Students develop the skills and knowledge to operate high-energy processes found in power plants such as steam production and use, refrigeration, and gas compression. These processes are found in many industrial, commercial and institutional facilities to support manufacturing, food production, and electrical power generation, as well as to heat and cool buildings. Students learn to operate and maintain equipment such as high-pressure steam systems, boilers, turbines, compressors, chillers, pumps and condensers. In order to ensure power plant processes are operated safely and efficiently, students acquire strong foundation in equipment theory and the underlying science that explains how these machines work. Additionally, students benefit from experiential learning in an on-campus Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) registered power plant, a power plant simulator, and through co-op learning experiences.
The program follows the Standardized Power Engineers Examination Committee (SOPEEC) 4th and 3rd class syllabus and prepares students to write TSSA examinations required for both the 4th and 3rd Class Power (Operating) Engineer certifications.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- work in accordance with occupational safety procedures to minimize risk and enhance personal and public safety;
- evaluate and solve complex technical problems related to power engineering technology and plant systems by applying the principles of mathematics and science;
- perform tasks related to power engineering and plant administration in accordance with relevant laws, policies, ethical principles, procedures and industry standards;
- Communicate information effectively and accurately by evaluating, translating and interpreting relevant drawings and other related documents;
- apply principles of operation for process equipment and electrical systems including boilers, prime movers, refrigeration systems, and associated auxiliaries to ensure safety and efficiency;
- implement strategies that mitigate the effects of power generation on the environment;
- utilize instrument and control systems to support the safe and efficient operations of a power plant;
- outline accepted standards and practices of metallurgy, welding and testing of metals for quality control inspections in power plant operations;
- manage power plant operations, equipment and personnel in a simulated power plant environment;
- relate effectively to co-workers, subordinates and supervisors in the work environment;
- apply basic entrepreneurial strategies to identify and respond to new opportunities.
Practical Experience
All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes. Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this program may find rewarding careers as power or operating engineers in a wide variety of industries. Graduates may work at electrical power generating plants, as well as heating and cooling plants, schools, hospitals and other commercial buildings. Manufacturing, food processing and natural resources are areas in which students may find employment.
Work Integrated Learning: 1 Co-op Work Term + 1 Field Placement
