Process Plant Operator Apprentice

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive training

Career progression

Salary + benefits

Exposure to control tech

Safety culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking motivated individuals for a Process Plant Operator Apprenticeship in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Learn to monitor, control and operate chemical processes, with extensive on-the-job training and safety at the forefront.

You'll rotate shifts, gain hands-on experience with pumps, distillation columns, and control room systems, and have a clear path to a Plant Operator role within a stable industry leader.

Qualifications

• Completed matriculation with strong Maths and Science background.
• Interest in industrial processes and operations.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately.

Responsibilities

• Learn to monitor and control plant operations using control room systems and field instruments.
• Operate pumps, valves, reactors, and distillation columns per SOPs.
• Inspect plant equipment and identify issues.
• Respond to upsets and alarms with corrective actions.
• Collect samples and perform basic lab tests.
• Maintain logs and reports of production data.
• Follow safety, health and environmental regulations.
• Participate in emergency drills and shift handovers.
• Assist in shutdown, startup and maintenance activities.

Skills

Mathematics

Science

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the petrochemical industry, is offering an exciting Process Plant Operator Apprenticeship. This is an invaluable opportunity for individuals keen to develop a career in the operational side of large-scale industrial plants. You will learn to monitor, control, and operate complex chemical processes and equipment, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality output. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, a strong understanding of operational procedures, and a commitment to safety. This apprenticeship involves extensive on-the-job training within our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility. You will work shifts and be an integral part of our operational team, contributing directly to the company's production goals. We are looking for candidates who are eager to learn, possess strong technical aptitude, and are committed to a career in industrial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn to monitor and control plant operations using control room systems and field instruments.
• Operate process equipment such as pumps, valves, reactors, and distillation columns according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct regular inspections of plant equipment and identify potential issues.
• Respond to process upsets and alarms, taking appropriate corrective actions.
• Collect process samples and perform basic laboratory tests.
• Maintain accurate logs and reports of plant operations, including production data and incidents.
• Adhere strictly to all safety, health, and environmental regulations and procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills and response activities.
• Work collaboratively with shift teams to ensure seamless plant operation.
• Assist in the shutdown, startup, and maintenance activities of plant equipment.

Requirements

• Completed matriculation or equivalent qualification, with a strong background in Mathematics and Science.
• A keen interest in industrial processes and operations.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and under pressure.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Physical fitness and ability to work in a plant environment.
• Must be able to commute to our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal facility.
• A proactive approach to safety and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training in process plant operations from industry experts.
• Opportunity to gain essential skills in a critical industrial sector.
• Clear career progression path to Plant Operator and beyond.
• Competitive apprentice salary and benefits package.
• Exposure to advanced process control technologies.
• A strong emphasis on safety and employee well-being.
• Work with a stable and reputable industry leader.
• Contribution to the production of essential industrial products.
• Development of specialized operational expertise.