COURSE CURRICULUM

The Power Engineering Technology Diploma at Thompson Rivers University combines classroom theory with extensive hands-on training to ensure students develop practical skills required in real industrial environments. Concepts learned in lectures are reinforced through shop-based exercises where students operate, maintain, test, and inspect equipment such as pumps, compressors, generators, and pressure vessels commonly used in large facilities, power plants, and processing industries. The program follows the curriculum set by the Standardized Power Engineers Examination Committee, preparing students to successfully write the Technical Standards and Technical Safety BC exams required for certification. In the first year, students cover all the material needed for the 4th class power engineer certification, which is also offered as a standalone certificate, and those who already hold this certification can directly enter the second year. The second year builds on this foundation and prepares students for the more advanced 3rd class certification. A key highlight of the program is access to a fully equipped steam power training plant on campus, where students gain real-world experience using two 150-pound steam boilers, a steam turbine generator, condensers, and supporting systems. Students also train on both watertube and firetube gas-fired boilers, gaining valuable experience with industry-standard equipment and operations.