Power Engineering (General Program) British Columbia Institute of Technology

Overview

The Power Engineering (General Program) from British Columbia Institute of Technology prepares students to operate, maintain and manage industrial power and process plants. These plants are associated with various industries such as pulp and paper, chemical manufacturing, food processing, electrical generation, petroleum refining, institutional mechanical systems and others.  Because of the potential danger of explosions, power engineers must be highly trained and certified. Power Engineers operate, maintain and manage industrial power and process plants. These plants are associated with various industries such as pulp and paper, chemical manufacturing, food processing, electrical generation, petroleum refining, institutional mechanical systems and others.  Because of the potential danger of explosions, power engineers must be highly trained and certified. Provincial regulations require plant personnel be certified prior to assuming positions of responsibility in the operation of fired pressure equipment.

Career

Job opportunities

Former graduates have secured employment in hospitals, chemical plants, oil refineries, breweries, pulp and paper plants, sawmills, schools, institutions and commercial building. Average salaries reported by students were among the highest when compared to other occupational programs.

Graduates of this program may be able to obtain employment as 4th Class Power Engineers in industry, and qualify for positions as plant operators and maintenance technicians.

Graduate employment outcomes

The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2020-2022 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2019-2021 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.