Continuing your education as an adult can open up amazing new career opportunities. Gaining new skills makes you better qualified and can allow you to grow your salary and career prospects. However, life continues around you while you’re getting an education. It’s important to create a balance between work, life, and career advancements.
Students often struggle to find the right balance between life and their studies. At TFM, our training courses are designed with working students in mind. The 4th class power engineering course (Part B) is also available virtually. Online courses allow for flexibility with your schedule and better completion results.
Keep in mind that flexibility doesn’t mean less effort—it means better planning and discipline to do well. This article aims to give new and prospective students study tips to make the most of their training.
Build A Consistent Study Schedule
A great way to start planning how you’ll study is to model your study schedule after a real-life power engineering shift. Aim for 1-2 hours of dedicated learning time per day. Treat each study block like a job shift – no distractions, you’ll clock in and out as if you’re showing up to work. Find a useful tool to manage your schedule, like a digital or analog calendar system. It’s in your best interest to break down course content into weekly milestones. For example, the 4th class power engineering online study plan could be broken down into the sections of the course outline :
Week one:
- Prime Movers & Engines
- Pumps & Compressors
- Lubrication
- Electricity
Week Two:
- Controls, Instrumentation & Computers
- Heating Boilers
- Heating Systems
- Heating Boilers & Heating System Controls
Week three:
- Environment
- Material & Welding
- Piping & Valves
- High Pressure Boiler Design
Week four:
- Auxiliary Building Systems
- Absorption Refrigeration
- Air Conditioning
- Air Conditioning Systems
Maximize The Value Of Your Materials
For TFM programs, all the needed materials are included in the program fees. We recommend watching any demonstration videos provided multiple times, especially if there are technical walkthroughs of systems or safety protocols. Always take active notes, even if there are provided materials; taking your notes will help you retain information better. Wherever possible, use practice quizzes to test your knowledge.
For in-person labs, get into them early and be prepared with questions. These courses are designed for discussions and are aimed at teaching those without experience. Joining TFM’s work experience program enhances your knowledge with hands-on experience with multiple lab options, including boiler, HVAC and refrigeration, plus it counts towards your firing time.
Use A Logbook – Even For Online Training
Logbooks are one of the most important tools for a power engineer. Power engineers are expected to track and report on system operations daily. As you’re studying, you can start building this integral habit now. Keep a digital or paper logbook of your daily study sessions, which can include:
- Topic reviews
- Quiz Results
- Lab hours
- Areas needing more review
Creating a logbook for yourself helps to build accountability and time management, mirroring what will be expected of you in day-to-day operations. These skills should become instinctual as your career progresses. Even if you’re only writing “studied for 30 mins, watched the training video 3 times and failed the first practice test,” you’re able to document your progress and watch yourself improve.
Reach Out For Help – You’re Not Alone
It can be intimidating to approach your instructors as a student, especially if you’re interacting virtually a majority of the time. It’s in your best interest to use the access you have to instructors now to get as much as you can out of your education.
Schedule office hours, ask questions, and request supplemental resources. Instructors are here to help; their real-world operating experience gives you insights beyond the textbook, and your understanding and success are important to them. If you do your best learning with others, start a study group with your classmates. It can also help to keep all of you accountable.
The 4th class certification requires practical firing time and hands-on experience. Even if you’re just getting started, it will benefit you to start thinking about what you’ll do next to meet your hours. TFM’s work experience program counts towards your firing hours and puts all the skills you’ve been learning to use in a supportive and educational environment.
Are you ready to start your training? You can register for the fall session or contact us to find out more about our programs.