Education/training
Durham grad putting his energy to useLanding a job as a nuclear operator in training at one of North America's largest power generators, is allowing a Durham College grad to put his energy to good use. |
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 [ 2007-08-29 ] |
Power engineering students at UOIT.
"Working at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) was pretty much my goal, even before applying to the power engineering program at Durham College," says Wayne Franko, 26, of Oshawa.
After graduating from Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic High School in Oshawa, Franko studied pharmaceutical and food science technology at Durham College. "I liked working in the labs and the analysis, but I realized it wasn't the line of work for me."
He remembered hearing about the college's new power engineering program on a campus tour. He followed up with a tour of Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) nuclear generating station in Pickering, prior to visitor restrictions that were imposed following 9/11.
"It sounded like an interesting career," Franko says. "My father works at the Darlington (nuclear generating station) and has a friend who works as a nuclear operator. It sounded right for me."
Durham's power engineering program introduces students to all aspects of power plant operation, as well as the design and operation of complex control systems. They study boiler design and function; various refrigeration, heating and air conditioning systems; and the electrical functions and instrumentation that keep equipment operating smoothly and trouble-free.
Successful completion of program provides the theory needed to challenge the examination for the fourth- and third-class stationary engineer. Candidates must complete qualifying experience hours in a registered steam generating facility before the Technical Standards and Safety Authority will grant certification.
Just a few months before graduation, Franko answered a job posting at the college for a nuclear operator at OPG. "Pretty well everyone in my class applied," he says. He considered work in other parts of the country, including Alberta, but held out in hopes of staying in Durham Region.
Franko was invited to a testing session that assesses things such as critical reasoning, mechanical aptitude and safety consciousness. After an interview, he was hired as a nuclear operator in training. He began working at the Pickering nuclear generating station in January. "It takes approximately two years to become a qualified nuclear operator," he says.
As an operator in training, Franko must complete extensive classroom and computer-based courses, which are balanced with on-shift training that is an extension of classroom learning. "As an uncertified nuclear operator, our role is pretty much to shadow other operators and to observe what they do," he says.
A significant portion of a nuclear operator's duties are to make rounds of their designated area within the plant, to check the status of equipment and systems such as pumps, fans and motors. "It's such a safety-driven atmosphere: safety for the plant, safety for the worker and safety for the public," Franko says.
QUICK FACTS
A power engineering technician is an expert in energy conversion. Power engineers oversee and maintain equipment involved in the entire process of heat generation and utilization.
Employment opportunities include: co-generation plants, hospitals, nuclear power stations, petrochemical plants, pharmaceutical companies, pulp and paper companies, oil refineries, steam plants and nuclear fuel conversion facilities.
To learn more, visit www.durhamcollege.ca.
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