PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog
Power Engineering Technology
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Our comprehensive two-year Power Engineering Technology diploma will equip you with the knowledge and skills to obtain your Third-Class Power Engineer certification.
If you are passionate about energy systems and industrial processes, this program is for you.
As a student, you will:
- study the principles of generating thermal and electrical energy efficiently and safely, knowledge that is essential for operating and maintaining power and process plant equipment
- gain in-depth knowledge of applied thermodynamics, the laws governing heat, energy and work, which are vital for understanding, managing and optimizing energy conversion processes in the power generation and chemical process industry
- gain practical experience operating energy and process equipment, such as boilers, turbines, electrical generators, pumps, compressors, internal combustion engines, chillers and air handling units
- prepare to write the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) exams required to attain the Third-Class Power Engineering certification, an important credential in this field
- become familiar with the ABSA standards for the safe operation of pressure equipment in Alberta.
With this diploma, you can explore career prospects as a plant operator, plant shift supervisor, or chief plant engineer across various industries such as power generation, petrochemical, refining, and pulp and paper. The skills you will acquire can also open doors to other opportunities in the energy and process industries, including positions in safety, management, and technical sales.
By the end of this program, you will have the foundation to thrive in the power engineering field.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in power engineering tend to be objective, innovative, and methodical.
You need:
- mechanical and some electrical aptitude
- good vision, hearing, and eye-hand coordination
- manual dexterity
- communication skills
- organizational and decision-making skills
- the ability to work with others in a team environment.
Power engineers and process operators control and operate complex systems manually and through automation. You should be analytical and enjoy problem-solving, while adhering to efficiency and safety standards and codes.
Some employers may require colour-blind testing.
Academic path
Graduates of this program can prepare to write the required ABSA exams to achieve their Second- and First-Class Power Engineering certification by taking our flexible Continuing Education courses.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
Graduates are eligible for registration in the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists.
This program is currently under review by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC.)
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Power Engineering Technology diploma.
Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible
This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Power engineers and power systems operators (92100)
- Boilermakers (72103)
- Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities (92011)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet one of the below requirement options.
Option A
Completion of all the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in Math 30-1 or 75% in Math 30-2, and
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, and
- at least 60% in Physics 30.
Option B
Completion of all the following or equivalents:
- SAIT Power and Process Operations certificate program and
- at least 60% in Physics 30.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Power Engineering Technology diploma requires 61.5 credits (24 courses) to complete.
The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
You’ll require the following books and reading materials for the program, which can be purchased from PanGlobal:
- Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part A, Part B and Academic Supplements (used in PENG 201, PENG 203, PENG 251, PENG 253, THRM 208, and THRM 258)
- Power Engineering Third Class Textbook Set (used in ELCT 304, PENG 301, and PENG 351)
- Power Engineering Second Class Textbook - Part B3 (used in ELCT 354)
- Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part A (used in SFTY 215)
AMEC356 will require Mott, Robert L; Untener, J. A. (2015): Applied Fluid Mechanics (7th in SI Units ed.), Pearson, which can be purchased from the SAIT Bookstore.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
We recommend you wear CSA-approved (green triangle, above ankles) protective footwear in our labs. A hard hat and safety glasses will be provided to you.
Required equipment/tools
You’ll require a scientific calculator capable of performing linear regression.
Energy program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our MacPhail School of Energy.
Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Explain the theories and concepts used to optimize cycle conditions to improve overall performance.
- Perform start-up, shutdown, and continued operation of process equipment according to safe operating practices and design parameters.
- Manage the impact of water chemistry on equipment efficiency and reliability.
- Communicate with co-workers via verbal, non-verbal, and written instructions to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
- Troubleshoot abnormal conditions and take corrective action.
- Optimize performance in a process environment to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Locate and outline the intent of relevant government, safety and environmental regulations.
- Develop and maintain procedures.
- Apply data analysis with the degree of accuracy required to solve problems and make decisions.
- Interpret technical documents.
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