Industrial Automation Student

Lafarge Africa Plc; Bath; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Automation Co-Op to support modernization capital projects in the cement sector. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn about industrial equipment while conducting field inspections and driving data-driven solutions to complex challenges. You will engage in project management tasks, ensuring safety compliance and effective collaboration with various teams. This position not only allows you to enhance your engineering skills but also fosters personal development in a dynamic work environment. If you are passionate about making a difference and eager to grow within the cement industry, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor of engineering program at an accredited University.
• Knowledge of project management procedures and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety policies and contribute to plant cleanliness.
• Oversee contractors and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

Time Management

Leadership Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Knowledge of Cement Technology

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Education

Bachelor of Engineering

Tools

SAP PRD

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Job description

Holcim is planning to spin-off its North American Business to unleash its full potential, capitalizing on North America’s oversized growth in construction led by the modernization of infrastructure, a surge in advanced manufacturing and AI operation and the growth of resilient cities.

Holcim plans to list the new company on the NYSE by the end of the first half of 2025 and establish its operations headquarters in the US to be fully dedicated to serving the North American market and pursue a growth strategy across the region.

The newly listed company will become North America’s leading building solutions company, with industry-leading market position to meet its customers’ greatest ambitions with the most advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop.

Objective:
The Automation Co-Op objective is to provide support with modernization capital projects for an 8 month period. The incumbent will have the opportunity to learn about the cement industry and industrial equipment. The role involves regular field inspections in an industrial environment to develop a thorough understanding of the various plant electrical and automation requirements. The Automation Co-Op is expected to drive a methodical, data-driven approach to solving complex problems, and to promote continuous improvement in a fast-paced workplace.

Responsibilities:

Safety:

• Ensure compliance with OH&S, ESA, IHSA and environment policies for Electrical personnel.
• Establish safety culture and tackle specific actions to ensure health and safety prevention during electrical maintenance activities.
• Contribute to plant housekeeping and cleanliness.
• Serve as a role model in the areas of safety, environmental stewardship, leadership, teamwork, customer focus, and continuous improvement to ensure alignment with the company’s vision and critical success factors.

Personal Development:

• Seek to continuously improve knowledge and experience surrounding working on an industrial site.
• This includes topics such as being fully trained in all health and safety programs, receiving specific training for topics such as confined space, working at heights, elevated work platforms, etc.

Project Management:

• Become experienced in all aspects of project management.
• This includes working with production and maintenance personnel to establish a firm scope of work for any upcoming projects, and then working with procurement to send RFQ’s and receive bids from contractors.
• Once the project is underway, the Automation Co-Op will be responsible for overseeing the contractors involved, ensuring they are working safely and efficiently.
• Finally, the project will be commissioned, along with a hand-off to the production team.

Problem Solving:

• This role acts as a troubleshooter for recurring or complex failures.
• Relying on engineering principles and analytical methods (Pareto diagrams, Root Cause Analysis, Failure Mode & Effects Analysis), identify and prioritize opportunities to improve plant reliability.
• Propose and justify corrective actions, and prepare a scope of work for their implementation.
• Work to better the workplace environment, and finish each task in a better condition than it started.
• This includes ensuring job sites are cleaned up after projects are complete, including improvements to existing equipment when scoping projects, and updating equipment files (including SAP bills of material) when discrepancies are found between actual and listed parts.

Relationship with Others:

• Projects Manager: Establish scope, select vendor, supervise construction, and commission projects;
• Electrical Coordinator: Coordinate work between electricians, external contractors and plant operations;
• Systems Technologist: Provide support with the plant control system, process networks and sub-control systems.
• Liaison with contractors and vendors and supervise new installations.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Maintains a safe working environment for all coworkers and contractors as directed, including health and safety documentation.
• Conducts administrative tasks including SAP scheduling and budget management.
• Successfully complete projects on time and within budget, with effective use of resources.
• Ensure productivity, housekeeping and quality of work standards are maintained on all projects.

Dimensions:

• Number of Direct Reports: 0
• Reports to: Project Manager

Qualification Profile:

• Enrolled in a bachelor of engineering program at an accredited University.
• Knowledge of project management procedures, cost control, and scheduling.
• Ability to work on many tasks at the same time while keeping excellent organizational skills.
• Good leadership ability and interpersonal skills.
• Have a high drive and motivation to deliver projects on time and on budget.
• Knowledge of the cement technology and manufacturing is an asset.
• Experience using SAP PRD, Microsoft Office, Auto CAD, is an asset.
• Dealing with Ambiguity.
• Timely Decision Making.
• Learning on the fly.
• Peer relationships.
• Problem solving.
• Time management.

We thank you for your interest. Please note that this posting is for an existing vacancy, and only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Lafarge is committed to the principles of employment equity and encourages the applications from women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Lafarge Canada Inc. welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
In Ontario, our organization/business is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

YOUR LAFARGE EXPERIENCE:
At Lafarge, there is endless opportunity for you to play your part. Whether you’re in a technical, managerial, or frontline role, you can shape a career that works for you. With us you’ll have the chance to embrace the passion we share for our planet. You’ll be encouraged to seek out diverse perspectives, share your ideas and build the skills and connections you need to perform at your best. Because it’s only when we work together in a culture where everyone thrives, that we can build the world we all want to live in.