls, and basic maintenance, are explored. Various HVAC layouts are examined, as well as humidification systems, heat recovery, and heat gain/loss by buildings. An introduction to building lighting, water, and sanitary sewer systems is included.
Refrigeration Theory & Systems I
This course covers the thermodynamics of refrigeration systems, classes of refrigerants and a thorough understanding of both vapour compression and absorption refrigeration systems. Compressors and heat transfer equipment as applied to refrigeration systems are covered. The operation, safety, controls, and maintenance of these systems are included, and applied to refrigeration trainer systems on site.
Operating Engineering Studies - Equipment
Operating equipment pertaining to various types of Industries will be discussed throughout this course. It offers a practical approach to pumps, air compressors, steam turbines and engines, gas turbines, and internal combustions engines. Their principles of operation, classifications, components, basic maintenance and troubleshooting will be explored and investigated through both theory and hands-on applications. This course also offers an overview of an array of process systems, such as flares and different utility systems, which rely on industrial equipment to operate.
General Education Elective
Co-op
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.
3rd Class Power Engineering A
Topics included in this course will coincide with other term courses to provide the complete picture of the 3rd Class curriculum. This includes 3rd Class basic chemistry, metallurgy and materials, Cogeneration, Wastewater treatment, and the study of fuels and combustion technology. Industrial safety and fire protection will also be reinforced.
Electro-Technology for Power Engineers
Students will study electrical technology, machines, and control systems as applicable to the 3rd Class power engineering requirements. AC and DC theory, magnetism, and application to motors and generators will be covered, as well as systems and switchgear. Electrical calculations related to this discipline are included. In addition, students will study pneumatic, electrical, and digital control loops and control schemes including and introduction to programmable logic controls and data acquisition systems.
Piping & Mechanical Systems
This is an advanced level course in materials and mechanical systems. Metals and non-metals materials are studied and the science of corrosion, including protection methods. Piping and pressure vessel materials, codes and calculations, connections, supports and insulation designs and methods are covered. A study of steam traps and piping systems to reduce water hammer is made. Welding processes, techniques, certification and testing are studied.
High Pressure Boilers & Auxilarie
This is a 3rd class level course in boiler operation, control, and basic maintenance of packaged boilers and high pressure boiler systems. A thorough understanding of the codes and standards pertaining to boilers will be gained. The various designs of boilers, ratings, internals, auxiliaries, and fittings are a part of this study, as well fuel systems, draft systems, internal water treatment and water pre-treatment. Operating experience will be gaining in our 3rd class boiler and steam turbine laboratory facility to reinforce this material.
Statistics for Technology
This course contains descriptive statistics, basic probability, regression analysis, and probability distributions, including the binomial distribution and normal distribution. The statistical ideas of sampling and confidence intervals are introduced, and applications of probability and statistics are studied, such as reliability and statistical process control.
General Education Elective
Communications for Technology II
Technical writing differs from most student writing; therefore, it is necessary for students to learn the structure, nuances, and style of technical writing to be successful in completing labs, summaries, and reports. Through research writing and documentation, and through oral presentations, successful students will gain important transferrable skills that provide the basis for technical communication required in their other coursework and the workplace.
Mathematics for Technology II
This course contains elements of algebra, and introduces the concept of functions including graphing. It also introduces differential and integral calculus with basic applications.
Operating Engineering Studies - Advanced Equipment
This course expands upon previous material to look in detail at pump theory including pump head calculations, pipe friction, net positive suction head, and pump sizing and installation considerations. Coverage of fluid statics and dynamics are integral to this fluids theory. Gas compressor theory of isothermal, polytropic, and adiabatic compression will be studied as well as the study of various types of compressors and control devices. Steam turbine systems and thermodynamics as well as gas turbine systems will be covered. Emphasis on heat exchangers and other common process equipment will be made so that the student has a deeper understanding of the theory and operation of most common process equipment.
Operating Engineering Calculations II
This course is to further develop the skills and knowledge in applied mechanics and applied thermodynamics obtained in OES-2123 (Operating Engineering Calculations I), which are of 4th class level of the Ontario Operating Engineer Certification. This course covers the advanced parts of applied mechanics, heat, thermal expansions and contractions, calorimetry, applied thermodynamics, and combustion, to the 3rd and 2nd class levels. Calculations are performed towards problem solving in these subject areas as preparation for higher level Operating Engineers examinations.
Refrigeration Theory & Systems II
This second refrigeration course reinforces and advances previous knowledge of vapour compression and absorption refrigeration by looking at higher levels of refrigeration concepts. An introduction to thermodynamic calculations related to gas compression and refrigeration systems will also be addressed. The operation, maintenance and trouble shooting of refrigeration systems are covered, along with an examination of refrigeration system measurement and control hardware and software. Refrigeration safety concerns and regulations will also be examined.
General Education Elective
Co-op
Co-operative education provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace, undertake career sampling and gain valuable work experience that may assist students in leveraging employment after graduation.
Co-op Terms
Students are eligible to complete either Co-op Term 1 or Co-op Term 2.
Contact
Program Information
Applied Science, Engineering Technology & Trades
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
With fewer graduates than job vacancies in the industry there are positions available at every class level across Canada and the demand is only expected to increase.
Our graduates apply their skills to a wide variety of employment options in: electric power generation, chemical manufacturing, food processing, breweries, petroleum refining, pulp and paper, recreational facilities and institutions such as schools and hospitals. Power Engineers have the opportunity to increase their credentials throughout their careers, progressing all the way to 1st Class Power Engineers.
Accreditations & Certifications
Qualifying Experience Time Reduction
Qualifying Experience Time reduction decreases the time required working in industry to qualify for their Power Engineering certification. Students who successfully pass their 1st and 2nd term courses qualify for a nine-month steam time reduction. Students who complete the 4th Class Power Engineering certification prior to the 3rd and 4th academic terms will qualify for 11 months of 3rd Class steam time reduction.
- TSSA 4th Class Certification Requirements
- TSSA administered 4A and 4B exams (requires additional fees paid by the student). The requisite amount of steam time as defined by the TSSA.
- TSSA 3rd Class Certification Requirement
- 4th Class Stationary Engineering Certificate (see above) is required prior to the 3rd academic term to be eligible for 3rd class steam time reduction. Successful completion of the TSSA 3rd Class exams. These are administered by the TSSA and require additional fees paid for by the student. The requisite amount of steam time as defined by the TSSA.
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.