Delivery options
On-Campus Day* - Your course activity is done in-person Monday - Friday, before 6 PM.
On-Campus Evening/Weekend - Your course activity is done in person on weekdays from 6 PM or later, or Saturdays and Sundays.
Online Day* - Your course activity is done online Monday - Friday, before 6 PM.
Online Evening/Weekend - Your course activity is done online on weekdays from 6 PM or later, or Saturdays and Sundays.
Online Flexible Delivery - Your course activity is not scheduled and therefore you can determine when to do the coursework.
Blended Delivery - Both On-Campus and Online - Some of your coursework will be in-person, on-campus and some will be done online.
* There may be circumstances that require some day delivery of classes to be scheduled into the evenings.
Please note due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these delivery options may shift from term to term. Please consult your program for details on delivery options.
Program length
Estimated program length is based on the recommended course load per semester as outlined in the Courses tab.
Actual program length will vary based on the number of courses/credits successfully completed per semester.
Program menu
Overview
Safely run processing equipment at oil and gas and natural gas processing facilities with training that covers basic plant operations, safety and thermodynamics. Graduates are ready to write the Alberta Boiler Safety Association Fourth-Class certification exam.
Power and Process Operations is an eight-month program that trains students for careers as operators, responsible for the daily safe running of processing equipment at oil and gas facilities. The program consists of both classroom and laboratory study, and prepares students to become fourth class Power Engineers through ABSA.
Is this the right fit for me?
A Grade 12 equivalent is recommended to increase employment opportunities. Applicants should be physically agile, have good hearing and be capable of lifting 45-kilogram chemical sacks.
Students 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.
Accreditation
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 Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate in Power and Process Operations.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in industries such as petrochemical, fertilizer, pulp and paper, natural gas processing, metallurgical, petroleum refining and food and beverage production.
Potential positions include:
- plant operator
- process operator
- field operator
Related careers include:
- oil pipeline operator
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $6,599
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $19,121.90
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When do classes start?
Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
---|---|---|
Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 | Aug. 19, 2022 |
Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2023 start: applications opened on March 30, 2022.
Program admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in Math 30-1 or at least 75% in Math 30-2 or Math 30-3
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2.
All applicants must demonstrate english language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Power and Process Operations and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
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.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
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 |
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $171
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $5,130 | $916 | $553 | $6,599 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $588.43
Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $17,652.90 | $916 | $553 | $19,121.90 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Winter 2022
Orientation date
Your program orientation will take place online. You will receive further details shortly from your academic chair or program coordinator.
Learn more about your orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes that begin on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
We recommend you wear CSA-approved (green triangle) protective footwear in our labs. A hard hat and safety glasses will be provided to you.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Important Dates