HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical route for a Canadian secondary-school student is to finish high school with courses in math, physics, electricity, and computer-related subjects. Some students then enter a power engineering or related technical program, while others may start in an entry-level plant role and learn on the job. Early experience in industrial, mechanical, or electrical settings can help build skills with equipment, safety procedures, record keeping, and teamwork. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the type of power plant, so some roles may ask for additional training or experience.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Operate reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, condensers and auxiliary equipment in hydro, thermal and nuclear power plants to generate electrical power
- Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and co-ordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages
- Monitor and visually inspect power plant equipment and equipment indicators to detect operating problems and make adjustments or minor repairs as required
- Complete and maintain station records, logs and reports.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Communication SkillsComputerized equipmentMonitoringTaking Directions