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Overview

Need operational experience for Fourth Class certification? SAIT's Fourth Class Power Engineering Lab is a comprehensive 200-hour hands-on course that provides the practical training you need to complete your certification pathway. This lab bridges the gap between theory and real-world application, and the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) accepts completion as meeting their six-month operational experience requirement.

In our state-of-the-art facility, you'll work extensively with advanced power systems including medium-pressure steam boilers, condensing and non-condensing turbines, sophisticated control systems, and complex auxiliary equipment. Under the guidance of certified power engineer instructors, you'll operate turbine-generator systems, advanced boiler controls, water treatment systems, and industrial refrigeration units. Through practical training, you'll develop competency in turbine synchronization, power factor control, troubleshooting, and sophisticated instrumentation. Your progress is evaluated through a combination of hands-on competency demonstrations and exams, with emphasis on practical skills to ensure you can safely and effectively operate equipment.

This applied approach ensures you meet ABSA's practical requirements for Fourth Class while building the advanced skills employers seek for Fourth Class positions.

This course is ideal if you:

  • have completed Fourth Class theory but lack the six months of steam time required by ABSA for certification
  • want focused hands-on training with advanced power systems, including turbines and sophisticated controls
  • are committed to 100% attendance (ABSA requirement) to ensure your success
  • are ready to gain the practical skills needed to become a certified, employable Fourth Class Power Engineer.

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • identify piping, valves, and steam traps related to boiler systems
  • operate various pumps, including boiler feedwater pumps, safely
  • prepare raw water for steam production and operate a water softener system
  • safely operate different boiler types: medium-pressure steam, low-pressure firetube, and hot water heating boilers
  • operate steam turbines (condensing and non-condensing) and gas turbines
  • operate auxiliary systems: refrigeration, air compressors, and internal combustion engines
  • demonstrate safe control of a power boiler and interpret HVAC system operations.

To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.

Power Engineering certification requirements and transfer provisions vary by province and territory across Canada. Check with the regulatory authority where you plan to work:

  • Planning to work in Alberta? Contact ABSA.
  • Planning to work elsewhere in Canada? Contact the local boiler branch in that jurisdiction.

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 Fourth 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 Fourth 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.)

Aldred building

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. 

Learn more

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.

Contact us

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