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
PO105 - Work Practicum
Tuition & Fees
Domestic
International
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.
Policy
Effective Term:
FallEffective Year:
20240801Assessment:
Grading will be based on the categories defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 Grading.
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Grading Table:
Standard Trades Programs
Types of Assessments:
1. Types and Frequency of Evaluation (Selkirk College Policy 8613 Student Evaluation Policy)
a) Students are evaluated and graded in each subject or course topic as detailed in the Program Outline.
(i) Students will complete a series of Subject Exams as described in the Program Outline.
(ii) Students will complete a series of Written Assignments and Presentations as described in the Program Outline.
(iii) Students will complete the Program Final Examination at the conclusion of the program.
(iv) Students will submit a Practicum Report assignment upon completion.
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2. Examination Policy
a) Students may be allowed to make alternative exam arrangements with the appropriate instructor for valid and verifiable reasons such as medical emergency, family bereavement, or jury duty.
b) Any alternate arrangements for Final Examinations must be approved by the School Chair or designate.
c) Requests for supplemental Subject Examinations will not be approved.
d) All tests and exams are the property of the College and will be retained by the College.
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Program Specific Regulations:
Health and Safety
- Students are required to follow the safety directions of Selkirk College staff and the safety guidelines specific to their program. Additionally, students must wear prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) in all designated areas. Failure to follow safety directions may result in the suspension of shop access. Only the School Chair may reinstate access.
- Students are encouraged to complete the Voluntary Disclosure of Health History form for any health (physical and/or mental) conditions (e.g., anxiety, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies), or prescription medications which could lead to concerns in an industrial environment. This information is for safety reasons only and will be kept confidential.
- Students are required to complete all mandatory safety training prior to using program equipment. Students are responsible for adhering to correct usage of equipment and for informing staff when the equipment is damaged or unsafe to operate.
- Students who are unsafe or impact the safety of others will be required to leave the class or shop area until remediation has been met.
- The use of personal electronic devices in a learning environment can be disruptive and is unsafe in an industrial setting. Usage and restrictions will be identified in the program safety guidelines.
- No alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or cannabis products are to be consumed on the college property during or before a college activity. If a student appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol they will be required to leave the premises and subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Policy 3400: Student Code of Conduct.
- When participating in program field trips or other off-campus college-related activities, students are required to comply with the health and safety guidelines of both Selkirk College and those of their hosts. See College Policy 8350: Educational Field Trips
A. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
1. Records are kept of each student’s performance in the program. Marks, attendance, punctuality, teamwork and communication factor into student performance. Industries who consider students for practicum placements or employment positions, may request a copy of a student’s records as part of their selection process. Students must provide written consent authorizing Selkirk College to release this information to industry or any agency. (Selkirk College Policy #6550. Protection of Privacy)
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B. PRACTICUM
1. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain suitable practicum experience to meet the requirements of the program. Local industry – notably Zellstoff Celgar and Teck, Trail Operations – support the Plant Operator Program and provide practicum opportunities for students in their facilities. However, the number of practicum positions available at Celgar and Teck may be limited and students are expected to apply for those positions as they would a job. Should students fail to secure practicum placements at Teck or Celgar, they must pursue opportunities with other process companies and cover related costs.
2. Selkirk College’s WorkSafeBC coverage applies to students while participating in the College- sanctioned practicum during the scheduled term.
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Attendance:
1. Attendance at all scheduled lectures, laboratories, shop activities, examinations, work experience, site tours and other learning experiences is mandatory.
2. Where possible, students who are absent from a learning experience (including testing) must notify the program instructor prior to the absence. If advance notice is not possible, the student will contact the instructor about missed or late assignments as soon as possible upon return to school. Students are responsible to make up missed work as required.
3. The Plant Operator program will not undertake to provide substitute learning opportunities in program courses when students have been absent, for any reason.
4. Students claiming illness or absence for compassionate reasons from learning experiences must contact the instructor directly. Students may be required to supply a doctor's certificate to substantiate claims of illness.
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Assignments:
ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS
1. All subject exams and the program final examination must be written at the time designated by the program instructor. Failure to do so will result in a zero percentage (0%) grade on that examination. Except in extenuating circumstances, requests for rescheduling exams will not be granted.
2. All written assignments, practical assignments, presentations and practicum reports must be completed and/or submitted at the time designated by the program instructor.
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Other Regulations:
A. PROBATION (8610 Admissions and Standards)
1. Purpose
The purpose of probation is to create an awareness of the seriousness of unsuitable student conduct and/or performance, as well as to reinforce that students have obligations above and beyond those specified in the course outlines.
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2. Criteria for placement on academic probation
A student may be assigned probationary status for unsatisfactory academic performance in the first two-thirds of the Program for any of the following:
a) Failure to maintain a Progress Grade of 70% or better;
b) Failure to complete Practical Assignments on time;
c) Failure to submit Written Assignments on time.
3. Criteria for placement on behavioural probation
A student may be assigned probationary status for unsatisfactory behaviour at any time during the program, Refer to Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct- Rights and Responsibilities.
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4. Criteria for removal from probation
a) Conditions for removal from probation will be specified in the written Notification of Probation.
b) Any student assigned probationary status must meet the following requirements:
(i) Complete attendance.
(ii) Complete and submit course work as assigned.
(iii) Acceptable academic performance in all courses.
(iv) Satisfactory behaviour.
(v) Any other conditions specified in the Notification of Probation.
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5. Failure to meet conditions of probation
A student placed on probation who does not meet the requirements specified by the letter of probation may be required to withdraw.
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6. Number of probationary periods.
Students are limited to two probationary periods. A student whose behavioural or academic performance necessitates a third probationary period will be required to withdraw.
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B. PROGRAM EXCLUSION/DISMISSAL (Refer to Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct - Rights and Responsibilities)
An instructor may exclude a student from participating in a class, lab, field trip, shop session, or other learning opportunities for violating Policy 3400 or if s/he lacks appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
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C. APPEAL (Refer to Policy 8400 Student Appeals for procedures and timelines)
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Plagiarism and Cheating: Definitions (policy 8618)
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