Power Engineering Technology

Select start date and campus

Menu
Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Apply now: Canadian applicant

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
Apply now: international applicants
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Sketching and Communication
DRWG1990

Description: Students will learn the different types, and proper use of plant communication systems. Students will plan, write and edit routine work-related messages practicing writing fundamentals and sentence, paragraph and memo composition. Students will describe how to set up plant and equipment sketches as well as line tracing diagrams. Mechanical drawing fundamentals with various views and use of drawing instruments to make basic engineering sketches of plant equipment will be practiced.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electricity
ELEC1445

Description: In this course students will learn the concepts of basic electricity and simple calculations using voltage, current, resistance and power. Ohm’s law, basic principles of magnetism, the use of electrical metering devices, the operating principles of the various types of AC and DC motors and generators, and the operating principles, construction and maintenance of transformers will also be covered. Safe operation of all electrical equipment is also covered.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Environmental Controls and Water Treatment
ENVR1040

Description: This course will describe the environmental impacts and control methods for solid, liquid, gaseous & noise pollutants in a power plant. Students will explain the impact of liquid waste, gases & vapours on the environment and will describe the impacts operating facilities have on the environment and how to deal with these impacts. Water and Feedwater treatment will also be discussed.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Employment and Job Search Skills
ETR1115

Description:

The student will examine the skills that employers need in today’s workplace: teamwork, problem solving, decision making, ability to organize and goal setting. In addition, the student will learn strategies for accessing the job market as well as resume creation, interview and negotiation skills.

  • Hours: 18
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Math and Elementary Mechanics
MATH1480

Description: This Course will cover basic mathematical operations involving fractions, decimals and percentages using SI and Imperial units. Student will be able to describe ratios and proportion, transpose equations to find values for different variables in a formula, describe and calculate various types of measurement and volumes and perform simple calculations involving SI and imperial units. The course also covers terms used in the study of mechanics and the mathematical relations pertaining to mechanics.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Elementary Chemistry and Thermodynamics
MECH1305

Description: In this course, students will learn basic chemistry principles, basic types of matter and their properties, and the principles of thermodynamics. Other thermodynamics topics will include: the laws of thermodynamics, modes of heat transfer, temperature and thermal expansion, specific, sensible and latent heat, thermodynamics of steam, steam tables, interpolation. Students will also perform heat calculations in metric and imperial measurement systems.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

High Pressure Boiler Design, Combustion, Operation Feedwater
MECH1325

Description:

This course covers the development of firetube, watertube, and electric boiler designs. Students will gain an understanding of boiler terminology, safety devices, construction, and the various components and heat exchangers within large-scale boiler systems. Combustion methods for gaseous, liquid, and solid fuels will be discussed along with draft strategies including natural, forced, induced, and balanced. Specialized boilers will be explored, including fluidized-bed, once-through, and various packaged configurations. Students will apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom operating a high-pressure steam firetube boiler in the Power Engineering lab practicing start-up, shutdown, and troubleshooting activities. Relevant boiler and pressure vessel codes, regulations, and acts will be incorporated into the learning. Students will also gain experience with control screens by utilizing simulation software focused on Power Engineering technologies and equipment.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Piping
MECH1570

Description: In this course students will discuss the basic types of piping, piping connections, supports, drainage devices, and insulation. Students will learn to sketch and describe standard valve designs, piping arrangements, and steam system pressure-reducing valves. Students will apply skills of typical valve maintenance requirements and the operation of specialized boiler valves.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Power Plant/Heating Plant Safety
OHS1470

Description: In this course, students will learn general plant safety, common safety programs implemented in Power, Heating, Pressure, and Industrial plants, and the role of safety committees. Students will address the importance of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) for classification and labeling of controlled products and the use of Material Safety Data Sheets. Plant safety will be explored and include topics such as the costs and effects of workplace injuries and personal protective equipment. Students will learn to isolate mechanical and electrical equipment, enter confined spaces, and classify fires and their appropriate extinguishing methods. Students will also practice first aid, CPR and artificial respiration.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Field Placement (Power Engineering Technology)
FPLT1530

Description: This three-month field placement provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills in a work situation. The student will apply the skills taught in the in-class component of the program and will demonstrate effective work habits.
  • Hours: 480
  • Credits: 16
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Controls and Instrumentation
CNTR1016

Description: This course covers plant instrumentation terms and definitions and methods for process measurement. Electrical and electronic control loop components, instrumentation, gauges and control systems and programming, the construction and operation of commonly used devices for measuring pressure, level, temperature, flow and composition, the functions of transmitters, recorders, controllers and control valves are all explored. Types of computers, principles, software, languages, applications and components are reviewed. The design, operation and testing of low water fuel cutoffs, mercury switches and thermocouples are also covered. The operation of equipment used to automatically start-up and shut down boilers and the proper testing and maintenance procedures will be examined.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Heating Boiler and Heating Systems Controls
MECH1345

Description:

This course will allow the student to identify the types of watertube, tubular & firetube boilers used in heating systems, explain the uses of cast iron boilers, and identify the various oil burners & gas burners used on heating boilers. The operating principles of pressure gauges, safety valves, and boiler fittings on low pressure steam boilers will be examined. Students will explain the operating principles of basic boiler fittings on hot water boilers and identify the operational procedures that relate to automatically-fired, low-pressure hot water and steam heating boilers. The principles of steam heating systems, equipment and components and the various designs, accessories, operation and troubleshooting of hot water heating systems will be covered. The principles of warm air heating sources, the components and maintenance requirements of typical warm air heating & ventilation systems, and the various ventilation systems in buildings and infrared and electric heating systems will be studied. Feedwater control methods, devices used on low-pressure steam boilers, the various operating controls on low-pressure heating boilers, and the design and operation of various combustion controls on heating boilers and the components in a pneumatic control system, electric and electronic control circuit will also be covered.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Auxiliary Building Systems
MECH1350

Description: This course covers various building systems including lighting systems and principles including types of units including incandescent and fluorescent. Building water supply systems operation and maintenance, including hot water heaters, controls and protection and trouble-shooting are studied. Sanitary drainage systems and maintenance are examined, as well as options for snow melt systems.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
MECH1360

Description: This course will cover vapour compression systems including safety, application of CSA B.52 code, thermodynamics of refrigeration and properties of refrigerants, compression refrigeration systems and compressor components. Heat exchangers for refrigeration systems, metering devices and capacity controls, cycle controls, and system accessories are studied. Compression refrigeration operation, maintenance and troubleshooting are applied. Absorption refrigeration systems, components, auxiliaries, operation and maintenance are reviewed. Air conditioning is explored through the psychometric properties of air, applications of the psychometric chart for comfort, fans for distribution, ducting, coil types and operation as well as humidification and dehumidification. Air conditioning systems are addressed including unitary and central systems, combined systems components, auxiliaries, operation and maintenance, heat recovery systems, controls, as well as heat gains and losses in buildings, system components and auxiliaries.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Types of Plants
MECH1380

Description: This course will explain the basic design of hot oil systems, components, auxiliaries, operation and maintenance, including the safety requirements of the direct-fired heater. The basic equipment and processes used in refining of natural gas and the production of pulp mill processes, equipment, operation and safety will be studied as well as steam-related processes in food processing plants, sawmills and oil refineries.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Prime Movers and Engines, Pumps and Compressors, Lubrication
MECH1580

Description: This course will introduce students to the conversion of heat into mechanical energy including the construction and operation of the simple steam engine, steam turbines, internal combustion engines, prime mover terminology and the application of cooling towers and condensers. Students will learn the theory behind various types of pumps and compressors, as well as their construction, operation and maintenance. Principles of lubrication, classes, viscosities, applications and other maintenance procedures are addressed as well as bearing lubrication, maintenance and failure.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Boiler Maintenance
MECH1590

Description: This course will cover power plant maintenance from the perspective of the safe use of common hand and power tools, safe and proper setup of equipment for climbing, hoisting & rigging such as scaffolds, ladders, ropes, cables and fasteners. The general servicing and maintenance required for all boiler types including refractory, tubes, stays, safety valves and preparation of a boiler for inspection, cleaning, testing, layup, and welder qualifications are covered.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Materials Welding
WELD1905

Description: This course is intended to provide students with a basic understanding of the mechanical properties and selection of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, plus the effects and purposes of various alloys. Heat treating, case hardenings are described. The methods, equipment and safe applications for oxy- acetylene and electric arc welding and brazing will be covered. Students will also define welding terms and apply methods of weld inspection and describe welder qualifications.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Chemistry, Metallurgy and Corrosion
CHEM1150

Description:

This course will cover basic chemistry and metallurgy. The student will learn to explain the fundamental principles in the structure, formation and interaction of chemical compounds and the importance of chemistry in industrial operations. Production, properties, and applications of metallic and non-metallic materials are fundamental topics in this course. Students will also explore the mechanisms that cause corrosion and the methods used to monitor and control corrosion.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Industrial Drawing
DRWG1785

Description:

This course will further the students’ knowledge of engineered industrial drawings and the components to a Third Class Power Engineering level. They will advance their interpretation and drawing skills of PFDs, P&IDs and equipment layout drawings. Students will be introduced to material balance drawings and construction drawings. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to effectively use and sketch the mentioned industrial drawings as tools to support accurate communication, volumetric accounting and an encompassing understanding of processes in Power Engineering applications.

  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electrical and Instrumentation
ELEC1845

Description:

This course will cover the production of DC and AC electrical power, the equipment used to produce it and the instrumentation used in the operation of power plants. Concepts of production of electricity and the design and characteristics of electrical machines as well as the operation and components of control loops are covered. The students will perform simple calculations involving DC and AC power circuits and demonstrate the concepts learned in lab assignments.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Mathematics and Mechanics
MATH1835

Description:

This course will cover mathematics including mensuration, elementary algebra, trigonometry, and elementary applied mechanics. Students will learn and utilize these concepts to solve various applied mechanics problems. At the end of this course, students will be able to solve problems involving material stresses, bending of beams, simple machines, mechanical advantage, velocity ratios, and fluid flow.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Piping, Fittings Welding and Pressure Vessels
MECH1750

Description:

This course will cover piping, fittings, welding processes and pressure vessel design. The student will be able to explain pipe materials, piping support, pressure vessel design and code requirements. Through practical exercises the student will be able to show the designs, configurations and operations of the common piping components, the testing of welds and joints and welding procedures.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Science
SCIE1270

Description:

This course will cover introductory thermodynamics as they apply to typical Power Engineering applications. Students will be able to explain concepts of heat transfer, thermal expansion of solids and liquids, and concepts of perfect gases. During this course, students will perform heat transfer calculations for steam production, thermal expansion, and expansion and compression of gases. This course will give students the skillset to utilize steam tables and knowledge of sensible and latent heat to perform change-of-state calculations for individual substances and mixtures.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 5

Course details

Industrial Legislation, Codes, Maintenance, Administration and Safety
MECH1760

Description: This course will cover the general content of the legislation and ASME codes that pertain to the design and operation of boilers and related equipment, legislation and programs that manage safety in the industrial workplace. The student will be able to calculate the design thickness and pressure of boiler tubes drums, piping, and the capacities of pressure relief valves. The student will be able to explain the typical components of fire suppression, maintenance and administration programs
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Boilers
MECH1770

Description:

This course will cover high-pressure steam boiler design, operation, and maintenance. The code requirements, purpose, location, design, and operating conditions of large watertube boilers will be explored. Students will gain knowledge of auxiliary equipment operation associated with high-pressure boilers. Students will understand the various fuel-firing methods and control mechanisms utilized in large-scale boiler plants.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Water Treatment and Pumps
MECH1780

Description:

This course will give students a strong knowledge base of internal and external boiler water treatment. Students will gain an understanding of many common wastewater treatment systems used in power plants and large industrial facilities. Students will extend their knowledge of common pumps used in industry, including operation and maintenance. Students will be hands-on performing water testing, inspections, and pump maintenance.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Power Plant Simulation
MECH1790

Description:

This course will provide students with a power plant control experience utilizing simulation software replicating a human-machine interface that operators will manipulate in industry. Students will be exposed to real-time process feedback, trending capabilities, controls, and power plant equipment alarms. Pre-start, start-up, and shutdown exercises and procedures will be executed while responding to simulated failure conditions.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Gas Compressors and Heat Exchangers
MECH2340

Description:

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the world of industrial equipment, with a primary focus on air, gas, and refrigeration compressors, heat exchangers, as well as direct-fired and indirect-fired natural draft process heaters. By the end of this course, students will have developed a deep understanding of the design, components, operation, and applications of these critical systems, enabling them to excel in various industrial settings.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Prime Movers
MECH2350

Description: This course will cover the following prime movers: steam turbines, gas turbines and internal combustion engines and their controls. The students will learn about the designs, operating principles, major components and support auxiliaries of prime movers. Common operational, control and maintenance procedures for prime movers are also covered.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 6

Course details

Field Placement (Power Engineering Technology)
FPLT3090

Description: This month-long work placement provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills in a power plant environment. The student will apply the skills taught in the in-class and lab components of the program and will demonstrate effective and safe work habits.
  • Hours: 160
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Power Engineering Studies
MECH1560

Description:

This course provides students with knowledge of evolving non-core Power Engineering technologies that Operating Engineers may be involved with during their careers. Topics of instruction include an introduction to solar, photovoltaic, wind power, geothermal, heat pumps, hydrogen fuel, and nuclear power generation. Students will study techniques for effectively troubleshooting operational issues within industrial environments. This course also covers study techniques and practice questions for Operating Engineering regulatory examinations.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Work in accordance with occupational safety procedures to minimize risk and enhance personal and public safety
  2. Evaluate and solve complex technical problems related to power engineering technology and plant systems by applying the principles of mathematics and science
  3. Perform tasks related to power engineering and plant administration in accordance with relevant laws, policies, ethical principles, procedures, and industry standards
  4. Communicate information effectively and accurately by evaluating, translating, and interpreting relevant drawings and other related documents
  5. Apply principles of operation for process equipment and electrical systems including boilers, prime movers, refrigeration systems, and associated auxiliaries to ensure safety and efficiency
  6. Implement strategies that mitigate the effects of power generation on the environment
  7. Utilize instrumentation and control systems to support the safe and efficient operations of a power plant
  8. Outline accepted standards and practices of metallurgy, welding and testing of metals for quality control inspections in power plant operations
  9. Manage power plant operations, equipment, and personnel in a simulated power plant environment
  10. Relate effectively to co-workers, subordinates, and supervisors in the work environment