Overview
First Class Power Engineers apply advanced management and leadership principles to support effective decision-making and organizational performance in complex industrial environments. At this level, understanding how business practices, communication, and workforce management influence plant operations is essential to support coordinated and efficient system performance.
First Class Power Engineering B4 supports preparation for the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) First Class B4 theory certification exam and is also suited to experienced power engineers seeking to strengthen or refresh advanced knowledge in business and organizational management. In this course, you’ll study business management concepts, budgeting and return on investment, contract management and tendering processes, problem solving and decision-making frameworks, leadership models, communication and conflict resolution, labour relations, recruitment and employee development, and organizational structures. Emphasis is placed on evaluating management approaches, applying decision-making strategies, and understanding how organizational practices support effective plant operations.
You’ll complete this course through flexible, part-time online study with instructor support. Your learning experience combines textbook study with interactive online chapter assessments that reinforce key concepts, while instructor consultation supports your understanding of the material. The course concludes with a final proctored online exam taken at a physical testing centre of your choice.
This course is ideal if you:
- are preparing to write the ABSA First Class Power Engineering B4 theory exam
- hold a Second Class Certificate of Competency and are progressing toward First Class
- want to strengthen your leadership, decision-making, and management skills in an industrial context
- work in a power or industrial environment and require advanced knowledge of organizational and workforce management
- need flexible, part-time online learning that fits your schedule.
There are no mandatory prerequisites or eligibility requirements to enroll in this course.
To be successful in this course, we recommend you have a minimum 50% in Grade 12 Math, English, Physics. If you haven’t completed these courses, consider taking Academic Upgrading courses first.
Learners will benefit from having Second Class–level theory knowledge, or equivalent education or industry experience, before beginning First Class theory training. Completion of Second Class Power Engineering theory courses is recommended.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- explain business management concepts, budgets, calculate value, return on investment
- define and explain contract management legal requirements, tendering and contract types
- explain, define, and compare problem solving and decision-making processes
- explain and compare leadership goals, responsibilities and models
- describe and compare various methods of communication and conflict resolution
- explain and compare various problems and strategies used in labour relations
- explain recruitment and employee development, performance and competence
- explain and compare management and organization structures.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued an official result letter, which you can submit with your ABSA First Class B4 exam application. SAIT's passing grade is 50%, while the ABSA Certificate of Competency exams require 65%.
To receive the ABSA First Class Certificate of Competency, proof of work experience is also required. If you complete all eight first class power engineering courses and work in an eligible role at a qualifying power plant as defined by ABSA, you may receive up to 12 months' credit toward operating/steam time experience requirement. Contact ABSA for more information to determine your needs based on your unique situation.
Power engineering certification requirements and transfer provisions vary by province and territory across Canada. Check with the regulatory authority in your desired work location for details.
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.
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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 First Class certification exam application.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L).
The following book is required and available for purchase at checkout when you register online for this course:
- Power Engineering First Class Part B4 Textbook, Ed. 2.0
Note: If you choose to purchase the book from SAIT after you have registered for the course, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca for assistance.
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements
- Internet access.
Additional information
An additional proctoring fee applies to write the final exam at your chosen testing centre.
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 Productivity Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
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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.
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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.