Power engineering questions?

MrMr2 · #1 03-25-2013, 11:38 PM

Hi there guys, I'm a new a member and had a few questions about power engineering! I plan on attending Nait, and I have been very interested in taking power engineering for sometime. Right now Im currently upgrading my current courses to meet the requirements for the 2 year program at nait called Power engineering technology. I was wondering if its already too late to apply for the course since I wont be done all my subjects until June, although my marks are pretty high now. I dont plan on applying until June/August, but I was thinking I would apply now and just give them my current progress through the subjects I've taken and hope for early admission. The next power engineering semester will start on September 3rd I believe, and its really important that I get in this year as they are changing the requirements next year making it even more difficult since they will only accept Chem and physics 30, not science 30 ( the science Im upgrading right now). My other question is, is the power engineering certificate still really good to have? It is the one year course that I believe lets you get your full 4th class and leave with part A of your 3rd. Since I get to apply for 2 nait courses, Im going to apply for both Power engineering technology ( my main objective), and the one year power engineering certificate course. I heard its not as easy as getting a job with just your 4th. Is this true? I dont plan on just staying fourth class, infact I plan on eventually reaching second class and possibly 1st if I can. In the case that I get accepted into the one year program and only get my fourth class, will finding a job be tough for someone who has their full 4th but no actual experience? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

madatter · #2 03-26-2013, 06:04 AM

Been lots of threads on this already.
Ten years ago we were a shadowy group of operators,now I see a thread every other day.
Take 2 year program.
Get your 3rd.
Get a summer job at a plant where firing time counts towards your 3rd.
Yes you can get a good paying job with a 4th but you are severely limiting yourself.
And probably will be working and studying to get get your 3rd at the same time.
Personally I'd rather go to school and get it....

chewydog · #3 03-26-2013, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madatter

Been lots of threads on this already.
Ten years ago we were a shadowy group of operators,now I see a thread every other day.
Take 2 year program.
Get your 3rd.
Get a summer job at a plant where firing time counts towards your 3rd.
Yes you can get a good paying job with a 4th but you are severely limiting yourself.
And probably will be working and studying to get get your 3rd at the same time.
Personally I'd rather go to school and get it....

Shadowy and misunderstood!

roger · #4 03-26-2013, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madatter

Been lots of threads on this already.
Ten years ago we were a shadowy group of operators,now I see a thread every other day.
Take 2 year program.
Get your 3rd.
Get a summer job at a plant where firing time counts towards your 3rd.
Yes you can get a good paying job with a 4th but you are severely limiting yourself.
And probably will be working and studying to get get your 3rd at the same time.
Personally I'd rather go to school and get it....

what he said!!
this forum really needs a 'careers' section. the PE question is asked alot.

chewydog · #5 03-26-2013, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger

what he said!!
this forum really needs a 'careers' section. the PE question is asked alot.

too many people are looking into it for the money, not cause that's what they want to do. I see it all the time, we get new people that don't know which end of a wrench is which. Last week I couldn't spell operator now I are one!

madatter · #6 03-26-2013, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewydog

too many people are looking into it for the money, not cause that's what they want to do. I see it all the time, we get new people that don't know which end of a wrench is which. Last week I couldn't spell operator now I are one!

Indeed most of young guys get into it for money....
Most want it all now...who cares if I don't know nothing....
It's an interesting mix of operators now...old wise guys,in between ers like me,and a bunch of FNGs

We use to run our plant with 4 operators.....shut downs,start ups even if help wasn't available.
Now with 6 guys the young ones complain about being overworked on a busy maintanence day.
I'm almost to the point where I'm one of the old guys....5 years I will be
Attitudes of new guys is a whole lot different than older fellas

roger · #7 03-26-2013, 06:47 AM

true.
im seeing that as the employee/job market changes, the PE field is an (assumed) trained replacement for any/all trades. I see employers wanting someone who knows a little about alot, rather than specific tradespersons.
i have a few other red seal trade tickets so it was natural progression to go into PE.
not every person can function as one, to fully understand electrical, chemical processes, mechanical, fluid dynamics, etc is not easy, but if your the kind of person who is open to understanding then you will accell.
I also see that a person a who has a sorted job history tend to grasp the principles faster.

megadodge · #8 03-26-2013, 03:08 PM

Years ago, when went through the NAIT 2-yesr program, one of the entry application requirements was to write a research paper on PE; what is was and what one does. I have a feeling that this is no longer the case.

The stunned looks on new graduates faces when they're expected to get dirty or turn a wrench for the first time says it all.

MrMr2 · #9 03-26-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewydog

too many people are looking into it for the money, not cause that's what they want to do. I see it all the time, we get new people that don't know which end of a wrench is which. Last week I couldn't spell operator now I are one!

Yes that is true, however I do have a genuine interest in power engineering, not just for the money (although it sure is a bonus), but the career itself. I also like the idea of shift work.

Off in the Bushes · #10 03-26-2013, 07:27 PM

Do not limit yourself to just NAIT apply at all the college as I believe there is now a 2-3 year wait list to get into these programs.
Please do not settle on just the 4th class finish your education and get the diploma as you are far more employable with a post secondary education then just your certification.
Also check out power engineers anynonomous (sp?) on facebook.

SBE2 · #11 03-26-2013, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewydog

too many people are looking into it for the money, not cause that's what they want to do. I see it all the time, we get new people that don't know which end of a wrench is which. Last week I couldn't spell operator now I are one!

^^^^ x1000

Puma · #12 03-26-2013, 09:09 PM

You guys get dirty ? Your doing it wrong!
(PE since 78)

SBE2 · #13 03-21-2014, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewydog

too many people are looking into it for the money, not cause that's what they want to do. I see it all the time, we get new people that don't know which end of a wrench is which. Last week i couldn't spell operator now i are one!

^^^x1000....this!!!

MrMr2 · #14 03-26-2013, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madatter

Been lots of threads on this already.
Ten years ago we were a shadowy group of operators,now I see a thread every other day.
Take 2 year program.
Get your 3rd.
Get a summer job at a plant where firing time counts towards your 3rd.
Yes you can get a good paying job with a 4th but you are severely limiting yourself.
And probably will be working and studying to get get your 3rd at the same time.
Personally I'd rather go to school and get it....

Sorry about posting another thread about power engineering, I just wanted to interact with actual power engineers and ask them my questions directly instead of just reading about what other people have asked. Also, I do plan on taking the 2 year program, however Im not sure of my chances of getting in since I'll be applying now and it is kind of late to apply but I can only apply now since my marks are now up to par with the requirements for Nait. At the very least, I hope that IF I cant get into the 2 year program, that I will be accepted into the one year course and be able to complete my fourth class. That way I'll still be part of PE field, and I can just work my way up. It doesn't matter if its the harder path, I'll still try my best to succeed at it. Also I thought the 2 year program at Nait gives you the firing time for 3rd class?