Power Engineering - Coop
Program Description
This two year program addresses the critical shortage of power engineers in Northern Alberta. Through a progression of classroom instruction linked directly to the workplace, students gain real time, paid work experience as they earn 4th and 3rd Class certification as Power Engineers.
1st Year
- 4 months - 4th Class Power Engineering Part A & B Theory
- 6 month paid work placement (upon availability and eligibility)
2nd Year
- 4 months - 3rd Class Power Engineering Part A & B Theory
- 6 month paid work placement (upon availability and eligibility)
All efforts will be made to assist students to obtain a cooperative work placement. These placements are based upon students' academic achievement, Alberta Boiler Safety Association industry certification and industry host requirements, policies and regulations. Keyano College cannot guarantee coop placements.
Local and regional industry partners have supported the program since 1996.
Current Industry Partners:
- Shell Albian Sands
- Conoco Phillips
- Japan Canada Oil Sands Ltd.
- Nexen Inc.
- Suncor Energy Inc.
- Syncrude Canada Ltd.
- Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
- Cenovus Energy
Admission Requirements
Alberta High School Diploma, or equivalent, with a minimum English 20/23 or English 20-1 or 20-2; Math 20/23 or Math 20 Pure/Applied, and Physics 20 or Science 20 or equivalent post-secondary education.
In addition to these requirements applicants will be required to successfully complete a Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) with a minimum score of 4500. Upon successful completion of the DAT test score ahievement, students are then scheduled an appointment with Industry and College representatives. The interview format will follow a behaviour descriptive interview process.
All applicants to Keyano College must demonstrate English Language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information please refer to English Language Proficiency.
For upgrading options, please refer to Academic Upgrading program.
Advanced credit may be granted to applicants who have completed equivalent education at a post secondary institution, please refer to the Prior Learning and Assessment section.
Career Opportunities
Power engineers may be employed in any industry in which boilers are used;
• gas plants
• power generating plants
• heavy oil plants
• petrochemical plants
• pulp mills
• plastic plants
• breweries
• food production plants
• refineries
• hospitals
• hotels
• schools and other institutions
• office and apartment complexes
Program Outcomes
Graduates from the program will be able to:
• ensure that safety codes and other applicable regulations are followed
• use computerized systems to control, start, shut down and track the operation of boilers and related equipment, or use automatic or manual controls
• monitor alarms, gauges and other instruments associated with plant operations
• trouble shoot and take corrective action to prevent equipment or system failures
• isolate and lock out equipment mechanically and electrically for inspection and repair
• ensure that equipment and processes operate at maximum efficiency
• take chemical tests of boiler water and other process samples, interpret them and determine appropriate chemical treatments
• assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures
• maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities
• investigate and report on safety-related accidents or incidents
• write reports about plant operation
Program Structure
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1: Fourth Class | ||
| Term 1 (16 Weeks) | 16 | |
| PECO 4100 | Applied Science | 4 |
| PECO 4200 | Plant Services | 4 |
| PECO 4300 | Steam Generation | 4 |
| PECO 4400 | Prime Movers and Auxiliaries | 4 |
Year 2: Third Class |
||
| Term 1 (16 Weeks) | 16 | |
| PECO 3100 | Applied Science | 4 |
| PECO 3200 | Plants Services | 4 |
| PECO 3300 | Stream Generation | 4 |
| PECO 3400 | Prime Movers and Auxiliaries | 4 |