Plant Operator - Certificate
Overview
This program prepares you for entry-level positions as a plant operator. You'll gain knowledge and develop the skills required to operate, monitor and troubleshoot control equipment and processing units found in most industrial settings. You'll learn about industrial plant functionality and gain a critical understanding of plant systems, process fundamentals and plant operations.
What Is a Plant Operator?
Plant operators are responsible for overseeing the production process of a plant facility. The goal of a process operator is to monitor equipment and improve the quality, efficiency and safety of the plant.
Plant operators supervise staff members and coordinate maintenance efforts to ensure control instruments are working properly. They also perform other administrative tasks such as recording test results and other data about the plant's operation. In addition, process operators are responsible for reporting problems with the production process or equipment to shift managers and maintenance engineers. In some cases, plant operators may need to carry out minor maintenance work and transport various items for shipment.
A person does not need any particular qualifications to become a plant operator. However, they do need to have an understanding of math and be able to pass an aptitude test, physical and medical exam at the interview stage. A person can also become a plant operator by completing an apprenticeship or taking a college course related to the skills and knowledge needed in the job. Plant operators usually work full-time, sometimes shift-work, often with benefits, for companies involved in the petroleum, agricultural and pharmaceutical industry.
Training Facility Provides Unique Advantage
You'll engage in a variety of classroom, shop and real-world activities. Learn the theoretical principles of operations and processes in the classroom, and apply your knowledge in our shop where you'll gain valuable experience by practicing various operational procedures.
During the 18 weeks of instructional time, you'll travel to 10 plant operations of various sizes throughout the West Kootenay such as Nelson Hydro, Teck, Mercer Celgar, a local brewery, Selkirk College, a local wastewater treatment plant, Oso Negro, a local sawmill, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (Trail) and a local arena. The goal is by the end of the tours, you will have a detailed record of the plants you have visited and a broad awareness of the operator duties and tasks at the various plants in our area.
Great Partnerships with Regional Industry
The Plant Operator Program usually has two intakes each year. The provincial government has bolstered funding in areas of trades that are anticipated to be in-demand over the coming years. Plant operators are considered one of those areas.
Upon completion of the on-campus component of the program, you'll embark on a practicum hosted by regional employers where you'll master operations in real industrial environments.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- Conduct research relevant to plant operations
- Apply math skills as required
- Explain terms, concepts, and processes relevant to plant operations
- Operate plant equipment as required
- Utilize standard industry technology
- Demonstrate evolving problem-solving skills
- Demonstrate developing critical and creative thinking skills
- Communicate effectively and efficiently in various formats to a variety of stakeholders, consistent with industry expectations
- Demonstrate developing collaborative skills
- Outline industry-specific government health, safety and environmental standards and regulations
- Conduct themselves in a manner that meets industry expectations
Admission Requirements
- Graduation from a British Columbia Senior Secondary School or equivalent
- Workplace Math 11, or Selkirk AUD Math 46, with a minimum of 60% or better
- Consideration will be given to mature individuals (19 years or older) who are not senior secondary school graduates, provided they are working to complete the recommended education:
- Grade 10 or equivalent including English 10, Mathematics 10
- Grade 12 preferred - All applicants are required to complete a computerized placement test using the College Readiness Tool (CRT) in reading, writing and mathematics once they have submitted their application.
Employers may require higher level of Math as part of their hiring policies.
No additional requirements for this program
General
a) Applicants must submit a completed admission application form and other required documents (i.e. secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts) to the admissions office, Selkirk College.
b) Applicants are required to complete pre-admission Computer Placement Test in reading, writing and mathematics.
c) Consideration will be given to mature students (see below).
2. Mature Student (see 8610 Admissions and Standards)
a) A "mature student" is at least 19 years and has been out of the school system for at least one year on or before the first day of classes of the program.
b) A mature student with reasonable potential for success on the basis of work experience or other criteria may be admitted, notwithstanding some deficiency in prior formal education.
c) A mature student shall normally meet the specific program or course prerequisites.
SELECTION
Applications will be separated into two levels as identified in Selkirk College Policy 8610 (Admissions and Standards), namely "fully qualified" and "partially qualified".
1. Fully Qualified
The applicant meets all of the requirements stated in Part I, A, above.
2. Partially Qualified
The applicant is deficient in meeting some or all of the admission requirements stated in Part I, A, above.
3. Order of Selection
Selection and acceptance of applicants will proceed in the following order:
a) Within the fully qualified level, preference shall be given to those with earlier-completed applications.
b) Within the partially qualified level, preference shall be given to those considered best qualified.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1. Before an applicant's file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions office:
a) Completed application form.
b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is currently a student).
c) Official transcripts of all post-secondary education grades.
d) The results of Computer Placement Test (CPT).
2. Applications for admission will be received until program is full.
3. An interview (in person or by telephone) with the School Chair or designate may be required before entry to the program. Interview results are not used as criteria for admission.
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum of 70% average.
PROMOTION
1. Students should keep records of their grades and strive to maintain a Progress Grade of 70% or better. Students should be aware of their Progress Grade at all times.
2. Students who are excluded from a lesson, class or course for reasons outlined in Part II, D will be considered absent from those classes.
3. A student whose absenteeism exceeds 7.5% at any time, may be required to withdraw from the program.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
1. To graduate and receive the Selkirk College Plant Operator Program Certificate of Completion, the student must complete the following courses and achieve an overall cumulative average of 70%:
Courses
PO101 - Introduction to Process Plant Systems
PO102 - Process Fundamentals
PO103 - Introduction to Process Plant Operations
PO104 - Plant Tours
Tuition & Fees
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
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