Is power engineer a good choice for a career change?

[babyruth]

The nursing career didn't work out for me and now I'm in search of a new path to take. I am thinking of taking the power engineering technology at SAIT but still debating if I as a woman will fit in this industry. I just wanted to know the pro's and con's of this career, responsibilities, challenges and what's happening on a day to day basis. I just really wanted to be enlightened.thank you

[Dave0]

Couldn't choose a better career, excellent wages and so versatile as far as the many industries requiring power engineers. Oilfield is by far the highest paying but the more risky option as far as longevity. I've been a power engineer for approx 8 years now and never have had one regret. I've spoken to many who have been doing this thru economy ups and downs and all agree that they have never worried about work even with projects closing down and what not. The job can be mundane at times and others overwhelming so it is very dynamic. There are always opportunities to move into many different positions and pay brackets. I would say there is pros and cons for women, slight advantage to get a job initially, and some other operators are resistant to women but I have seen that change quickly when women show they are capable of performing same standard of work. It's just the way it is, but times are changing and ignorant attitudes. Companies are all very fair regardless of sex. It is a great job to choose and I would highly recommend you take the chance. Also much easier to get your foot in the door with a minimum of a 3rd class ticket.

[SBE2]

Depends why you are considering taking the course and choosing that career? There are far too many who get into it knowing nothing about it other than good pay, lots of days off due to shift work, a parent or relative works in operations and says it is easy, etc. Then when they do get a job they really struggle because they took it for all the wrong reasons. In this province, getting a job won't be hard if you finish the course, but if you can't handle various aspects of the job and are getting into it just for the money, you may be in for a surprise. Just my opinion. I just think there are far too many that come on here asking about it and get the "great gig, good money, lots of time off" replies, but are unaware of the other sides of things. Will you like swinging valves for a few hours at -30? Can you work nights shifts? Are you ok with women making up only about 5-10% of the work force? Can you handle pressure, if you end up working on a panel and can't take it, that won't be a good situation for you. Do you have mechanical aptitude? The majority of what you take in school you won't use once you are on the job, mostly the math and physics aspect. Just curious, why did the nursing route not work out for you? Not trying to disuade you one way or the other, but I am noticing a lot of people getting into this field are not turning out to be the best candidates once they are hired. This may or may not help, good luck.

[Roughneck]

One answer, great career opportunities, great pay and lots of demand.

[Blackfire]

Yes if you can get your third class it would be better, a fourth won't get you a job anywhere. I speak from experience

[79ford]

power engineering technology is probably the best route to get into a job... either that or a two year program where you write your 3rd and 4th.

It is basically operating stationary equipment, you will do pretty much everything to keep that equipment running unless its more major repairs and you need electricians, millrights, mechanics etc. Part of your job in many places will be 10% janitor cleaning up mess in work areas.

Then theres the chemicals...Pretty much every plant has gnarly chemicals and tonnes of them. Alot of places ship and recieve by rail or truck so you will be loading and unloading chemicals, moving rail cars around in your yard. Would you be comfortable unloading or loading rail cars full of h2s or sulpher dioxide? Thats enough chemical to wipe a town/city out.... and youll get the pleasure of working with these things.

Then theres the labour aspect.... cracking huge valves where youre reefing on them for 3-5 minutes, cleaning out heat exchangers and vessels etc.


alot of people get discouraged when they find out the reality of it..... the machines more or less run themselves, you have to clean up after them and maintain them. When processes or equipment stops running your there to shut it down and figure out how to get it running ASAP.... like done yesterday lol, managment gets excited real quick when hundreds of millions of dollars worth of plant stops spitting out product or off grade products.

I would say go to a plant and see if you can get a tour or interview an employeee... anyone thats been at it for awhile will say its a cats azz because they have a cushy co trol room job etc. my grandpa told me the only rough part was working nights, haha

Its a different job thats for sure... probably about 20% labour 10% janitor 40% walking/driving around checking on stuff and recording production taking and anylizing samples of stuff, 10% maintenance or more and maybe up to a quarte of your day appearing to be usefull or like your on payroll not jsut hanging out in a plant lol

[79ford]

power engineering technology is probably the best route to get into a job... either that or a two year program where you write your 3rd and 4th.

It is basically operating stationary equipment, you will do pretty much everything to keep that equipment running unless its more major repairs and you need electricians, millrights, mechanics etc. Part of your job in many places will be 10% janitor cleaning up mess in work areas.

Then theres the chemicals...Pretty much every plant has gnarly chemicals and tonnes of them. Alot of places ship and recieve by rail or truck so you will be loading and unloading chemicals, moving rail cars around in your yard. Would you be comfortable unloading or loading rail cars full of h2s or sulpher dioxide? Thats enough chemical to wipe a town/city out.... and youll get the pleasure of working with these things.

Then theres the labour aspect.... cracking huge valves where youre reefing on them for 3-5 minutes, cleaning out heat exchangers and vessels etc.


alot of people get discouraged when they find out the reality of it..... the machines more or less run themselves, you have to clean up after them and maintain them. When processes or equipment stops running your there to shut it down and figure out how to get it running ASAP.... like done yesterday lol, managment gets excited real quick when hundreds of millions of dollars worth of plant stops spitting out product or off grade products.

I would say go to a plant and see if you can get a tour or interview an employeee... anyone thats been at it for awhile will say its a cats azz because they have a cushy co trol room job etc. my grandpa told me the only rough part was working nights, haha

Its a different job thats for sure... probably about 20% labour 10% janitor 40% walking/driving around checking on stuff and recording production taking and anylizing samples of stuff, 10% maintenance or more and maybe up to a quarte of your day appearing to be usefull or like your on payroll not jsut hanging out in a plant lol

[megadodge]

The 2-year tech program is definitely the way to go. Coming out of it with 1/2 a second is huge. That's where the demand is. These days, a 4th isn't worth the paper its printed on, and even a 3rd doesn't carry as much weight as it once did.

As a woman getting into it, know that there are more and more in the field every day. Understand that as the newbie, you will start in positions 1/2 a step above laborer. Work hard and you will progress quickly. Just for the love of all things holy don't use the "I'm a girl and this is hard - can you do it for me?" line. That'll ruin your chances rea quick. That being said, two of the most talented operators I know are women (tiny ones at that!)

Now to inhibit a few alarms before bedtime. ;-)

[Roughneck]

79ford hit the nail on the head. There can be a lot of physical work, but when things are running smoothly, your doing checks, taking samples etc.

It's imperative that you try and get a student job during the summer. That experience is priceless and there are plenty of opportunities for students to work in the summer as operaters. Networking is just as important as the schooling.