Lambton College has answered the call of industry and has made its flagship Chemical Production and Power Engineering Technology (CPET) Program available in an online format. The CPET program provides students with the knowledge of the principles underlying the complex technologies used in today’s processing industries - oil and chemical, power generation, steel production, food processing and pulp and paper, to name a few. During the program development stage, input from various industry representatives ensured that the program reflected the reality of the workplace. Courses cover regulations pertaining to environmental and health and safety legislation and also prepare students to write Operating Engineering examinations.

Students who were not able to consider this training before due to work commitments or distance issues, can now access the courses leading to process careers. Also, the online delivery format provides a flexible and portable solution to employers looking for accessible training for their employees. Now, employees will be able to continue providing valuable skills to their company, while learning new technologies. Discover how Lambton’s online delivery of the CPET program can meet your training needs. Online students are eligible for co-op at certain points in the program.Students are required to perform some practical lab activities on Lambton College’s campus, or other suitable facilities as deemed appropriate by the College. This online program is currently not eligible for Operating Engineering practical time reduction.

O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
Grade 12 English C or U
Grade 12 Mathematics C or U
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry C or U or Grade 11 or 12 Physics C or U (both recommended,
only one required)

Note: Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology or any grade 12U mathematics is recommended; Grade 12 College & Apprenticeship Mathematics minimum final grade is 60%. If the program is oversubscribed, students with Grade 12 Mathematics for College Technology or any Grade 12U mathematics will be given preference. Applicants must successfully complete an online computer literacy test. Applicants will be expected to communicate electronically and to use computer applications as required in their programs on a course by course basis.

Course equivalencies can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and Pre-Programs at Lambton.

The majority of gradutes will enter into various industries as Operating Engineers and Process Operators. Industries include refining and chemical process, power generation, steel production, pulp and paper, food processing, and other industrial operating or manufacturing industries. Uopn completion of the program and necessary work experience, graduates may have the opportunity to move into positions including, but not limited to, unit supervision and shutdown planning.

This program is eligible for Second Career or other programs under the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities (MTCU) ­ Employment & Training Division. Visit our webpage for more information.

For more information about Second Career funding, contact:
Carolyn Madill
519-542-7751 ext 3415
carolyn.madill@lambton.on.ca

The total cost for text books will be approximately $2,759.30.
Tuition costs are for three years of study.

What are the methods of instruction and time spent on each?

What certification will you get upon completion of this course?
Ontario College Diploma
4th Class Operating Engineering Certification (assuming practical time attained during co-ops)

Please explain how your progress will be monitored and reported (method & frequency).
Day 11 and Day 28 codes and differential assessment tools.

How many hours of home study are expected per week?
Approximately the same amount as the equivalent in class hours per week (23 hours per week on average)

Are detailed course descriptions available for prospective students?
Yes, they are available on the individual program pages of the Lambton College website at www.lambton.on.ca/programs

What resources are available if you require additional help while in training?
Students can access free tutoring, the centre for students with disabilities, the counselling department for academic and personal counselling, an on-campus doctor or nurse and the financial aid office.

What percentage of students who are enrolled in this program successfully complete it?
60 %

What academic counselling is available prior to starting school and during the training period?
Prior to starting school students can access academic counselling and after they have become full-time students they can also access personal counselling in addition to academic.

How does the school accommodate the needs of adult learners?
Peer tutoring center for academic assistance where required.

What are the qualifications for the instructor(s)?
Instructors have relevant work experience and in many cases hold an Engineering or Masters Degree.

Do students have the opportunity to evaluate the instructor and the course?
Yes, through yearly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Surveys and semestered Student’s Perception of Learning (SPL) surveys.

Does the institution have publicized policies dealing with human right issues?
Yes, it is contained in our Respectful Workplace Policy (4000-5-6) and may be accessed through our website.

Are you allowed to audit a few classes?
Yes, students are able to audit classes. A shadow day can be arranged by contacting the college’s Information Office at 519-541-2403.

Will the school provide references (i.e. signed release forms, past graduates/current students)?

Yes

Will there be a practicum or work placement? When and for how long? Is it a paid or unpaid placement?
In the online model, there is opportunity for one or two 6 to 8 month paid work placements. Employers post cooperative education positions with the college, and the success rate at placing students in work placements is over 90% over the history of the program. This program can be completed in two years by delaying the coop until the end of the academic portion. The coop is not required to receive the diploma.

How does the institution support continuing education/upgrading for graduates in this field of work?
The college has offered supervisory training to industry, and many graduates been involved in that after a few years experience. The college is nearing completion of a partnership that will allow Operating Engineering refresher and exam preparation course to be run online through the college. Other technical training is possible in the future due to the extent of the college lab facilities.

How does the institution make an effort to place its graduates in jobs after completion of the program?
We offer Career Placement services through our Student Success area. These services are available to graduates for up to six months after graduation.

What percentage of graduates from this training find work in a field related to their training?
95 %

List employers who hire graduates from this program.
Imperial Oil Limited
Terra Nitrogen Products
Nova Chemicals
Shell
Suncor
OPG
Bruce Power
Transalta

How will the credentials you receive be recognized by the industry/employer/ sector?
Most employers in this petrochemical region require the combination of CPET and 4th Class certification as entry level. Well recognized credential.

Start/End Date?

Start Date: September
End Date: August

What is the cost of tuition?
$14,380.71 (3 years)

Are there supplies which are required for this course? If so, what are these supplies, and are they included in the tuition?
Safety Glasses, Lab Coat, CSA approved work shoes (not included in tuition - approximate cost $200)

What is the additional cost of books?
First Year: $1600
Second Year: $760

What is the additional cost for exams/tests?
Two $75 tests for Operating Engineering certification (external to college)

Is a ticket or certification obtained upon completion of this course?
Chemical Production and Power Engineering Technology diploma and 4th Class Operating Engineering certification if sufficient practical time is gaining during coop work experience

What is the additional cost of certification?
$100 to apply for 4th Class Operating Engineering certification

How long is the course? 3 years

Is there continuous or scheduled intakes?
Can be started in January, May, or September each year

How many hours of training per day/week?
Online methodology equivalent to 23 hours per week total class hours

How many hours of practice per day/week?
Some online lab work via simulation, and learning objects - many lab courses have an 8-15 hour residency requirement which is typically conducted on Saturdays, or alternate for distance students

What time of day is the course operated?
Online - hours are flexible aside from the previously mentioned lab or shop attendance

What is the student/teacher ratio?
30:1 lectures, and 20:1 labs and shops (usually class sizes are smaller than these numbers)

What is the student/equipment ratio?
2-3 students per apparatus

What are the entrance requirements to this training course?
See the CPEO program on the college web site for current requirements.

Do you have a placement officer?
From your first days as a Lambton College student, our CO-OP and Career Services Department can assist you with finding employment, building your resumé and boosting your interview skills.

What is your placement rate for graduates?
95%

Does this placement rate include contract work? Do you account for unsuccessful placements?
The placement numbers do include contract placements, but these are relatively few as most companies hire operators as full-time direct staff members. The numbers of people not placed career related are also tracked.

How long has this program been offered?
5 Years

How many graduates from this program in the past year found employment in their chosen career?
57 (the CPEO numbers are included with the CPET numbers as the same diploma is granted)

How many people graduate from this program per year?
60

Is financial assistance available?
Yes

Can your school issue an education tax receipt?
Yes

How far is the training site from your place of residence?
*Answered on an individual basis

Is parking available at the training site?
Yes

Is the training site located on a bus route?

Yes

Co-op and Graduate Placement

What is the CPET co-op?
The CPET co-op is a unique model that produces a continuous supply of co-op students to industry from the on-ground program. Each student has the opportunity to apply for two co-ops at specified points in the program. The co-ops are stated as 6 months in duration each, but many employers take the students for 8 months each time and overlap the co-op streams. These co-op placements have an excellent rate of pay as well.

As the online program is more flexible, a more flexible model is used but still with the opportunity to apply for two co-ops of 6-8 months duration each.

How are co-ops obtained in the online program?
Once co-op eligibility is met, students can apply for co-op positions using the college’s online application service, the same as the day students do. Every student that meets the eligibility criteria is treated equally in the co-op placement process. As the online students are at various places in their program progression, they MUST contact the co-op and placement office and indicate their desire for co-op when they are ready. Your consultant is Patti Helps in the Student Success office who may be contacted at (519) 542-7751 extension 3202.

To meet eligibility, they must have successfully completed courses as follows:

all of the courses in the first 3 academic terms to apply for Co-op placement 1
all of the courses in the first 5 academic terms to apply for Co-op placement 2

Students must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA to be considered for co-op, but please note that the majority of companies prefer students with a minimum 2.5 GPA or higher.
There are co-ops available in Sarnia, but students are encouraged to find their own co-op openings at their location. Students at a distance from Sarnia should start looking for a co-op opportunity as soon as they start the program if they hope to have co-op terms.

Computer Requirements

Students require access to a computer with web access and personal internet account. Free net accounts will not work. Computers should meet the following requirements in order for students to view all learning materials:
- Internet Explorer 7.0 (or higher)
- MS Windows XP, Vista, or Mac OSX
- Java Runtime Environment 1.4 (or higher)
- Javascript & AJAX enabled; pop-up blocking disabled
- Scanner

Software Requirements
- Macromedia Flash Player 6
- Java-Sun Microsystems
- Microsoft Windows Media Player
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Word Processing Program (Microsoft Word preferred)

Please Note: Dial-up connections are supported, but are not recommended due to graphic & applet content.

Co-op & Graduate Placement

The CPET co-op is a unique model that produces a continuous supply of co-op students to industry. Each student has the opportunity to apply for two co-ops at specified points in the program. The co-ops are stated as 6 months in duration each, but many employers take the students for 8 months each time and overlap the co-op streams. These co-op placements have an excellent rate of pay as well.

As the online program is more flexible, a more flexible model is used, but still with the opportunity to apply for two co-ops, of 6-8 months duration each.

Lab Requirements
Attendance is required for on-campus labs. Students must purchase and wear eye protection. Instructors will provide you with further information regarding labs.

Textbooks & Other Supplies
Costs of textbooks, manuals, and other materials or supplies are not included in course fees unless otherwise indicated. To order textbooks, manuals and other materials, please contact the Lambton College Book Store at 519-541-2439 or bookstore@lambton.on.ca. Ask for Joanne Brooks.

Is the entire program online?
Is the program the same as the day program?
Is the diploma the same as for the day program?
What does the program cost?
When are the courses available?
How long will the program take?
What are the admission requirements? Do I need Grade 12?
Where do I take my classes?
How many hours are involved?
How do the courses operate?
Who teaches the courses?
What is the CPET co-op?
How are co-ops obtained in the online program?
I work in the field. Do I need to take a co-op?
I can’t afford to quit my job to take a co-op
What is Operating Engineering and why is it important?
How do I become an Operating Engineer?
How do I gain the practical time experience required for Operating Engineering?
What happens if a switch into the on-ground program?
What does a career with a CPET diploma involve?
What other future career possibilities exist?

Is the entire program online?

All 34 courses in the program are available online. However, many of these courses contain a “laboratory” component. Some portions of the labs are provided online through software simulations and by video. But many of the things you need to learn can only be experienced effectively with hands-on instruction.

For that reason, students are expected to perform some practical work at the college in the college’s process and plant equipment labs in the Center of Excellence for Process Manufacturing. Currently, the majority of this work is accomplished in one or two Saturday sessions per lab-based course, but there is a future plan to hold a lab “residency” week once or twice per year for students to attend to accomplish this goal. Many students will use a week of their annual vacation time to come to Sarnia for this period each spring. Reasonably priced accommodations exist on the campus. There also exists the possibility for international students to perform practical work at a similar institution in their country if approved by the college, with the expense to be absorbed by the student in that case.

Is the program the same as the day program?

Each course in the online program uses the identical learning outcomes to the day program. The only thing that changes is the learning method. For instance, something that might be dealt with in the classroom by breaking into groups is handled through an online discussion board in the online program.

Is the diploma the same as for the day program?

The diplomas are the same for the day and online programs.

What does the program cost?

Tuition for taking the program full time is listed at Lambton’s CPET site. As well as tuition, you need to pay for the cost of books and lab fees, which will total several hundred dollars per course.

If you are taking the program on a part time basis, then you will pay fees that total about the same, but based on the courses you take. Courses' credit hours compose the fourth digit of the course code. A code ending in a 5, for instance, indicates this is a 5 credit hour course. Tuition rates vary according to the number of credit hours in a course.

When are the courses available?

You can find the full course list here. The college attempts to offer each course every semester to maintain maximum flexibility to the learner to progress. There are occasions, however, where instructor availability will be a factor in whether a course runs or not in a specific term. The courses start each September, January, and May, and each course runs for a 15 week duration.

How long will the program take?

The program takes three years as a full time student (along with an additional year of co-op work-study). Part time students will take longer, depending on how many courses they take at one time. Normally, one to three courses is a part time load. As the courses are offered three times per year, it is possible that a student could complete the program sooner.

What are the admission requirements? Do I need Grade 12?

The admission requirements detail the needed courses if you are just leaving high school. If you are a mature student and have been in the workforce for several years, you should talk to a counselor to determine if you are ready for the program.

Course Related
Where do I take my classes?

From your home, for the most part. All theory portions of the courses, and some of the labs, are available online. You need a computer (Mac, PC or Linux), an Internet connection, and a browser. You determine which hours you want to work.

How many hours are involved?

You can take a full time program online, with up to 25 credit hours. However this does not include reading time, projects, and other items that would be considered homework if you were a day student. You should estimate 1.5 times - 2 times the credit hours as the amount of time you should have available. Most students with a full time job will take the program part time.

How do the courses operate?

Once you sign up for a course, you will receive your login information to the Lambton Instructional Online Network (LION). In the course you will find instructions on how to use LION, but it basically works as follows:

Who teaches the courses?

Many of the teachers in the online program are the same people who teach day classes at Lambton College. Most of the others, in the technical courses, are experienced petrochemical plant personnel from a variety of local industries.

How are co-ops obtained in the online program?

Once co-op eligibility is met, students can apply for co-op positions using the college’s online application service, the same as the day students do. Every student that meets the eligibility criteria is treated equally in the co-op placement process. As the online students are at various places in their program progression, they MUST contact the co-op and placement office and indicate their desire for co-op when they are ready. To meet eligibility, they must have successfully completed courses as follows:

Students must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA to be considered for co-op, but please note that the majority of companies prefer students with a minimum 2.5 GPA or higher.

There are co-ops available in Sarnia, but students are encouraged to find their own co-op openings at their location. Students at a distance from Sarnia should start looking for a co-op opportunity as soon as they start the program if they hope to have co-op terms.

I work in the field. Do I need to take a co-op?

No, if you are working in a plant as a process operator, or have within the past five years, no co-op is required.

I can’t afford to quit my job to take a co-op

A co-op period is not a requirement for graduation. If you cannot take a co-op, you can still graduate. It may be possible to defer one (one only) co-op to be taken at the end of the co-op program. Contact the co-op office to investigate this possibility if you have no other options due to your employment situation.

Operating Engineering Certification

What is Operating Engineering and why is it important?

Operators that have control over boiler, fired heaters, and other equipment that produce or utilize steam are required to be certified Operating Engineers in the province of Ontario. This certification is granted by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) in the province of Ontario. Further information about the TSSA and the Operating Engineers Act can be found at www.tssa.org. Often you will find that the name Power Engineer is used for this title as well, due to the relationship of the careers to power generating facilities. There is a move in the province desiring to change the name to this, but it still is currently Operating Engineer.

There are 4 levels of Operating Engineers, with 4th Class being the lowest and 1st Class being the highest. Depending on the MW rating of the plant, the level of Operating Engineers is determined. For example, a large power plant facility that uses combustion to produce steam would typically require a First Class Operating Engineer as Chief Operating Engineer, and the shift operators would require Second Class certification. Even chemical plants and refineries often require certified operators if they run fired equipment. Most require their operators to have 4th Class certification upon hire and to achieve 3rd Class certification as a minimum for their career.

Lambton College’s Chemical Production and Power Engineering Technology program is a hybrid program. It combines the Operating Engineering required knowledge with the additional knowledge of how to operate chemical plants, refineries, and other processing types of plants, in addition to the power plants, due to the certification. This maximizes career opportunities.

How do I become an Operating Engineer?

To become an Operating Engineer 4th Class, during the time spent at Lambton College, students are expected to register to write the two exams for the 4th class; Part A and Part B. This is done by contacting the TSSA to register for the test facility in your area. The learning materials, which are also used for the Operating Engineering courses in the CPET program, are available via the college bookstore (a deposit is required) or the web site www.powerengineering.ca or also by a link from the TSSA web site. The materials are covered during the first 4 academic terms of the CPET program, but students must realize that they will need to study this material in advance of these exams due to the volume of material on each exam. These two exams form the first requirement for the certification, with practical time being the next component.

How do I gain the practical time experience required for Operating Engineering?

Students must also gain practical time. The current requirement for practical time is 12 months of full-time working time in a registered plant. The co-op work experience can count towards this if in a TSSA registered plant. For each job obtained that counts towards the practical time, the students must get a testimonial form completed and signed by the chief operator to attest to the time achieved and the type of plant where employment occurred.

The on-ground (regular day time) program is approved for a 9-month practical time reduction for the 4th class, but the online program does not receive this reduction.

What happens if a switch into the on-ground program?

Students who start out full-time online and then switch into the full-time day program will not be eligible for the practical time reduction as certain core courses must be taken on-ground to achieve the practical time reduction.

What does a career with a CPET diploma involve?

As a CPET graduate, you would be entering a career as a process operator/Operating Engineer. These positions are almost always shift work positions, with most plants now utilizing 12-hour shifts. In any given month, you will work certain day shifts and night shifts and be part of a shift “team.” The following is a brief description of the types of duties you would be expected to perform on the job:

Work Safety

Of primary importance in industry is the need to perform each action in a safe and rational manner. The college and the plants provide safety training and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

Environmental Protection

All operators are trained to control their units to minimize environmental impact. Graduates are familiar with the laws with respect to the environment, and plants strive to perform at levels that produce emissions levels far less than the government standards.

Start and stop process equipment as required.

This involves lining out pipe lines from source to destination, opening and closing appropriate valves, checking equipment for proper lubrication levels and other system checks, and then starting the equipment or introducing flow through the equipment

Routine checks on equipment

Every shift there will be certain required routine readings and checks through the unit that must be performed, but operators are expected to make more frequent checks, particularly if an area of the plant requires some additional attention due to operating changes or problems. Due to the nature of process units, operators must occasionally climb ladders on towers and be capable of walking high platforms with open steel grate floors.

Collection of Process Samples

Operators will collect liquid and vapor samples to be analyzed by the plant lab and, most often, also run some routine tests in a small lab adjacent to the control room to ensure that the products they are making are on specification.

Preparation of Unit Equipment for Safe Work

Operators on shift are responsible to isolate the fluids and electrical streams to plant equipment and clean and flush process fluids from it so that it is safe for maintenance personnel to work on it. The operators sign a permit that verifies that the equipment is safe for work. When the work is completed, they then restore the equipment to operations as required.

Control Panel Operations

Everyone likely has a view of what a control room with control panels looks like. The operators control the operations of the plant from this control center by making the necessary control changes on a computer keyboard, while viewing graphics of the actual process on screens. Keep in mind that for operations in the control room, operators typically must go out into the unit to open and close valves etc. to facilitate the changes and to check that things are working properly.

Liaison with other shifts

At the end of each shift, the operators meet briefly with the shift leaving to explain how the plant is performing, and keep continuity of information. Operators must also document all changes made in a plant log book to have written communications.

What other future career possibilities exist?

As a CPET graduate, after a few years of operations experience, there may be possibilities to move to other careers that are not limited to the list below:

Students are required to have both fine and gross motor control to operate various pieces of equipment. Students should possess adequate vision in order to read instruments and take measurements, and must be capable of climbing vertical ladders and walking platforms with open gratings. Some students with disabilities may require academic accommodations to equalize opportunities to meet the academic demands of this program or a course within it.

No information is available at this time.

Click on the year you began your program:

2010