Key Details
Program Start Dates
September 2025
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Program Duration
2 SemestersProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
Program Overview
It’s safety first at Cambrian’s on-campus power plant
Cambrian’s award-winning combination of an on-campus power plant combined with a proven curriculum, accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) lays the groundwork for a successful power plant career.
Enhance your career opportunities by preparing to successfully challenge roles in the operation and maintenance of the complex energy systems found in power plants and other industrial settings. Concepts introduced in class will be more fully experienced in the on-campus, fully functioning Power Engineering Training Facility. Here you will learn to operate and maintain working equipment safely and efficiently. You’ll be prepared to challenge the TSSA exams required for Fourth Class operating engineer certification.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
- Hands-on learning in the college’s TSSA-registered power plant
- Prepare to challenge the TSSA exams required to earn Fourth Class operating engineer certification
- Grads are eligible to continue their studies in Cambrian’s Power Engineering Technician or Technology programs
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 12 mathematics (C) or (U) (MCT4C is highly recommended)
Additional admission requirements
Recommendations
- Any grade 11 (U) or 12 (U) or (C) chemistry or physics
- Grade 12 technological design or manufacturing technology course (C) or (U)
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| PEG 1108 | Power Plant Operation I | 11 |
| PEG 1225 | Electricity & Control Systems I | 3 |
| PEG 1115 | Applied Science | 3 |
| PEG 1007 | Boilers & Auxiliaries I | 4 |
| PEG 1126 | Safety & Administration I | 2 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| Credits | 26 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| PEG 1220 | Heating, Refrig./Gas Compression I | 3 |
| PEG 1231 | Power Plant Operations II | 11 |
| PEG 1261 | Building Systems | 3 |
| PEG 1008 | Prime Movers I | 4 |
| PEG 1215 | Applied Chemistry I | 2 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 26 | |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
- 1
-
Course with Lab component.
- 2
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Engineering Technology
Imagine a career in a cutting-edge laboratory or inside a mine 5,000 feet below the ground or on-site constructing a skyscraper. At Cambrian, learning isn’t confined to textbooks. From chemical and civil engineering to mechatronics, mechanical, and more, at our School of Engineering Technology, you’ll gain the skills you need to bring a wide range of engineering theories to life.
Specific program pathway
Students successfully completing the Power Engineering Techniques program may enter directly into the second year of the Power Engineering Technician or Technology program. This will be of great assistance to those students considering higher levels of education in the field of Power Engineering.
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!