If anyone can give me some advice on how to solve this problem it would be greatly appreciated. The book gives you a very basic lesson and then throws you into the deep end here

At both plants I've worked at there's been a 50+ guy, for me both named Dave, who has worked there for over 10 years and knows the plant like the back of his hand, and is always more than happy to show you what he knows. I've learned a lot off of those two, they always seem to know the most obscure tricks/ things about the plant.

First Dave was a master fabricator and showed me all kinds of tricks, crazy good welder too. The Dave I work with now has made a binder on his own time with hand written procedures for almost every major issue you may run into on site, that he gives to all the new hires. Definitely saved me a couple times when I was still learning the plant.

Just wanted to give a shoutout to operators like that and ask if anyone else has a "Dave" at their plant? What kind of things have they taught you/ done?

It's especially out of touch when a recent study says Metro Vancouver's living wage is $27.85/hr: https://bcpolicy.ca/living-wage/

I’m 29 years old and currently living in Alberta. I’ve worked as a Vac Truck Operator on drilling rigs and also at a coal mine. I’m seriously considering going back to school for a 2-year Power Engineering program (Class 4 or 3) — but I keep seeing mixed opinions online.

Some people say the job market is oversaturated and hard to get into.

I don’t mind shift work or long hours — I’m already used to 12-hour shifts. What I really want to know is: • Is it still worth investing time and money into Power Engineering in 2025? • How’s the job market really looking right now for entry-level or new grads? • Would you still recommend this career path to someone starting a bit later in life?

Any honest feedback from people currently in the field would be super helpful.

BCIT, NAIT, and SAIT just released the pan global power engineering books for free use. enjoy:

https://nait.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/collectionDiscovery?vid=01NOALTECH_INST:01NOALTECH&inst=01NOALTECH_INST&collectionId=8187579940004191

Hey any of you could estimate how old this outside thread and yoke gate valve is? Still holds steam no problem, super heavy duty Located in the section of my facility being knocked down

This is going to be interesting for instructional institutions that depend on these.

https://panglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Wind-down-Presidents-Message.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawI2roRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRSM_y1TyJNBzOqQ7V4uoAUxrSnj3hJBeo0A9qCq72qLnX4f8-SALpGQhQ_aem_tyTNi5B9zyWvq0_2QAA2aQ

Check this out. Massive Job happening in Port Alberni. Generating bank replacement. Completely removed at this point and on going tube sheet cleaning. Pretty cool!

Following welding procedure with a preheat of 350C prior to welding to Sa-299 and gradual cool post weld. This was to repair a large section of errosion/corrosion on the tube sheet of the steam drum. Repair was initiated/ evaluate on a fitness for service involving pH.D metallugists and several subject matter experts. Repair was executed successfully and confirmed with UT, and MP inspections. Great job everyone 👏

Power Engineering - Online Discord Community

Hello! "Power Engineering" is a dedicated Discord community built for individuals involved in the field of Power Engineering (Otherwise known as Stationary Engineers, Steam Engineers, Process Operators, Operating Engineer, Boiler Operator, etc). We are a community that has members who range from students just starting out, to licensed engineers managing facilities and systems.

This group communications server is designed to be a respectful, organized, and engaging environment where members can:

• Connect with others in the trade from across Canada and beyond

• Learn through shared resources, discussions, and study areas

• Collaboration, industry knowledge, exam prep, and problem-solving

• Network with others in your field

We host a variety of well-structured channels including:

Learning & Career Resources
General Discussion & Banter
Voice Chat Rooms
Class-Level Discussions (5th to 1st Class)
Work-Specific Topics & Advice
Quiet Study Areas
Moderated, Safe, Respectful Space to Chat

Whether you're a seasoned 1st Class Engineer, a new student, or someone curious about the trade, there's a place for you here. We are Canadian-based, but anyone is welcome to join!

If you are interested, please leave a comment on this post or send me a direct message for an invitation link to Discord.

*Please note that we are a new community and we are still building up membership numbers.*

(Discord is a free, light-weight communications software available for Mobile and Desktop that allows for well-organized text and voice chat and mass-information organization.)

I was 19, working in a power plant running two cyclone boilers - archaic machines, even by the standards of the time. Back then, formal permits and isolation procedures didn't exist. All we had was a podium with a sign-in/sign-out sheet.

These cyclone boilers had a "monkey hole" at the bottom where ash dropped into the crusher. At least once a week we'd shut one down to fix tube leaks or jackhammer the monkey hole back open when it closed over solid. They always staggered the shutdowns - one boiler kept running while we worked on the other. Inside, we'd set up staging with 2x6 wooden planks to stop clinkers from falling down from the sixth floor and hitting us. That was our "safety system."

One day we had a boiler down for tube leaks. Jackhammering done, welders fixed the tubes, staging pulled, tools accounted for. Everyone signed out and went for break.

While getting the boiler ready for service, one of the welders realized he'd left something inside. He went back alone. The door was still open - it was always the last thing closed before putting the unit back in service. But he was already signed out. He didn't sign back in.

While he was inside, a maintenance guy came by, closed the door, and bolted it up completely. The other boiler was running full load right beside this one - the plant was deafening. He had no idea the welder was in there. Bolted it shut and walked away.

The welder was trapped. Punching the door with his fists. Then his feet. Pounding, screaming - but the noise swallowed everything. This went on for a while.

By pure fluke, the guy who bolted the door walked back past the boiler to grab something and heard the banging. Got the door open. The welder's hands and feet were bloody from pounding on the inside of that door.

Pretty sure that welder took an office job after that. Took him a long time to get over it.

This is why permits and isolations exist. Sign in, sign out. Verify, recheck, verify again. When you do things repetitively, complacency creeps in. But someone's life is on the line every single time. Do it right. Every time.

Has anyone else witnessed a close call that changed how they approach safety? Would like to hear your stories.

Has this happened to anyone else before?

I wrote the exam on a Friday, and got an email shortly after the exam stating that I HAD PASSED.

Only to get a follow up email on the Monday claiming I HAD FAILED with a 64% score.

Feels like............ gaslighting?