Power and Process Operations

Credential:: certificate
Program length:: 1 year
Location:: In person (Main Campus)
International applicants:: Accepted PGWP eligible
Faculty:: MacPhail School of Energy
CAJG Eligible

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

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Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

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You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

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Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

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SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

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Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

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.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous post-secondary courses may be available.

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

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

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 75% 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.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

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

Suggested schedule of study

Semester 1

Course code	Course name	Credit
COMM-201	Industrial Communications	1.5
COMP-261	Applied Digital Technologies	1.5
ENVS-221	Safety and Environmental Protection	1.5
PROP-262	Process Operations I	3.0
PWEN-285	Basic Plant Operations I	6.0
THRM-224	Thermodynamics	1.5
Semester 1 total		15.0

Semester 2

Course code	Course name	Credit
CHEM-233	Chemistry and Corrosion	1.5
COMM-352	Communicating in The Workplace	1.5
MACH-236	Workshop Practices	1.5
PROP-266	Process Operations II	3.0
PROP-270	Unit Operations	1.5
PWEN-284	Basic Plant Operations II	6.0
Semester 2 total		15.0
Program total		30.0

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

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students 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 >

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

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

At least 60% in Math 30-1, or at least 75% in Math 30-2, Math 30-3,
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 out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

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

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

English language proficiency

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

Learn more

Available intakes

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Jan 06, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Open: Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

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.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 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	$5,400	$1,570	$6,970
Total cost:				$6,970

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	$18,359.10	$1,570	$19,929.10
Total cost:				$19,929.10

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

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

Ready to apply?

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

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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.

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 $150 for international applicants.

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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.

Power and Process Operations

On this page:

Overview