On this page:
Overview
Ready to put your power engineering theory into practice? SAIT's Fifth Class Power Engineering Lab is a 100-hour hands-on course that qualifies you to apply for and write the ABSA Fifth Class certification exam upon successful completion. ABSA accepts this course in lieu of their requirement for six months of operational experience.
In our fully equipped lab, you'll learn the safe operation of boilers, pumps, water treatment systems, refrigeration units, air compressors, and HVAC systems under the guidance of certified power engineer instructors. Through guided practice and competency testing, you'll develop confidence operating low-pressure firetube boilers, medium-pressure steam boilers, and hot water heating systems. You'll also hone practical skills in water testing, valve operation, steam trap identification, and troubleshooting common equipment problems.
This applied approach ensures you meet ABSA's practical experience requirements and are job-ready, with the skills employers require.
This course is ideal if you:
- have completed the theory for Fifth Class but lack the six months of steam time required by ABSA for certification
- want hands-on training with real boilers, pumps, and heating systems before entering the workforce
- are committed to 100% attendance (ABSA requirement) to ensure your success in the course
- are ready to gain the practical skills needed to become a certified, employable Fifth Class Power Engineer.
- You must complete PWEN 003 - Fifth Class Power Engineering Theory before registering for this course.
- We will also accept completion of a Fifth Class theory course from another ABSA-recognized educational institute, provided it aligns with current IPECC curriculum. An official result letter showing your final grade from the education provider is required. Contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca for more information.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- identify piping, valves and steam traps for boiler operation
- demonstrate the safe operation of various pumps
- discuss the process of preparing raw water for steam production
- demonstrate the safe operation of a water softener system
- demonstrate the safe operation of a low pressure firetube boiler
- demonstrate the safe operation of a medium-pressure steam boiler
- demonstrate the safe operation of a hot water heating boiler
- demonstrate the safe operation of a refrigeration system
- demonstrate the safe operation of an air compressor
- demonstrate the safe operation of an internal combustion engine
- explain the operation of a gas turbine
- interpret operation of an HVAC system.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
Don't have a student account? Let's set one up!
Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled, and blended courses, and one day before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, SAIT will issue you an official result letter for you to submit with your ABSA Fifth Class certification exam application.
Costs
Textbook and supplies
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive:
- access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L)
- course materials distributed in class
- use of SAIT Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hat, safety glasses, and ear muffs
To be successful in this course, you'll need:
- steel-toed shoes/boots
- long pants and long-sleeved shirt (no hoodies or heavy winter jackets)
Note: Bringing your Fifth Class text books to class is not required.
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need your own computer/laptop with standard hardware/software requirements to access D2L course content outside of class time, including the mandatory online safety orientation module (must be completed before entering the lab).
Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
-
Certificate of Achievement
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
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.