Power Engineering 
Loading... Curriculum is subject to changes in accordance with ABSA regulations and changes to the National SOPEEC syllabus.
A Power Engineer is a person skilled in the overall operation of a power (steam) plant or process. This includes operation of high and low pressure boilers and related areas such as: water treatment, pump operation, instrumentation, electricity, fuels and combustion, air compressors, maintenance, housekeeping and refrigeration. Provincial legislation requires the certification of employees before they assume responsibilities in heating and power plants.
With the instillation of the Power Lab, beginning in the 2019-20 Academic year, the program will be non-transferable. Students must register and take all the necessary components to ensure they will receive their reduced steam time from ABSA.
Students need to have a valid Fourth Class Certificate from ABSA as a prerequisite to the Third Class program. The program will offer 224 hours of labs to satisfy ABSA requirements for the Third Class certification under SOPEEC.
Applicants should have good manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination since they will be required to operate switches and controls while monitoring instruments. Students should be aware that color blind testing, physical abilities, and communication skills may be required or tested for by some employers.
Admission Requirements
For additional information on this Program, please see Important Documents under Admissions on our website.
Fourth Class Power Engineer Admission Requirements:
A high school diploma including at least:
- 50% in English 30-1 or English 30-2
- 65% in Mathematics 30-1 or 70% in Mathematics 30-2
- 65% in Chemistry 30 OR Physics 30
Additional Requirements:
NEW 2023/2024 - Applicants will not be required to submit a Career Investigation Report.
Selection Criteria
Applicants who do not meet the requirements but have at least 60% minimum grades in prerequisites will be placed on a waitlist. After July 15th, the waitlisted applicants will be offered enrolment in order of date of application.
Applicants who meet all of the admission requirements will be admitted first then approved mature students will be admitted. Applicants on the waitlist will be admitted after July 15th by date of application until seats are filled.
Third Class Power Engineering Admission Requirements:
Students must be certified as a Fourth Class Power Engineer.
Progression Criteria
After successfully completing the Fourth Class Certificate of Competency, students have two options:
- Leave the program with their Fourth Class certification
or - Continue on to the Third Class program
Graduation Requirements
Students completing all of the prescribed requirements with no failing grades, and a minimum of 65% in all courses and labs, and attending a minimum of 80% of all theory classes, will be eligible for a certificate in Power Engineering. Once students have completed all program requirements, they may apply to graduate.
Advanced Standing
This program is approved by Alberta Boiler Safety Association (ABSA), therefore advanced credit will not be allowed for core courses.
Additional Information
Classroom and Study Hours
Students should expect to spend a total of 32 hours per week in class, including 4-6 hours in labs. Students can expect to study outside of class approximately 2-3 hours each evening and 6-8 hours each weekend.
The labs in both Third and Fourth Class programs are mandatory, with a 100% attendance that is mandated by ABSA. In the event a student misses a lab, they will be responsible for arranging and paying the associated fees. The Chair of the Automotive, Parts and Power Engineering Department shall determine if an individual is required to pay the fee.
Pre/Post Graduation Affiliation
Students may apply for student membership and graduates may apply for full membership in the Institute of Power Engineers (IPE). Students and graduates must maintain their ABSA membership status to keep their Certificates in good standing.
Contact Information
