Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class

Program Overview

Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class

Program Overview

Fourth class power engineers operate and maintain industrial boilers, refrigeration systems, and auxiliary equipment used for heating, cooling and power applications in large facilities such as hospitals and schools, as well as industrial plants and power stations.

Accredited by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), the Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class program at Durham College introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of power generation and plant operation.

In this power engineering program, you learn the relevant theory in the classroom, and then apply that theory in Durham College’s state-of-the-art registered Power Plant. The opportunity to apply theory helps solidify what you learn in the classroom—this advantage makes Durham College’s power engineering program among the finest in the country.

We also combine virtual reality technology with electrical labs, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop critical skills in a dynamic and engaging way. With the support of our expert faculty, students emerge from the 4th Class Power Engineering program take the next step toward TSSA certification.

Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for a nine-month reduction of qualifying experience time (steam time). After successfully completing TSSA testing and acquiring three months of industry experience, graduates can qualify for their Fourth-Class Operating Engineer Certificate of Qualification.

Intakes and Availability

• September 2025: Waitlisted (Domestic), Open (International)

Program Highlights

• Resources:
  • 2025 Program Guide
  • Attend a DC Information Webinar
  • Financial Aid Information

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics (C, M or U)
• Recommended:
  • Grade 12 Physics (C or U)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

• Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math.
• DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program.

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Practical 1 - Electrical/Instrumentation (ELEC 1114)
• Math (MATH 1115)
• Practical 1 - Mechanical (MECH 1114)
• Boilers - Design and Construction (PETN 1104)
• Chemistry and Water Treatment (PETN 1106)
• Electricity, Instrumentation and Control (PETN 1108)
• Power Technician Administration (PETN 1110)
• Applied Science (PETN 1112)

Career Options

• Fourth class operating engineer
• Chemical technician
• Nuclear operator
• Oil field specialist
• Boiler Operator
• Plant Operator
• Stationary Engineer
• Facility Operator
• Operations Technician
• Maintenance Engineer
• HVAC Technician
• Refrigeration Plant Operator
• Building Operator

Tech Requirements

• Processor: i7
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
• Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
• Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
• Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
• Internet connection

Meet Your Faculty Experts

• David Beals
• Lino Iantomasi
• Ralph Trauzzi

See Your Space

Take a 360-degree virtual tour of our power plant, where students in the Power Engineering program get hands-on experience with the operation and maintenance of the boiler and associated power plant equipment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Power Engineering Techniques Fourth Class program, you can expect to understand and be able to do the following:

1. Identify and explain operation of components according to industry specifications.
2. Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques, problem-solving skills, and test.
3. Apply knowledge of electrical calculations, applied mechanics, thermodynamics, and applied science to ensure safe and efficient operation of the facility.
4. Communicate information to effectively and accurately document projects and perform daily operations in a power operating environment under the supervision of a qualified person.
5. Conduct modifications to quality control procedures under the supervision of a qualified person.
6. Develop and use strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance.
7. Complete all assigned work in compliance with Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations, occupational, environmental, health, and fire safety procedures, practices, and laws applicable to the power industry.

Course Delivery

• In person: Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Costs

• Semester 1:
  • Tuition: $1,361.02
  • Program Fee: $62.5
  • Ancillary Fee: $493.77
  • DCSA Ancillary Fee: $430
  • Total: $2,347.29
• Semester 2:
  • Tuition: $1,361.02
  • Program Fee: $0
  • Ancillary Fee: $493.77
  • DCSA Ancillary Fee: $120
  • Total: $1,974.79

Scholarships Available

• Canerector Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $5,000 each
• Schulich Builders Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $40,000 each

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach, and prosper today.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class program at Durham College provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in power generation and plant operation. Accredited by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) as a Fourth Class Power Engineering program, graduates are eligible to challenge the 4A and 4B TSSA exams and potentially obtain a nine-month reduction of qualifying experience time. By successfully completing three months of industry experience, students can qualify for their Fourth Class Operating Engineer certificate.

Outline:

Semester 1:

• Practical 1 - Electrical/Instrumentation (ELEC 1114)
• Math (MATH 1115)
• Practical 1 - Mechanical (MECH 1114)
• Boilers - Design and Construction (PETN 1104)
• Chemistry and Water Treatment (PETN 1106)
• Electricity, Instrumentation and Control (PETN 1108)
• Power Technician Administration (PETN 1110)
• Applied Science (PETN 1112)

Semester 2:

• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Practical 2 - Mechanical (MECH 1214)
• Pumping Systems (PETN 1204)
• Building Systems (PETN 1206)
• Heating, Ventilation, AIr Conditioning and Refrigeration (PETN 1208)
• Boiler Operations, Maintenance and Safety (PETN 1210)
• Practical 2 - Power Plant (PETN 1215)

Careers:

Graduates with a Fourth Class Operating Engineer certificate may find employment as:

• Fourth class operating engineers
• Chemical technicians
• Nuclear operators
• Oil field specialists