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2023-2024 Academic Calendar

Power Engineering (4th Class) Certificate


Location(s): ​Fort St. John

The 7 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.

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.


Intakes

LocationStartingType
Fort St JohnSeptemberCohort

Length

820 hours; approximately 29 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

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
Total
Year 1$ 2,804.40$ 154.76$ 1,932.14$ 4,891.30

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
International
Medical Insurance
Total
Year 1$ 10,077.80$ 154.76$ 1,932.14$ 828.00$ 12,992.70

Admission Requirements

Complete either A, B, or C:


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:


C. Placement testing

Complete the Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) with:

  • Reading Comprehension: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
  • Number Operations: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
  • Problem Solving: 12.0 grade equivalent or higher
  • Mechanical Reasoning: 51/70 (6th Stanine) or higher

And complete the Trades Math Assessment with:

  • a score of 70% or higher

Based on the results of the assessment(s), applicants may be required to participate in an assessment interview to determine admissibility. Interviews may be conducted virtually if necessary.


Post-Admission Requirements:

After being accepted into the program but before the end of the first day of classes, students will be required to provide proof of the following certifications*:

  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Occupational First Aid – Level 1
  • H2S Alive
  • Common Safety Orientation (CSO)

* All certificates must be valid for the duration of the Program. Failure to provide proof may result in immediate dismissal from the program.


Important Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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  NLC will provide students with a hardhat, hearing protection, safety glasses and fire retardant coveralls.
  3. The program is affiliated with Technical Safety BC and Pan Global.

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean
Minimum Grade Requirements70% minimum in all courses and a passing grade in POPR 160 

All of:


Credential

Certificate in 4th Class Power Engineering