Program Overview
Accredited by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), the Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class program is designed to introduce you to theoretical and practical aspects of power generation and plant operation. Theory taught in class will be applied through experiential learning in Durham College’s state-of-the-art registered Power Plant and electrical labs where students will learn to operate and maintain equipment in a safe and efficient manner while also gaining valuable hands-on experience. Students who successfully complete this program qualify for a nine-month reduction in steam time. In addition, students who pass their two TSSA tests and successfully complete three months of industry experience qualify for their Fourth Class Operating Engineer certificate of qualification.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)
Note: this program has additional recommended requirements. Please visit the Admission Requirements tab for further information.
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Tuition
Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,322 (CAD)
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Semester 1 Courses
- Practical 1 - Electrical/Instrumentation (ELEC 1114)
- Math (MATH 1115)
- Practical 1 - Mechanical (MECH 1114)
- Boilers - Design And Construction (PETN 1104)
- Chemistry And Water Treatment (PETN 1106)
- Electricity, Instrumentation And Control (PETN 1108)
- Power Technician Administration (PETN 1110)
- Applied Science (PETN 1112)
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Energy
High Pressure
Safety
Technology recommendations
To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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Career Options
WHAT YOU COULD BE
- Fourth class operating engineer
- Chemical technician
- Nuclear operator
- Oil field specialist
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Program Details
This certificate program is designed to introduce students to theoretical and practical aspects of power generation and power plant operation, at the fourth class level. Accredited by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) as a fourth class Power Engineering program, successful students will be able to challenge the 4A and 4B TSSA exams.
Students who successfully complete this program may qualify for a nine month reduction in steam time. In addition, students who pass their two TSSA tests and successfully complete three months of industry experience, may qualify for their Fourth Class Operating Engineer certificate of qualification.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify and explain operation of components according to industry specifications.
- Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques, problem solving skills and test.
- Apply knowledge of electrical calculations, applied mechanics, thermodynamics, and applied science to ensure safe and efficient operation of the facility.
- Communicate information to effectively and accurately document projects and perform daily operations in a power operating environment under the supervision of a qualified person.
- Conduct modifications to quality control procedures under the supervision of a qualified person.
- Develop and use strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance.
- Complete all assigned work in compliance with Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations, occupational, environmental, health, and fire safety procedures, practices, and laws applicable to the power industry.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)
Recommended
- Grade 12 physics (C or U)
- Grade 12 chemistry (C or U)
Courses
Please note: Some courses may be offered during a different semester due to changes in program delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will still receive the same curriculum and have to meet the same learning outcomes. Questions related to program delivery can be directed to Admissions.
Semester 1
- Practical 1 - Electrical/Instrumentation (ELEC 1114)
- Math (MATH 1115)
- Practical 1 - Mechanical (MECH 1114)
- Boilers - Design And Construction (PETN 1104)
- Chemistry And Water Treatment (PETN 1106)
- Electricity, Instrumentation And Control (PETN 1108)
- Power Technician Administration (PETN 1110)
- Applied Science (PETN 1112)
Semester 2
- Communication Foundations - Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (COMM 1808)
- Fundamental Communication Skills (COMM 1810)
- Practical 2 - Mechanical (MECH 1214)
- Pumping Systems (PETN 1204)
- Building Systems (PETN 1206)
- Heating, Ventilation, AIr Conditioning And Refrigeration (PETN 1208)
- Boiler Operations, Maintenance And Safety (PETN 1210)
- Practical 2 - Power Plant (PETN 1215)
- Steam Time Preparation (STEM 1200)
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.
Career Options
WHAT YOU COULD BE
- Fourth class operating engineer
- Chemical technician
- Nuclear operator
- Oil field specialist
WHERE YOU COULD WORK
- Power and energy producers
- Oil producers
- Manufacturing
Technology Recommendations
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
Weston Family Scholarship
Durham College, in partnership with The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, is pleased to be helping build skilled trades careers with a scholarship worth up to $10,000.
Please visit the Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades page to learn how you can apply.
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