Every major industry requires power engineers, but where exactly are they the most essential?
A power engineer is responsible for maintaining, operating, and managing industrial and commercial plants and buildings that use boiler and refrigeration equipment. Canada requires certified power engineers to operate this equipment.
TFM offers training courses for 5th and 4th class power engineers. Graduates from TFM’s power engineering program are ready to be boiler operators and refrigeration plant operators. Here are some examples of industries they are likely to work in after graduation.
Oil & Gas – The Classic Domain
The oil and gas industry is one of the largest employers of power engineers. You’ll find that boiler operators within this industry manage several types of systems.
- Steam generators
- High-pressure boilers
- Equipment maintenance and shutdown procedures
They are responsible for understanding and following safety and environmental regulations. The demand for boiler operators in the oil and gas industry is increasing. Reliable personnel are in demand in remote areas or at camps.
Utilities And Power Generation
Power engineers are the backbone of thermal and renewable energy facilities. The responsibilities within these facilities include:
- Managing boilers, turbines and water treatment systems
- Monitoring emissions and system performance
- Conducting routine inspections and emergency responses
The role of a boiler operator in these facilities is highly technical and shift-based. To keep things running smoothly, productivity and equipment maintenance is tracked and logged regularly. TFM graduates of the work experience program are trained with real systems to maintain these procedures.
Manufacturing And Paper Industries
Manufacturing facilities and paper production require continuous operation and maintenance. An experienced power engineer is responsible for maintaining equipment uptime. Their duties to maintain these facilities are:
- Overseeing steam systems
- Preventive maintenance to reduce equipment failures
- Implementing automated systems
Institutional And Commercial Facilities
Power engineers are responsible for large plant operations and are also necessary in institutions and commercial facilities. Universities, hospitals, shopping centres, and large office buildings rely on central heating and power systems. A boiler operator ensures systems are in place and functioning properly. They are required to manage:
- Building climate control
- Emergency generator protocols
- Creating backups for critical infrastructure, like operating rooms or labs
Certified power engineers are necessary beyond power plant operations and oil and gas; the demand for boiler operators extends to urban environments.
The Future Of The Field
As industries grow and change and experienced power engineers retire, the demand for new talent is increasing. TFM is supporting the workforce by teaching students actionable skills and creating innovative pathways to proper certification. TFM students are prepared to join the workforce when they graduate. They’re equipped for emerging sectors like renewable energy, and know how systems have changed over time.
From oil sands to hospitals and malls, boiler operators keep systems running safely and efficiently. The demand for these trades is high and increasing across all industries. TFM consulting makes connections between industries and certified operators who are ready to work.
TFM connects industries with certified power engineers who are qualified and prepared for the work ahead of them. Contact us today if you’re looking for staffing solutions for boiler operators.