Power Engineering

Power up an exciting career!

Learn about boilers, steam and gas turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pressure vessels and more. This is an intense program with exceptional practicums in the oil and gas industry and excellent career opportunities.

4th Class Certification includes 25 weeks of study and 160 hours (1 month) field placement, 3rd Class Certification includes 52 weeks of study and 960 hours (6-8 month) field placement

Image of students

Practicum Dates
Both 4th and 3rd Class programs include field placements--locations vary. They are based on industry availability and may be paid or unpaid, at the sole discretion of industry. A huge benefit to students at Portage College. 

Unfortunately, at this point in time, this program is not available to international students. Please click the link to view all of our international students programs.

Career Potential

A student with the appropriate training in the power engineering field who possesses a valid power engineering certificate may find career opportunities in the oil and gas industries, electrical utilities companies, chemical processing plants, pulp and paper industries, and building operations.

Credentials

Certificate

Admission Requirements

4th Class

High school diploma or equivalent with:

  • English 10-1 or 10-2 at 65%
  • Math 10C at 65%
  • Science 10 at 65%
  • Physics 20 (recommended)

3rd Class

  • English Language Arts 20-2 at 65%
  • Math 20 at 65%
  • Physics 20 at 65%
  • Valid interprovincial 4th Class Power Engineering certificate

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

Other:

  • Recommended for 4th Class: Valid H2S Course (that will not expire for the 2023-24 academic year).
  • Program acceptance will include a selection process based on high school marks, other related certifications, work experience, and a program interview.

Students interested in 1st or 2nd Class Power Engineering are encouraged to have at minimum English Language Arts 30-2, Math 30-2, and Physics 30.

Transferability

4th Class: Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to write Part "A" and "B" of the Interprovincial 4th Class Power Engineering exams. Students obtaining a 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate may progress to 3rd Class Power Engineering training offered at Portage College. Please check the current Alberta Power Engineers Regulation under the Safety Codes Act for further information. Please refer to the Program Policy for information regarding requirements to complete the applicable course.

3rd Class: Students who complete this program will qualify to write the Part 'A' and 'B' 3rd Class Power Engineering Interprovincial Exams. Please check the current Alberta Engineers Regulation under the Safety Codes for further information. Please check Program Policy for information regarding requirements to complete the applicable course.

Program Start/End Dates
3rd Class Power Engineering - March 3, 2025 - February 27, 2026

4th Class Power Engineering - August 18, 2025 - February 13, 2026

Application Deadlines
3rd Class - February 17, 2025 (dependent on capacity)

4th Class - August 4, 2025 (dependent on capacity)

Location
4th Class - Lac La Biche Campus

3rd Class - Online

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Tuition Deposit - $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

4th Class Power Engineering 
Full Year -  Fee payment deadline August 15, 2024

Tuition $4,851.00
Student Association $233.40
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $158.50
Technology Fee $165.42
Recreation Fee $109.14
Exam Fee $207.80
Course Package & Materials $50.00
Total $5,933.76


3rd Class Power Engineering
Full Year - Fee payment deadline December 15, 2024

Tuition $5,760.41
Student Association $233.40
Technology Fee $165.42
Recreation Fee $109.14
Exam Fees $207.80
Course Package & Materials $50.00
Total $6,526.17


Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Need help funding your education? Check out our  funding options.

Fee Explanations

Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.

Power Engineering

  • 4TH CLASS POWER ENGINEERING LAB

    Course ID: PENG112

    Name: 4TH CLASS POWER ENGINEERING LAB

    Hours: 140

    Credits: 4

    This course is designed to apply practical application to topics covered in PENG
    113A and PENG 113B Theory. Students will have the have the opportunity to gain
    hands on experience working in the high pressure lab and heating plant.

  • 4TH CLASS POWER ENGINEERING THEORY 'A'

    Course ID: PENG113A

    Name: 4TH CLASS POWER ENGINEERING THEORY 'A'

    Hours: 262.5

    Credits: 13

    The following core subject areas are covered in this course: applied science, steam generation, and safety.

  • 4TH CLASS POWER ENGINEERING THEORY 'B'

    Course ID: PENG113B

    Name: 4TH CLASS POWER ENGINEERING THEORY 'B'

    Hours: 332.5

    Credits: 15

    The following core subject areas are covered in this course: plant services, prime movers and auxiliaries, heating ventilating and air conditioning.

  • 4TH CLASS FIELD PLACEMENT

    Course ID: PENG114

    Name: 4TH CLASS FIELD PLACEMENT

    Hours: 160

    Credits: 4

    Plant training will cover a total of 160 hours in a high pressure steam plant. Students perform tasks under plant supervision, and in doing so gain valuable practical experience.

  • APPLIED SCIENCE

    Course ID: PENG200

    Name: APPLIED SCIENCE

    Hours: 160

    Credits: 10

    This course is designed to prepare students for the 3rd Class Power Engineering Part 'A', Paper '1' Interprovincial exam.

  • PLANT SERVICES

    Course ID: PENG202

    Name: PLANT SERVICES

    Hours: 160

    Credits: 10

    This course is designed to prepare students for the 3rd Class Power Engineering Part 'A' and Paper '2' of the Interprovincial Exams.

  • STEAM GENERATION

    Course ID: PENG204

    Name: STEAM GENERATION

    Hours: 140

    Credits: 6

    This course is designed to prepare students for the 3rd Class Power Engineering Part 'B', Paper '1' Interprovincial Exam.

  • PRIME MOVERS AND AUXILIARIES

    Course ID: PENG206

    Name: PRIME MOVERS AND AUXILIARIES

    Hours: 140

    Credits: 6

    This course is designed to prepare students for the 3rd Class Power Engineering Part 'B', Paper '2' Interprovincial Exam.

  • 3RD CLASS FIELD PLACEMENT

    Course ID: PENG220

    Name: 3RD CLASS FIELD PLACEMENT

    Hours: 960

    Credits: 15

    This course will cover a total of 960 hours practical training at high pressure steam plants. Students perform tasks under plant supervision, and in doing so gain valuable practical experience.

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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