This in-person, seven month Power Engineering Program takes learners through 4th Class Power Engineering and 210 hours of firing time on the NLC Boiler. Upon completion students will qualify for the Technical Safety BC Examinations by successfully completing Parts A and B of the 4th Class Power Engineering component of the NLC program.
The focus is to provide the learner with the practical skills needed to function effectively in the industry.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2026. (Current Program Information and Completion Guide)
Career Prospects
Entry Level Power Engineers work in a wide range of plant environments including power generation, chemical, petrochemical, pulp/paper/wood product, manufacturing, and food and beverage processing. They work in the utility plants of universities, hospitals, office buildings, and shopping malls, and at large-scale refrigeration and other industrial facilities.
Entry-level job functions can include operating product loading and storage systems; raw-water, demineralization and wastewater treatment systems; compressed gas and instrument-air systems; and cooling water systems. Job functions in smaller facilities will include greater and more varied systems responsibilities, but on smaller-capacity equipment.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fort St John | September | Cohort |
Length
820 hours; approximately 27 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 2,860.50 | $ 157.85 | $ 1,970.78 | $ 4,989.13 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 11,422.60 | $ 167.42 | $ 2,086.71 | $ 289.80* | $ 13,966.53 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Complete either A or B:
A. English, Math, and Science
English Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- ENGL 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Pre-Calculus 11 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- BC Pre-Calculus 12 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- MATH 040 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
Science Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Physics 11 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Physics 12 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- PHYS 040 or higher with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
B. ESTR 047
Complete:
- ESTR 047 – Essential Skills for Trades Advanced-Level with a minimum final grade of 67%.
Post-Admission Requirements:
One month prior to the start of the program, students will be required to provide proof of the following certifications:
- Intermediate First Aid
- H2S Alive
- Common Safety Orientation (CSO)
All certificates must be valid for the duration of the program. Failure to provide proof may result in dismissal from the program.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Students must provide personal protective equipment (footwear having CSA safety-toe protection, cold weather PPE). Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with Technical Safety BC and Pan Global.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses and a passing grade in POPR 160 |
All of:
- POPR 150 – 4th Class Power Engineering Part A (270 contact hours)
- POPR 151 – 4th Class Power Engineering Part B (270 contact hours)
- POPR 152 – Power Lab (210 contact hours)
- POPR 160 – Work Practicum (70 contact hours)
Credential
Certificate in 4th Class Power Engineering