In this program, you will study how power plants and processing facilities turn raw materials into usable energy. You will learn to read complex system diagrams, monitor equipment performance, and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical faults. Your training blends classroom theory with hands-on work in the Escarpment Building labs, where you will practice safety procedures and operate industrial controls. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to support the teams that keep hospitals, schools, and industrial sites running smoothly.
Career outcomes
- Power plant operators
- Boiler technicians
- Process control operators
- Energy system technicians
- Maintenance coordinators
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%.
- Grade 12 mathematics (C or U), minimum 60%.
- Grade 11 or 12 physics or chemistry (C or U), minimum 60%.
Tuition
Domestic tuition is $4,260 per year for 2026–27, plus $1,125 in annual ancillary fees.
Courses
- GNED 1850 Sustainable Construction Practices
- GNED 2880 Creative Problem Solving
- MATH 1350 College Mathematics
- MATH 2740 Statistics for Health Care
- POWR 1290 Thermodynamics I
- POWR 1300 Fluid Mechanics
- POWR 1430 Heat Transfer Principles
- POWR 2100 Power Plant Operations
- POWR 2210 Boiler Systems Technology
- POWR 2730 Turbomachinery
- PROC 1670 Thermodynamics I
- PROC 1900 Fluid Mechanics
- PROC 2440 Heat Transfer
- PROC 2890 Power Plant Operations
What you will learn
You will discover how modern power plants and processing facilities convert fuels and natural resources into reliable energy. The curriculum focuses on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and the operation of boilers and turbomachinery. You will spend time in the Escarpment Building labs running simulations, reading technical blueprints, and practicing the safety protocols required in industrial settings. Your instructors, who include faculty members like Hamid Sadeghi and Rachel Lemaire, will guide you through troubleshooting equipment faults and optimizing system efficiency.
The program covers both stationary power systems and chemical processing flows. You will learn how to monitor pressure, temperature, and flow rates, and how to use control panels to adjust operations in real time. Communication and mathematics form the backbone of your daily tasks, so you will complete courses in technical writing and applied statistics to ensure you can document procedures accurately and analyze performance data.
How the program runs
This is a full-time program delivered at the Benchlands Campus. You will attend classes and labs during the day, Monday to Friday. The curriculum is split across four terms, with intakes available in September and January. You will complete 14 courses, including core technical subjects like Thermodynamics I, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer Principles, Power Plant Operations, Boiler Systems Technology, and Turbomachinery. General education courses in sustainable construction practices and creative problem solving round out your schedule.
There is no co-op work term built into this program. You can expect a mix of lectures, laboratory sessions, and group projects that mirror the workflows of a control room or a plant floor. The Power & Process Engineering department is housed in the Escarpment Building, where you will have access to the same types of monitoring tools used by industry employers.
Admission
To enter the Power Engineering Technician program, you must hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. You need a minimum grade of 60% in Grade 12 English (C or U) and Grade 12 mathematics (C or U). You must also complete one Grade 11 or 12 science course (physics or chemistry) with a minimum grade of 60%. If you are 19 or older by the start of classes, you may qualify as a mature student. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through an approved test or equivalent coursework.
Tuition and fees
Domestic tuition is $4,260 per year for the 2026–27 academic year. You will also pay $1,125 in annual ancillary fees, which cover student services, library access, and campus facilities. These fees are separate from tuition and are charged each term. If you require a payment plan, you can arrange it through Student Financial Aid before the term starts.
After you graduate
Graduates are prepared to work in power generation facilities, industrial plants, and municipal utility operations. You will be qualified to operate and monitor power systems, maintain boilers and turbines, and assist engineers in optimizing energy output. Many employers value the hands-on training you receive in the labs, and the program aligns with the technical standards required by the province's energy sector. You can also use this diploma as a stepping stone toward further studies in applied engineering technology or business administration.
How to apply
Domestic applicants submit their applications through the provincial college application service. International applicants must apply directly through the polytechnic's international application portal. You can upload your transcripts and English proficiency scores through the application portal. For questions about the application process, contact the Admissions office at 519-555-0171.