Power Engineering Technician (PWTN)

Our TSSA-registered power plant is your classroom

Train for an in-demand career as a power engineering technician with a curriculum endorsed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), and a power plant right on campus. You’ll gain theoretical concepts in the classroom reinforced with practical experience in the Power Engineering Training Facility, where you will learn to operate and maintain working equipment safely and efficiently. 
 
Courses taught will prepare you to challenge the TSSA examinations required for the Fourth and Third Class levels of certification as an Operating Engineer. 

Program highlights

• Capped enrolment 
• Accredited by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) 
• Hands-on training in our on-campus TSSA-registered power plant 
• Opportunities for industrial work placements 
• Students are eligible to challenge the TSSA exams at the Fourth and Third Class Operating Engineer certification levels

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.

¹

 Course with Lab Component

²

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

For students who wish to continue their education in Power Engineering Technology; an additional 1-credit course "Field Placement II" is necessary between second and third year. Placement officers will provide assistance in obtaining placement opportunities for these students.

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)

Program Delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Specific program pathway

Furthering your studies

If you are a student who has successfully completed the Power Engineering Technician program, you may enter directly into the Power Engineering Technology program.  This will be helpful if you are considering further education and higher certification levels in power engineering.

Graduates of Cambrian's Power Engineering Techniques (PETQ) program or its equivalent who also possess a Fourth Class Certificate of Qualification – in good standing with the TSSA – may apply to enter directly into semester three of the Power Engineering Technician (PWTN) or Power Engineering Technology (PWTY) program. This is a competitive process.

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.

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find employment in industrial and non-industrial settings operating, maintaining and managing complex energy systems. These types of systems may be located in:

• Manufacturing, extractive resource facilities and processing plants
• Power plants, alternative energy and cogeneration facilities
• Refrigeration, liquification and gas compression plants
• Petrochemical facilities, refineries and paper mills
• Institutional and commercial operations such as hospitals, correctional facilities, research facilities and universities 
• District energy facilities and heating / cooling plants