Power Engineering - Certificate Program (Fairview)
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| Intake | Application Deadline |
Start Date | End Date | Final Exam Period |
| Fall | Aug. 30/10 | Aug. 30/10 | Jun. 3/11 |
** |
55.5 credits
Curriculum is subject to changes with respect to ABSA regulations.
Industrial development continues to result in the expansion of the Power Engineer’s responsibilities. Provincial legislation requires the certification of employees before they assume responsibilities in heating and power plants. There are five certificate levels: Fifth, Fourth, Third, Second and First. Each involves qualifying time requirements and SOPEEC, Standardization of Power Engineering Exams Committee (for inter-provincial certificates), examinations administered by the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA).
The objective of this program is to prepare students for entrance into the Power Engineering field at the Fourth Class level, with Part A of the Third Class. This is done by providing the student with both theoretical and practical training.
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 may be required by some employers.
Successful completion of the program entitles graduates to write the Fourth Class Power Engineering SOPEEC examination and Part A of the Third Class Power Engineering SOPEEC examination.
If you are entering the program directly from high school you will need a General High School Diploma including a minimum of:
- 50% in English 30-1 or English 30-2, or equivalent
- 50% in Pure Math 20 or Applied Math 20, or equivalent
- Science 20 or Physics 20, or equivalent
The high school requirements for applicants with a university degree in engineering or science may be waived. To comply with the Alberta Power Engineers Regulations, students must have Physics 30 or Science 30 to proceed to first class competency.
You will need to submit a written career investigation report and be prepared to discuss your career aspirations. Admission to the program is primarily based on academic performance; however, if you do not complete the career investigation, you may be denied admittance into the programs.
Grande Prairie Regional College has a quota on the number of power engineering students that can be admitted. The very high demand for the program in the past few years has made it impossible to accept all qualified applicants.
Student selection is competitive and is based on criteria that may include academic achievement beyond the minimum prerequisite.
Students will spend a total of 29 hours per week in class, 2 hours in lab. Students can expect to study outside of class approximately 2-3 hours each evening and 6-8 hours each weekend.
Work Experience
The 12 week practicum (POF429) takes place January-March. Students gain practical experience in powerhouse/processing and high pressure steam. Salary will not be paid, and any relocation expense is the responsibility of the student.
Courses are not listed in the order they are delivered. POF400-level courses are 4th Class Power Engineering and POF300-level courses are 3rd Class Power Engineering.
Fall (17 Weeks)
- POF410 (1.5) PE Chemistry
- POF412 (5.5) Math, Mechanics, and Thermodynamics
- POF413 (3) Boilers
- POF415 (4) Safety
- POF416 (3) Piping, Welding, and Sketching
- POF417 (1) Introduction to Power Engineering, Administration, and Codes
- POF418 (2) Power Lab I
- POF419 (2.5) Prime Movers and Types of Plants
- POF422 (1.5) Refrigeration
- POF423 (2.5) Heating Boilers and Power House Maintenance
- POF425 (1) Technical Communications I
- POF432 (1.5) Controls
Winter (23 Weeks)
- POF331 (4) PE3 Math, Applied Mechanics, and Thermodynamics
- POF333 (4) PE3 Electricity, Controls, Legistration, Codes, and Fuels Combustion
- POF338 (3.5) PE3 Chemistry, Metallurgy, Valves, Piping, Industrial Drawing, Safety,
and Fire Protection Systems - POF420 (1.5) Electricity
- POF429 (7) Plant Practicum
- POF431 (1.5) Heating Systems and Controls, Plant Services
- POF434 (1.5) Air Conditioning
- POF436 (1) Technical Communications II
- POF437 (.5) Power Lab II
- POF438 (2) Gas Plant Operations
Students must complete all courses with no failing grades and attend a minimum of 80% of all classes and labs to successfully complete the program.
Students may apply for student membership in the Institute of Power Engineers (IPE). Graduates may apply for full membership in the institute of Power Engineers (IPE).