Assiniboine Community College has welcomed its first 3rd Class cohort in the Power Engineering program, transitioning students who’ve completed their 4th Class training into their final year of the two-year diploma program.

Across Canada, power engineers move through five classes descending numerically, with a 1st Class Engineer signifying the highest level of education in the occupation. The college previously offered 4th class training before the diploma program was introduced in fall 2021. Students who complete this second year of the program will be the first to receive their 3rd Class certification.

“There is a high demand for qualified power engineers in Manitoba, and it’s only expected to increase,” said Kevin Poirier, Dean of Trades at Assiniboine Community College. “Providing a fluent transition in training enables students to accelerate their certification and enter the workforce positioned for advanced career opportunities.”

Pfizer Canada, a local industry leader, played a significant role in kickstarting the program through its $75,000 contribution to curriculum development and student entrance awards.

The program, located at the college’s North Hill campus in Brandon, prepares students to operate and maintain equipment found in industrial plants and learn the mathematics, mechanics, combustion, thermodynamics and instrumentation needed for a career in power engineering.

“The hands-on aspect of the program lends itself well to in-class learning, especially in trades,” said Sheridan Sainsbury, second-year student in the Power Engineering program at Assiniboine. “Reading theories in a textbook and being able to apply them to real-life applications is very helpful in my studies.”

Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to build careers in various industries, including chemical manufacturing, food processing and electrical generation.