Power Engineering Techniques | St. Clair College
Program Code: T940
Status: Open
Apply Online:
One Year - Ontario College Certificate
Starts: September
Contact:
Mark Lambert
519-972-2727 ext. 5580
Placements Coordinator

Program Overview

This program is designed to introduce students to all aspects of power generation and maintenance operation, both theoretical and practical at the fourth class level. The program will be a Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) accredited fourth class Power Engineering program, allowing the successful students to write the 4A and 4B TSSA exams. Successful students will require a three-month work placement for the student to obtain the mandatory on-site steam time, in order to receive their fourth-class ticket.

Program Highlights

  • At the forefront of offering preparation towards Certification for 4th Class Operating Engineers under T.S.S.A. (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) and SOPEEC (Standardized Interprovincial certification). The Operating Engineer certification is recognized across Canada.
  • Program is accredited by TSSA for reduced practical time for 4th Class certification.
  • St. Clair College will find eligible students their 4th Class steam time. The student must be prepared to go anywhere in Ontario and assume that the work placement is unpaid. 4th Class placement runs during semester 3 for 3 months (May-August). Complete information regarding work placement is available from the Program Coordinator.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will find employment opportunities in power generation plants, hospitals, municipalities, schools, process refineries, steel mills, heating and cooling plants.

Laddering Opportunities

Graduates of the Power Engineering Techniques program can ladder into Power Engineering Technician and Power Engineering Technology at an Ontario College.

Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of courses at the College ( C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:

  • Grade 11 or 12 Physics
  • Grade 12 English (C or U) (ENG4C, ENG4U)
  • Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP4C or MCT4C) or any Grade 12 University Mathematics, or equivalent

Recommended subjects include:

  • Physics: Grade 12 College or University (SPH 4C, SPH 4U); OR
  • Chemistry: Grade 12 Chemistry College or Grade 11 or 12 University (SCH 4C, SCH 4U, SCH 3U).

Students must be 18 years of age to write TSSA 4th Class examinations. The first TSSA exam takes place between the first and second semester.

Courses

The curriculum below is for incoming students:

Semester 1
Code Title Credits
PSE119
Plant Communication And Maintenance
4
MTH143
Mathematics I
3
PSE142
Industrial Legislation & Safety
2
PSE151
Introduction To Boilers
3
PSE124
Chemistry, Thermodynamics & Environmental Pollution Control
2
PSE117
Materials And Welding
2
PSE129
Introduction To Electrical Controls And Instrumentation
4
PSE118
Applied Mechanics - 4th Class
3
Semester 2
Code Title Credits
PSE445G
Industrial Environmental Awareness
3
MTH243
Mathematics II
3
PSE217
Introduction To Gas & Steam Turbines
3
PSE219
Power Engineering Practical I
6
PSE203
Water Treatment
2
PSE222
Auxillary Building & Heating/Cooling Systems
2
PSE221
Introduction To Refrigeration And HVAC
2
Semester 3
Code Title Credits
Choose one of:
PSE315
Work Placement 4th Class
32
PSE317
Co-Op Placement 4th Class
32

Placement Information

Please be aware that although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, some of our placement sites may require students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Unfortunately, we cannot predict if a placement site will begin to require full vaccination and as such, we are encouraging all students to consider vaccination.  If the requirements of your placement sites change at any point, you will be notified immediately by the College.

It is important to note that if placement sites do require students to be fully vaccinated to attend their place of business, students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a placement for their program and therefore will not be able to complete their programs.

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact our St. Clair College Health Centre at 519-972-2727 ext. 4484 (in Windsor) or 519-354-9100 ext. 3729 (in Chatham).

Your Investment

The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:

2024-2025 Tuition Fees  

For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses are at the student's own expense. It is recommended for most programs, that students have access to a laptop or desktop computer while away from home during experiential learning periods.

Textbooks and other materials are in addition to Tuition Fees. Textbook prices may be found on the Bookstore website.

Please be aware that tuition and compulsory fees are subject to adjustment each year. The College reserves the right to change, amend or alter fees as necessary without notice or prejudice.

Program Physical Demands Analysis

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

Power Engineering Techniques (Ontario College Certificate) (MTCU Code 49100)

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Identify and explain operation of typical power plant components including prime movers, heat engines, refrigeration, HVAC, and electrical according to industry standards.
  2. Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques, problem solving skills and test equipment to assess and control power plants components and operation.
  3. Solve basic technical problems related to power engineering, and plant systems by applying the principles of mathematics, engineering, and science.
  4. Communicate information to effectively and accurately document projects and perform daily operations in a power operating environment under the supervision of a qualified person.
  5. Identify and use strategies for ongoing professional development and career advancement in the power engineering field.
  6. Perform daily operations in a power operating environment under the supervision of a qualified person while working in compliance with Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations, occupational, environmental, health, and fire safety procedures, practices, and laws applicable to the power industry.
  7. Relate effectively to co-workers and supervisors in the work environment.