Trades in Alberta

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Natural Gas Compression Technician

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

  • Wage and Salary
  • Job Postings
  • Duties and Working Conditions
  • Interests, Abilities, Traits, and Skills
  • Career Advancement

Natural gas compression technicians install, commission, maintain, and repair natural gas compression equipment used to gather, store and transmit natural gas.On a typical job, natural gas compression technicians:

  • read and interpret diagrams and schematic drawings and related technical information to determine work procedures,
  • perform the assembly, installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and overhaul of natural gas compression equipment,
  • complete ignition analysis, fuel, air, exhaust and engine management systems testing, fault diagnoses and repair,
  • complete reciprocating and rotating machinery analysis to determine equipment condition, prediction to failure, corrective and preventative measures, and equipment performance to design intent,
  • perform visual walk-around inspections to determine the external conditions and obvious operational or safety issues;
  • use a variety of electrical, mechanical and specialty diagnostic test equipment to diagnose problems and adjust engine systems,
  • provide preventative and corrective field mechanical services on gas compression, processing and production equipment on-site at client locations,
  • troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical and general electronic control problems and all levels of compressor system failure,
  • repair and rebuild natural gas equipment;
  • inspect malfunctioning or damaged equipment to determine the nature and scope of the problem using applied failure analysis principles,
  • perform reliability analysis and risk assessments and apply to compression systems,
  • identify and develop maintenance strategies based on Reliability-centered Maintenance, Condition-based Maintenance, and Preventive Maintenance concepts, and
  • adhere to regulations and standards related to natural gas compression systems to ensure the safety of all workers, the environment and equipment.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

  • Sponsored Apprentices,
  • Certified Journeypersons
  • Individuals deemed qualified by their employer, and
  • Self-Employed individuals.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship
  • The term of apprenticeship for a natural gas compression technician is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
  • Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended. Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here.
  • Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
  • Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).
Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Natural Gas Compression Technician are:

  • A minimum of 72 months AND 9,000 hours of work experience.
  • A successful theory exam.
  • An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Natural Gas Compression Technician are:

  • A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
  • A successful theory exam.

Program Credit

Category Information
High School Credit
Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

  • Agricultural Equipment Technician
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Instrument and Control Technician
  • Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Transport Refrigeration Technician

Supporting Resources

 
Description
Description / Resources
Resources
Trade Information Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Job Information View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Entrance Requirement You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide.
Curriculum Guide Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn.
Classroom Instruction View a list of currently scheduled classes.
Financial Assistance Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823.
Examinations Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam.
Legislation For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order.

 

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