Program Overview

A TSSA-registered, on-campus power plant. Curriculum that is endorsed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). A unique program located in northern Ontario. Just a few of the reasons why Cambrian's Power Engineering Technician program is in high demand..

Over four semesters, you'll gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in all aspects of power plant operation and maintenance.  4th Class level in first year and at the 3rd Class level in second year. Theoretical concepts discussed in class are further explained and reinforced during practical experience in the College's Power Engineering Training Facility.  This facility is where you will learn to operate and maintain working equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Course subjects closely follow the Standardized Power Engineers Examination Committee (SOPEEC) syllabus and help prepare you to challenge the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) examinations required for the 4th and 3rd class level of certification as an Operating Engineer. 

Our program is accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). This accreditation will grant a qualifying time reduction to students who successfully complete the program. Upon successful completion of the first year of the program, you will receive a TSSA-issued, qualifying experience time (QET) entitlement of 1440 hours (9 months) of qualifying time towards your 4th Class certification. This QET entitlement will lower the amount of time required for 4th class certification to 480 hours  (3 months) from 1920 hours (12 months). Upon successful completion of the second year of the program, you will receive a TSSA-issued, qualifying experience time (QET) entitlement of 1760 hours (11 months) of qualifying time towards your 3rd class certification. This QET entitlement will lower the amount of time required for 3rd class certification to 160 hours  (1 month) from the 1920 hours (12 months) total experience necessary.  

Program Highlights

Program length is 2 years (4 semesters); or 1 year (2 semesters) if TSSA certification as a 4th Class Operating Engineer is already possessed

Program accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)

One of a few colleges in Ontario to offer this program and the only college in northern Ontario

Hands-on training experienced in Cambrian's on-campus power plant

Grads are eligible to challenge the TSSA examinations for 3rd Class certification as an Operating Engineer

QET entitlement of 1440 hours (9 months) of qualifying time towards your 4th class certificate (successful completion of year one); and an additional QET entitlement of 1760 hours (11 months) of qualifying time towards your 3rd class certificate (successful completion of year two)

Fieldwork/Placement

Students in the Power Engineering Technician program will have opportunities to gather further qualifying time during industrial work placements.  These placements are traditionally obtained over the summer period between the end of year one and the start of year two.   

Career outcomes*

Certified 3rd Class operating engineer in manufacturing plants, co-generation facilities, mining operations, pulp and paper mills, hospitals, compressor plants and electrical generation plants.

Average Salaries*

Across these career outcomes, salaries in Canada range from:

$45,900 to $80,000

Accreditations

Grads are eligible to challenge the TSSA examinations for 3rd Class certification as an Operating Engineer

Program endorsed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)