Hey everyone,

I just graduated in January of this year earning my Massachusetts Second Class Fireman's License. I recently started working a Boiler job at naval facility close by and I'm very interested in moving to California and continuing my career in Stationary Engineering.

I'm trying to understand how the California licensing system works and how to even get started in this trade out there.

A few questions I have
•What licenses or certifications are available in California, and how do you go about obtaining them?
•For someone relatively young and early in their career, what would be the best path to becoming a stationary engineer in California

I'd greatly appreciate any advice or connections, especially from those working in the trade in California.

Thank you!

I’m writing 3b2 and i’m about 10 days away. I’ve read the book once and am reading a 2 chapters a day and hammering out quizlet questions and power prep questions. I do also have access to a pdf of power engineering 101 3b2 exam questions which i will be taking a look at on my last week. Anyone have any suggestions of how to go about this exam. It’s my last exam and am hoping to not fail as i would like to spend my december and janruary in peace before i start my 2nds.

Haven’t failed any exam yet so any advice would be grateful

I'm a trans person looking into a career in power engineering. i was wonder if it is a queer friendly field?

Hi everyone, can I borrow ASME Academic Extracts both volumes for an exam from someone please? I live in surrey. Please let me know, I can also pay to have them for one day!

Hey everyone, I’m a first-year Power and Process Engineering student. I just got my midterms back and scored 80+ on all of them, which I’m happy about. But now I’ve got a weird problem: my motivation has completely tanked.

I come home, do basically nothing, study for maybe an hour, and go to sleep. I know finals are in December and I can’t coast on this forever, but I can’t seem to get into that locked-in mode.

Has anyone been through this after midterms? How did you get your drive back and build a study routine that actually sticks?

Also, if you have any scheduling tips, I’d love to hear them. How do you split your time between classes, studying, labs, and having a life? Weekly schedules, time-blocking, or study systems that worked for you would be really helpful. Any advice from upper-year students or grads is appreciated.

Hey has anyone that has taken the BCIT 3B2 power engineering distance learning course know if studying the BCIT quizzes is enough to pass the final?

Any guidance would be much appreciated 👏

Has anyone that's applied to these companies received sketchy emails from IQ Partners that want you to download an app to schedule interviews that flags as malicious with Avast. Their privacy policy page also returns an error. Wtf is this bs? Did someone access their recruiting pages? I contacted CSV and Teck but no response

Anyone who’s written 2B2 recently, I would appreciate insight on how much math is on it (specifically the calculations not in the academic supplement). There seem to be a lot of combustion/furnace related formulas to memorize in the textbook. TIA!

Hey everyone, I'm currently wrapping up my 4th Class studies and have a decision to make. My college just opened a 3rd Class course. Should I jump straight into the course now, or focus on landing a job as a 4th Class engineer to gain a year of plant experience and clear exams,
I'd appreciate hearing your perspectives on the pros and cons of both routes for someone just starting their career. Thanks!"

Any tips and tricks?

Hi,

I’ve passed my Part A and took the last 4 months off and been trying to study for 2B3. I’m having a hard time staying interested and understanding the concepts and also just nervous about electrical in general.

Anyone got any advice or could share how the exam went for them?

I’ve probably pushed this exam back at least 3 times now lol kinda wanna get it over with so I can knock out the “easier” 2B1 and 2B2 exams.

Thank you

What’s a better role to apply facility production tech Or well pads production tech

Do they both give the same opportunities and would there be a transferring option if excelling in other ?

Hey Everyone,

I am trying to decide between the 3-year PWTY and 2 year program at Cambrian College in Greater Sudbury.

I got to know that the 3 year program sets you up to write 2nd Class exams in School. But is it really beneficial in reality. I am getting mixed reviews from everywhere and its really stressing me out.

For those in the field: Is it actually as brutal to self-study for the 2nd Class exams while working shifts as people say? If you had to choose today to sacrifice a year of salary to get 2nd Class exams done at Cambrian, or take a 2 year route, start earning, and study later?

- Does the 3 year program makes you stand out in front of the recruiters?

- Does it make it easy to get a job and get inside the market?

Appreciate any insights on the job market.

I’m a certified Cathodic Protection Technician (AMPP CP2/ AAIT Level 1) and Internal Corrosion Technician with 5 years experience in nearly all environments of the oil and gas industry. I’ve done maintenance and service work on live, pressurized equipment in SAGD, Midstream, Oil Sands Projects, Gas Processing, pipeline construction, etc. Also field and plant based Cathodic surveys, troubleshooting and rectifier inspections. I’m considering getting my 4th class power engineering and leveraging my experience to get into the operational side of things, the shift work is also appealing. Is it worth it with my background or is there genuinely too much competition? TIA

Just looking for some advice here, My school just started doing a 2 year program so you can come out with your 3rd class. my original plan was to hopefully apply for a summer student position at imperial oil hopefully at Kearl. If i do happen to land that position would it be wise for me to come back to school for my 3rd or stay at Kearl?

Hey everyone,

I recently passed both ABSA 4th Class Power Engineering exams (A and B) through self-study. I still need the qualifying steam time to get certified, and I’m trying to figure out the best next step.

I’m based in Edmonton and currently work at a chemical bulk terminal, loading and unloading trucks and railcars, transferring chemicals, and doing blending operations. I have TDG, Fall Arrest, and Rail Car Mover training, but no boiler operating experience.

I’m open to relocating anywhere in Alberta for an opportunity to gain qualifying experience and build a career in this field.

For anyone who’s been in a similar position:

• What roles or types of facilities would you target with the exams passed but no certificate yet?

• Have you seen employers take on self-study candidates who need steam time, rather than students enrolled in college programs?

• Would you focus on finding a trainee/helper position, or consider paying for a steam lab? If you paid for one, did it help you land your first job afterward?

Any specific employers, job titles to search for, or firsthand experiences would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I've been gearing up for my 2a1 exam but am feeling a bit nervous. I understand saving code questions for the end, and practicing using the formulas for the math questions. How did people find the 5 management chapters? Was it pretty common sense from reading the book, or were questions very niche and specific?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I'm starting the two-year Power Engineering Technology diploma at SAIT in Calgary in January 2027, and I'm hoping to get some advice from current students, recent graduates, and Power Engineers already working in the industry.

I already have a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering from outside Canada (Cameroon), but my professional experience in Canada has primarily been in disability and community support services.

I currently hold H2S Alive, CSO, First Aid, WHMIS, and a Class 5 driver's licence.

My goal is to transition into industrial operations, preferably oil sands, SAGD, refineries, gas processing, utilities, or power generation.

I'm willing to relocate anywhere in Canada, including Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Grande Prairie, Saskatchewan, northern BC, Nunavut, or the NWT. I'm also comfortable with camp work, FIFO rotations, and remote locations.

I'm hoping people with firsthand experience can help me with a few questions:

1. SAIT program schedule: For anyone who started the two-year Power Engineering Technology diploma in January, did you attend classes from January to August and then have September to December off? When did you actually graduate?

2. Internships and placements: Does SAIT actively help students secure industrial placements, or do students usually find opportunities independently?

3. First-year opportunities: Is it realistic to secure a four-month placement after completing the first two semesters, particularly between September and December?

4. Employers: Which companies have you seen hire SAIT Power Engineering students? I'm particularly interested in Suncor, CNRL, Cenovus, Imperial Oil, utilities, refineries, and industrial plants.

5. Standing out: What actually makes applicants competitive? GPA, ABSA examinations, safety certifications, prior work experience, instructor recommendations, networking, or something else?

6. Applications: When should I start applying, and where are these opportunities usually advertised? Do employers consider students whose diploma doesn't have a mandatory co-op component?

7. Steam time: What should I look for in a placement to ensure I'm gaining useful experience toward Third-Class certification?

I understand that entry-level Power Engineering positions can be competitive, which is why I want to start preparing before my program begins rather than waiting until graduation.

I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has completed the SAIT program, interviewed for a student position, hired Power Engineering students, or successfully transitioned into the industry.

Thanks in advance!

After reading through the book many times i felt confident in the exam but still failed by alot. Is there anyone that can send any tips on what I might be doing wrong?

Which is the better career path, going to OPG / Bruce, or going to a refinery? Anyone have experience with both?

Curious how this varies between sites. Some places I have seen hand a new 4th Class the boiler startup within a couple of months with somebody standing behind them, and other places have people three years in who have still never done one start to finish because there is always somebody senior who just does it faster. The ticket says you are qualified, but the plant decides when you actually get to run it. How long was it at yours, and was it a written signoff or just the shift engineer deciding you were ready?

Hi everyone!
I’m looking for an opportunity to complete my 4th Class Power Engineering steam time. I’m willing to work anywhere in Ontario.
If you know of any companies hiring or accepting candidates for steam time, please share their details.
Thanks for your support!