Plant Operator – Certificate
Program Details
Certificate in Plant Operator
Overview
Program Summary
This 24-week program (18 weeks on-campus + 6-week practicum) 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.
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.
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
Program Admission Requirements
Academic 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.
Additional Requirements
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.
Graduation and Promotion
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%:
Program Curriculum
Required Courses
| PO101 | Introduction to Process Plant Systems | 8.00 | |
| PO102 | Process Fundamentals | 4.00 | |
| PO103 | Introduction to Process Plant Operations | 2.00 | |
| PO104 | Plant Tours | 3.00 | |
| PO105 | Work Practicum | 6.00 | |
Additional Program Policies