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Overview

Power and Process Operations is a comprehensive eight-month program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as an operator in various power generation and processing industries.

It is the equivalent of a Fourth-Class Power Engineering program. It combines theoretical learning with hands-on laboratory experience utilizing the same type of equipment found in industry, ensuring that you are well-prepared to manage the day-to-day operations of complex power and processing systems safely and efficiently.

In this program, you will:

  • learn the fundamentals of boilers, including design, operation and maintenance
  • learn about heat and energy transfer and how it's used and managed in power systems
  • learn the basics of electricity, electrical circuits, power generation and electrical safety, including how to safely operate electrical equipment in industrial settings
  • learn about design, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of different types of pumps and compressors
  • get instruction on workplace safety, including fire safety, hazardous material handling and emergency procedures
  • train in the instrumentation used to monitor and control engineering systems, including sensors, transmitters, controllers and actuators
  • learn the basics of plant operations and troubleshooting
  • learn the fundamentals of internal combustion engines, steam turbines and gas turbines, including design and operation typical to those found in facilities, industry and power plants
  • establish the knowledge and skills to operate a refrigeration system used in process industries and facility cooling
  • learn the fundamentals of facility environmental conditioning and control, including design and operation of air handling units, chillers and building automation systems
  • gain an understanding of the water treatment, testing and analysis that promotes equipment and system longevity, including cooling, heating, steam, condensate and feedwater systems.

Graduates of this program find job opportunities in power generation, petrochemical, fertilizer, pulp and paper, natural gas processing, metallurgical, petroleum refining, food and beverage production industries, and facility operations. Most roles involve shift work and can often be located at remote sites.

This program will prepare you to challenge the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Fourth Class Power Engineer certification exams to earn your certification, setting the stage for a challenging and rewarding career in power and process operations.

Those in power engineering tend to be objective, innovative and methodical. 

You need:

  • mechanical and some electrical aptitude
  • to be physically agile and capable of lifting heavy objects
  • good vision, hearing and eye-hand co-ordination
  • manual dexterity
  • communication skills
  • organizational and decision-making skills
  • the ability to work with others in a team environment.

Those with serious colour vision defects or who suffer from claustrophobia or fear of heights may have trouble with certain aspects of instruction and may experience problems securing employment.

You should enjoy analyzing problems and coming up with solutions, working as efficiently as possible, and have respect for safety standards and codes.

Graduates can transfer course credits and enter the SAIT Power Engineering Technology program to earn their diploma with one additional year of study.  

This program is integrated with the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) certification system.

Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:

  • Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA)
  • Institute of Power Engineers (IPE)
  • International Pressure Equipment Integrity Association (IPEIA)
  • National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)

After successfully completing this program, you'll receive a SAIT Power and Process Operations certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 67% graduate employment rate

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22301, 22302, 22312, 70012, 92100, 92011.

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Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Take our career finder quiz

Courses

The Power and Process Operations certificate requires 30 credits (12 courses) to complete.

The program spans one year, with two semesters.

View classes by semester

Course Credits

An introduction to chemistry that includes concepts of classification of matter, atomic-base theory, oxidation-reduction and its relationship to electrochemistry and corrosion. A brief introduction is given to organic chemistry. Students are introduced to analytical chemical techniques commonly used in the petroleum industry and water treatment facilities.

Equivalents:
  • CHEM 230
 1.5

This course is designed to sharpen communication skills specifically related to the daily operation of an industrial plant.

1.5

This course explores interpersonal communications and how strong communications skills may be applied to positive workplace relationships. The course work is designed to help you become a more effective communicator in the increasingly diversified workplace.

1.5

This applied computer course provides students with critical electronic communications, data and file management skills, along with a strong focus on using common productivity applications to format, calculate, analyze, visualize, and present or report data and information.

Equivalents:
  • COMP 264
 1.5

Provides an introduction to safety problems and safe practices in industry and an appreciation of the potential environmental impact of air, water, waste and noise. Some discussion on the handling of waste and perception of risk, environmental responsibility and sustainable development are included.

Equivalents:
  • SFTY 215
 1.5

This course will provide the resources for students to develop skills and experience in boiler plant general mechanical and preventative maintenance. Students will learn to perform the following procedures: identifying hand tools, precision measurement, drilling and tapping, threading pipe, valve packing, and flange gasket replacement.

Equivalents:
  • MACH 226
 1.5

Fluid Circuit, Centrifugal Pumps, Refrigeration, Heat Exchanger, Heat Loss, Climbing Film, Evaporator, PVT Cell, Fractionation (Distillation), Gas Absorption, Centrifugal Pump Simulator Lab, Centrifugal Compressor Simulator Lab, Flash Drum Simulator Lab, Fluid Flow Simulator Lab, Fractionation (Distillation), Gas Absorption, Gas Dehydration Lab, and Separator Lab.

Equivalents:
  • PROP 223
 3

Operate, monitor, troubleshoot process operations, describe process operations, Oil Treater Lab, Compressor Lab, Gas Dehydration Lab, Field Operations: Conventional Separators, Design, Normal Operation, Hydrate Control, Dehydration - Glycol Equipment and Operation, Stabilization Equipment, Hydrocarbons - Storage and Loading, Sulphur: Claus Process, and Plant Tail Gas Cleanup.

Pre-requisites:
  • PROP 262
Equivalents:
  • PROP 271
  • PROP 273
 3

This course will examine operation of Gas Plants, Pulp Mills, Steam-Related Oil, Food and Saw mill processes and Hot Oil Systems. Students will review these processes and then select an elective to narrow their study on either Refrigeration Plant Operations or Gas Plant Operations, depending on interest. Students choosing Refrigeration Plant Operation will focus on the following topics: Refrigeration Plant Safety, Refrigeration Theories, Piping Connections, Auxiliary Equipment, Compression Refrigeration, Control, Absorption Refrigeration and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC). Students will be trained on the safe operation of a refrigeration system. Students choosing Gas Plant Operations will focus on the following topics: Field Operation Requirements, Motive Power Equipment Operation, Gas Plant Processing Equipment and Operation, Electrical Systems and Plant Control.

Pre-requisites:
  • PWEN 285
  • THRM 224
Equivalents:
  • PWEN 282
 1.5

This course will help prepare students to write the ABSA 4th Class Part B exam including the topics of Prime Movers, Engines, Pumps, Compressors and Air Compression, Lubrication, Power Boilers, Heating Boilers and accessory equipment. Students will spend a large portion of their time in the lab learning material practical to the theory.

Pre-requisites:
  • PWEN 285
 6

This course will prepare students to write the ABSA 4th Class Part A exam which includes Sketching and Drawings, Materials and Welding, Piping and Valves, Basic Electricity, Basic Control and Instrumentation, Low Pressure Boiler Design, High Pressure Boiler Design, Fittings, Parts and Operation, and Feedwater systems; Prime Movers, Engines, Compressors and Air Compressors, and Turbines. Students will spend the majority of their time in the lab learning practical applications to the theory and gaining practical experience towards earning the 4th Class Power Engineering certification.

6

This course deals with introductory level mechanics and thermodynamics. The level of difficulty is appropriate for candidates preparing to write the Alberta Boilers Fourth class exam.

1.5

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 > 

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

  • at least 60% in Math 30-1 or 75% in Math 30-2 or Math 30-3, and
  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade
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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Winter 2025

Start dates:

  • Jan 06, 2025
Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Extended
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Fall 2025

Start dates:

  • Sep 02, 2025
Domestic students: Cancelled
  • Application deadline: June 30, 2025
International students: Cancelled
  • Application deadline: May 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,490 $1,608 $7,089
Total cost:
 $7,089

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $18,360 $1,608 $19,968
Total cost:
 $19,968

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 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.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes. You'll require:

  • Standard coveralls
  • CSA-approved (green triangle) protective footwear

A hard hat and safety glasses will be provided to you.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Alberta Job Grant

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants. 

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

MacPhail School of Energy

403.284.8451
macphail.students@sait.ca

International Student Advising

403.284.8852
international@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre