Energy FAQ

During the months of May, June, July and August, students enrolled in PPE complete their 3rd class practicum placement. Students must complete a minimum of 480 hours of work on a normal rotating schedule.

If you're unable to complete your practicum during this time frame, you'll be able to defer this practicum to the end of year two. You will, however, need to speak with the practicum coordinator to see if alternate arrangements are available. 

You'll require two safety tickets for the PPE program:

• H2S Alive is a one-day classroom course for anyone working in the petroleum industry who could be exposed to hydrogen sulfide. The estimated cost is $165. This certification must be provided prior to the first day of power lab.
• LLC WHMIS 205 is scheduled during your first week of class and must be completed prior to the first power lab.

1st year students start their 4th Class practicum at the beginning of semester two, immediately after their provincial ABSA exam in December.  They have eight weeks to complete the six-week minimum of 240 hours of work on a normal rotating schedule.

This should allow some time for a Christmas Break.

There is a “direct entry” option into the 2nd year of the PPE program.

You must possess a 4th Class ABSA power engineering certificate (out of province certificates will need to be transferred to Alberta), and there must be seats available in the program.

There is also a mandatory communications course that’s required for you to meet the requirements of the diploma.

The minimum age requirement for the PPE diploma is that you be of 17 years of age before the start of the program.

Please be aware that some practicum sites require a minimum age of 18.

Lakeland College offers a variety of exciting and flexible learning options for students who can't commit to full-time education. 

Online options may work better for you. Check out our options:

• 4th Class PE Online - Online 4th Class Power Engineering
• 3rd Class PE Online - 3rd Class Power Engineering Certificate
• 4th Class steam time - 4th Class Steam Time
• Continuing Education Courses - Professional Energy Training

Yes. You must attend a minimum of 80% of class time in each semester and 100% of power labs as our program is governed by ABSA.

To meet the requirements for the 1st year, you’ll be required to attend a minimum of six weeks or 240 hours of work integrated learning. This will be at a site where you’ll work 12-hour rotating shifts of days and nights. The company and location shall be selected in consultation with your practicum instructor.

To meet the requirements for the 2nd year, you’ll be required to attend a minimum of three months or 480 hours of work integrated learning. This will be at a site where you’ll work 12-hour rotating shifts of days and nights.

Students are highly encouraged to secure their own 2nd year practicum as it would be a paid practicum. You’ll also experience the full hiring and orientation process of a power engineer. If students are unable to secure a practicum, then we’ll find one for you, however, there’s no guarantee that it would be paid.

You must meet all the requirements of the 1st year to be eligible to write the 4th class provincial part A and part B examinations. Upon successfully completing the provincial examinations, you’ll receive your 4th class provincial certificate.

The four (3A1, 3A2, 3B1, 3B2) 3rd class provincial examinations can be challenged at any time once your 4th class certificate has been received. You must meet all the requirements of the 2nd year, however, to receive all the steam hours required (12-months) for 3rd class certification. If the 2nd year of the PPE program isn’t completed, you’ll need to secure employment to obtain the required 12-months.

In a typical week, you'll have:

• three 6-hour lectures from 8 am to 3 pm with a one hour lunch break
• one power lab which lasts for 5 hours

Your power lab time will depend upon which group you’re placed in. Groups 1 and 2 are on Tuesday’s from 7 am until 12 pm and 12 pm to 5 pm respectively. Groups 3 and 4 are at the same times on Thursday.

This means that you’ll have 1.5 days per week for study time and online programming.

We highly encourage our students to complete the full two years to obtain both their diploma and 3rd class certification. Employment opportunities are greater for a 3rd class power engineer compared to those of a 4th.

If, however, you choose to exit at the end of the 1st year, and you’ve achieved all its requirements, you’re eligible to apply for a Power Engineering Technician (PET) certificate. You will also have your 4th class provincial power engineering certificate if you are successful in both examinations.