Certificates

Power Engineering (Third Class)

Spring 2027
Yorkton (TTC)

Enhance your skills in power engineering

The second phase of Sask Polytech’s Power Engineering Technician program will give you practical training in high- and low-pressure boiler operations, water treatment systems, pump operations, controls and instrumentation, air conditioning and refrigeration, checking and maintaining equipment, using computers to monitor plant operations, plant safety, environmental management and communications.

Although power engineering isn't classified as a trade, it is government regulated and certified by the province where you live and work. It is divided into four levels of skills and training (First Class is the highest). A combination of work experience and course completions followed by rigorous interprovincial examinations allows an engineer to progress from one class to another.

You will cover the theory required to prepare you for Third Class interprovincial exams during the duration of this program (Exams Part A, Paper 1 & 2, Part B, Paper 1 & 2). You will acquire boiler firing time in our new power lab.

Admission Requirements



A non-refundable application fee of $60.00 is required for application processing.


Students are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation during work placements. A driver’s licence and vehicle are strongly recommended.


PPE required for work placement includes: CSA-approved steel toe work boots, safety glasses and coveralls. Students will also need to supply their own hand tools for work placement.


  • Recommended laptop computer (Windows 10, Internet, Microsoft Office 365, and speakers/webcam)

1 Intake Option Available

Spring 2027 Full-Time
Yorkton (TTC)

Yorkton (TTC)

Full-Time
Spring 2027
Start Date Spring 2027
End Date August 21, 2027
Length 14 Weeks
Program Capacity 12
Domestic Tuition $3,000.00

Additional Fees

Domestic Tuition and Fees
 

*Tuition$3,000.00
*Materials & Books
 
$2,500.00 (includes GST)
*Student Fee$100.00
*Health & Dental Fee$252.00
*Lab/Shop Fee$250.00
*Exam Fee$208.00
*Tech Fee$100.00
*Printing Fee$500.00

*Note: Tuition, Books and Supplies, Health and Dental, etc amounts are approximate, based on last year's program and may change at anytime.

Courses



2024-25
2024-25

You will study the operation of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) electrical generators motors and components used for the safe distribution of electrical energy. You will calculate DC and AC system operating values.

Credit Units: 2.00

Course Hours: 30.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Prior Learning Lecture/Lab

You will study industrial applications including multiple compressor arrangements, vapour compression, and absorption refrigeration. You will review auxiliaries, capacity controls and basic refrigeration calculations.

Credit Units: 1.00

Course Hours: 15.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

Your studies will focus on fuels, combustion, piping and plant management. You will learn how to perform calculations and do flue gas analysis required for optimum efficiency in plant operation. You will learn piping design, valve and actuator application, steam trap systems and insulation. You will learn maintenance strategies, fire protection systems and review safety management programs.

Credit Units: 2.00

Course Hours: 30.00

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will apply the theory of mechanics to problems in the power engineering field. You will solve problems involving mass, vectors, force, motion, work, energy, power, stress, and fluids.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will use Distributed Control System (DCS) to manage the power lab equipment. You will assume multiple roles in the operation of a high pressure steam plant. You will develop your supervisory skills by assuming the role of shift lead in the power lab.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lab/Practical

You will examine the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) codes, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards and the Provincial Boiler Act and Regulations, that pertains to the design and operations of boilers.

Credit Units: 1.00

Course Hours: 15.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will study the design and operation of various pumps You will solve pump head calculations. Your studies will involve air compression design, auxiliaries and system components.

Credit Units: 2.00

Course Hours: 30.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will study prime movers including steam turbines, gas turbines and internal combustion engines. You will study cogeneration systems, heat exchangers and fired heaters.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will study the principles of chemistry and corrosion in industrial operations and how these processes will effect metallurgy and materials. You will analyze and interpret industrial drawings to understand plant processes.

Credit Units: 2.00

Course Hours: 30.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will study boiler controls and plant instrumentation. You will study the computer control systems used to monitor and control boiler firing.

Credit Units: 2.00

Course Hours: 30.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will use trigonometry to solve problems involving oblique triangles and radian measures. You will solve problems involving exponential and logarithmic equations. You will apply these concepts to solve introductory problems in the fields of applied mechanics and thermodynamics.

Credit Units: 1.00

Course Hours: 15.00

Prerequisite(s)

Equivalent Course(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

Your studies will focus on larger steam generators found in industrial plants. You will study specialized boiler types, construction, auxiliaries, operating procedures, firing equipment, and control systems used for steam generation. You will study various welding procedures, inspection methods and pressure vessels.

Credit Units: 2.00

Course Hours: 30.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will solve intermediate problems involving thermal equilibrium, thermal expansion, heat transfer and heat power, steam properties and production, boiler formulae, perfect gas properties and work production.

Credit Units: 3.00

Course Hours: 45.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

You will study internal and external water treatment processes. You will examine external treating process to gain an understanding of wastewater treatment.

Credit Units: 2.00

Course Hours: 30.00

Prerequisite(s)

Potential Learning Methods

Online Lecture/Theory

Specialised Knowledge that is Always in Demand

Trades & Apprenticeship

Trade jobs are in high demand. Choosing a trade means having a stable career and options of where to work.

Power Engineering @ Suncrest College

Certification Opportunities

Power engineering is divided into levels of skill and training called classes (First Class is the highest level). You progress from one class to another through a combination of work experience, course completions and rigorous interprovincial exams.

After completing Year 1, you will earn one year of Fourth Class qualifying time credit from the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK), and be prepared to challenge:

  • TSASK Fourth Class exams, and
  • TSASK Refrigeration Engineers exams

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) of Ontario website includes a video that provides information about the power engineering industry and training that may be helpful in determining whether this career is right for you. (The program and students shown are not from Saskatchewan Polytechnic).

Provincial certification (TSASK) is required to work in the industry. TSASK test writing fees are not included in tuition.

Sask Polytech Logo

Brokered Through

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

College partners with credit granting institutions like Saskatchewan Polytechnic. These partnerships allow us to offer a greater number of recognized courses closer to where you are.

About

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis. Learning takes place at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.

Suncrest College

Why Study Here?

Students who attend Suncrest College can expect smaller class sizes and an easier transition. At Suncrest College students typically receive more one-on-one time with instructors. Our staff will know your name not just your student number.

10

Percent

Higher Averages When Compared to Larger Class Sizes

#

More

You are more than just a number, we know you by name

$

Spend Less

Live where you learn, spend less on the extras

Career Options

Power engineers operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings and other work sites. They are employed by power generation plants, electrical power utilities, heavy oil upgraders and gas processing plants, manufacturing plants, mines, hospitals, universities and government and commercial establishments.

NOC ClassificationEarning Potential

Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators (9241)

$56,200 - $121,700


NOC ClassificationEarning Potential

Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators (9241)

$56,200 - $121,700


NOC ClassificationEarning Potential

Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators (9241)

$56,200 - $121,700


The benefits of having a power engineering program run locally through College can be measured in money and time but what cannot be quantified is the opportunity to go home after class.

The advantage for a company like Louis Dreyfus Commodities, who participates in the work placement program, is to have first look at the students as potential employees. The last power engineer we hired learned his trade at College, and he is now training to obtain his Second Class license.

Henry Bouchard

Former Chief Engineer, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Yorkton

Get credit for what you know

Do you have prior education, work experience and/or job training that relates to your program area? If so, you could be eligible for credit that reduces your study time and cost. Credit can also be applied from your Sask Polytech program to another institution.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.


Frequently Asked

When you complete the Business, Office Administration, or Continuing Care Certificate at College your certificate will be issued by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.


You can apply anytime for SaskPolytech certificate programs at "College". However, please note that applicants are accepted on a first come/first qualified basis. Original transcripts are required for acceptance into a program. Applications can be sent without the original but will not be officially considered until all entrance requirements are met (original transcript included).


Yes, most of the programs are available on a class by class basis (for domestic students only). If you are interested in taking a program but can only do a few classes per semester we can create a schedule that will suit your needs. Some classes do have a prerequisite requirement and need to be taken in a certain order. We can help guide you through the process!


Students can complete the online application form and pay the $140.00 processing fee. Applications must include secondary and post-secondary transcripts and documents. English proficiency results must also be attached.


All programs require an IELTS minimum 6.5 with no bands less than 5.5.


Students will cover several courses in each semester and are responsible for assignments and studying. This will definitely require homework outside of class time.


Need more Information?

Contact the Trades & Apprenticeship Department