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Power up an exciting career!
Learn about boilers, steam and gas turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pressure vessels and more. This is an intense program with exceptional practicums in the oil and gas industry and excellent career opportunities.
4th Class Certification includes 25 weeks of study and 160 hours (1 month) field placement, 3rd Class Certification includes 52 weeks of study and 960 hours (6-8 month) field placement.
The 4th Class Power Engineering program follows the 4th Class SOPECC Power Engineering syllabus and regulations set by the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA).
Practicum Dates
Both 4th and 3rd Class programs include field placements--locations vary. They are based on industry availability and may be paid or unpaid, at the sole discretion of industry. A huge benefit to students at Portage College.
Domestic Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
Domestic Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Domestic Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
Career Potential
A student with the appropriate training in the power engineering field who possesses a valid power engineering certificate may find career opportunities in the oil and gas industries, electrical utilities companies, chemical processing plants, pulp and paper industries, and building operations.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
4th Class
High School Diploma or equivalent with:
- English Language Arts 10-2 at 65%
- Math 10C at 65%
- Science 10 at 65%
- Physics 20 (recommended)
- Recommended to have a Valid H2S course (that will not expire in your academic year)
3rd Class
- English Language Arts 20-2 at 65%
- Math 20 at 65%
- Physics 20 at 65%
- Valid interprovincial 4th Class Power Engineering certificate
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Other:
- Recommended for 4th Class: Valid H2S Course (that will not expire for the 2023-24 academic year).
- Program acceptance will include a selection process based on high school marks, other related certifications, work experience, and a program interview.
Students interested in 1st or 2nd Class Power Engineering are encouraged to have at minimum English Language Arts 30-2, Math 30-2, and Physics 30.
Transferability
4th Class: Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to write Part "A" and "B" of the Interprovincial 4th Class Power Engineering exams. Students obtaining a 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate may progress to 3rd Class Power Engineering training offered at Portage College. Please check the current Alberta Power Engineers Regulation under the Safety Codes Act for further information. Please refer to the Program Policy for information regarding requirements to complete the applicable course.
3rd Class: Students who complete this program will qualify to write the Part 'A' and 'B' 3rd Class Power Engineering Interprovincial Exams. Please check the current Alberta Engineers Regulation under the Safety Codes for further information. Please check Program Policy for information regarding requirements to complete the applicable course.
Program Start/End Dates
3rd Class Power Engineering - February 23, 2026 - February 19, 2027
4th Class Power Engineering - August 18, 2025 - February 13, 2026
Application Deadlines
3rd Class - February 9, 2026 (dependent on capacity)
4th Class - August 4, 2025 (dependent on capacity)
Location
4th Class - Lac La Biche Campus
3rd Class - Online
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Tuition Deposit - $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
4th Class Power Engineering
Full Year - Fee payment deadline August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $5,336.10 |
| Student Association | $233.40 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $165.42 |
| Recreation Fee | $109.14 |
| Exam Fee | $217.80 |
| Course Package & Materials | $50.00 |
| Total | $6,438.36 |
3rd Class Power Engineering
Full Year - Fee payment deadline December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $6,336.45 |
| Student Association | $233.40 |
| Technology Fee | $165.42 |
| Recreation Fee | $109.14 |
| Course Package & Materials | $50.00 |
| Total | $6,894.41 |
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Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Power Engineering
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.