College Diploma - Power Engineering Technology

Program Description 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. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is Saskatchewan’s primary provider of power engineering certification. 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. 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. 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 TSASK Refrigeration Engineers exams 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.