Mississauga (May 20, 2026) – PEMAC Asset Management Association of Canada is developing a training program to address a critical skills gap related to shutdowns, turnarounds and outages (STOs). The Shutdown Turnaround Management Professional (STMP) certification program will standardize STO training, supporting maintenance professionals to better plan and execute some of the most complex, costly and high stakes events.
Developed by internationally recognized subject matter experts, the six-course program will cover all aspects of STO project management including: planning, scheduling, risk management, budgeting, quality control, contract management and execution. Successful completion of the program results in participants being awarded a certification, with use of a professional designation.
“STOs are critical to asset performance, safety, and reliability, yet they have historically been managed without a formal training framework,” said Frank Engli, Co-chair of the STMP Curriculum Development Committee. “This new program introduces a practical, standardized approach which benefits both the organizations planning these events, and the professionals responsible for delivering them.”
The STMP program is designed to provide professionals involved in managing or supporting small to large STOs with structured learning and practical, real-world skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. The program is intended for both facility owners and service providers engaged in any aspect of an STO event, including project management, planning, scheduling, operations, engineering, inspection, construction, quality control, and supply chain management.
Relevant across multiple industries such as oil and gas, utilities, petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining, manufacturing, and other industrial sectors, the program will enable organizations to improve shutdown and turnaround planning and execution. This will contribute to reduced downtime and schedule overruns, while enhancing safety, reliability, and overall operational performance.
“The STMP program provides a standardized foundation that equips professionals with the tools, language, and confidence they need—while strengthening organizational readiness through skilled teams that execute shutdowns and turnarounds safely, consistently, and cost-effectively,” states Michael Buckingham, Team Lead, Turnaround Planning & Scheduling at Nova Chemicals.
The first course, Introduction to STO Management and Strategic Context, will be delivered live online in an instructor-led format through Humber Polytechnic, this fall.
“This program reflects our commitment to delivering applied, industry relevant education,” said Nelia Louro, Program Manager, Associations & Professional Programs, Education & Training Solutions, Humber Polytechnic. “By partnering with industry and PEMAC, we’re helping professionals build specialized capabilities that are in high demand, while supporting organizations that depend on well executed shutdowns and turnarounds.”
A complimentary virtual information session will be held on June 17 to introduce the program, featuring an overview of the six courses, insights from an STMP Committee Co-chair, key benefits for individuals and organizations, as well as the program launch timeline.
Details about the Shutdown Turnaround Management Professional certification program and registration for the information session are at: pemac.org/stmp.
Learn more about the Shutdown Turnaround Management Professional Program