Certificate II in Process Plant Operations
 

Traineeship
National Code
: 
PMA20108
Short Course Guide
CRICOS Code:  
Centre:
Biotechnology and Animal Sciences
Location:
Workplace, Off Campus
Study Area: Manufacturing;
Study Area Sub Category:  
Career Card:
Process Worker
Jump to:
Units of Competency

What does this course involve?

This course will give you the basic practical and technical skills to work as an entry level plant operator in the chemical and oil refining or distribution industries.

You will learn how to operate heat exchangers, separation equipment, particulates handling equipment and manufacturing extruders.

You will also learn how to follow work plans, record information and carry out minor maintenance on equipment. You will also learn how to use equipment in a safe and environmental way.

This course will also develop your computer skills, help you learn to work effectively in teams and teach you how to take part in workplace safety procedures.

What employment opportunities will I have?

A process plant operator utilises sophisticated computerised equipment, in a safe and environmentally aware manner, to control the production processes and quality in both the chemical and oil industries. This course may provide you with employment as an entry-level process plant operator in the chemical and oil refining or distribution industries.

As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

Accreditation

This course is government accredited and has national recognition

What further study options will I have?

You may wish to progress into the Certificate III in Process Plant Operations.

Can I apply?

You must:

  • have successfully completed Year 10, or equivalent
  • be currently working within the industry.

How do I apply?

Direct entry - Rolling enrolments

If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

How will I be selected for this course?

  • Individual interview
  • Assessment of application

Length of course

Self paced (usually part time 1 year)

Where will I study?

Workplace, Off Campus

What costs and other fees should I expect?

For this course, there are two fee structures. Visit the Government Subsidised Place Eligibility page to see if you are eligible for a Government subsidised place.

Government Subsidised Fees

  1. Tuition Fee - $1.62 per hour *
  2. Concession Tuition Fee - $105.00
  3. Service and Amenities Fee - $65.00 or 90.00
  4. Material Fees - contact the Institute

*Annual indicative tuition fee for full-time commencing students, and maximum for continuing students		Fee For Service Fees

Fee for Service - this course will cost $7,500.00 if you aren't eligible for government subsidised training.

If you are an employer seeking training for groups of employees, contact the Institute for a customised package.

How will I be assessed?

  • Written assessment
  • Practical assessment
  • Workplace assessment

Will my previous experience or study count?

Advanced Standing is approved recognition of prior learning that is displayed as an Exemption (EX) on the student’s academic record. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.

What will I study?

To be awarded the Certificate II in Process Plant Operations competency must be achieved in sixteen (16) units of competency:

  • five (5) core units of competency
  • eleven (11) elective units of competency.

Note: where co or pre-requisite units apply, these must be considered in the total number of units chosen.

Select eleven (11) units as specified below:

  • A minimum of four (4) from Group A
  • The remainder may be chosen from Groups A, B and C (with a maximum of five (5) from Group C) to bring the total number of electives to eleven (11).

 
Units of Competency

Core Units
MSAENV272A
Participate In Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices
30.00 hr

This competency covers the outcomes required to effectively measure current resource use and carry out improvements including those reducing negative environmental impacts of work practices. This unit is based on the sustainability guideline standard GCSSUS01A Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.

MSAPMOHS110A
Follow Emergency Response Procedures
20.00 hr

This unit relates to the appropriate response to emergency situations for any new workers at the workplace, possibly delivered as part of an induction program.

MSAPMOHS200A
Work Safely
30.00 hr

On completion of this unit, the worker will be able to identify Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards, and assess risk, as well as follow instructions and procedures in the workplace with minimal supervision. The worker will also be capable of participating in and contributing to OHS management issues.

MSAPMSUP100A
Apply Workplace Procedures
20.00 hr

This competency covers the skills and knowledge required to complete own work activities.

MSAPMSUP102A
Communicate In The Workplace
20.00 hr

This unit of competency covers receiving, relaying and recording written and oral messages and providing relevant information in response to requests, within time lines.

Group A - Specialist Electives (Must select minimum of 4)
MSAPMOPS200A
Operate Equipment
40.00 hr

This competency covers the operation of equipment and the resolving of routine problems to procedure in the production process. This competency is for organisation specific equipment items which are not otherwise covered in this Training Package.

MSAPMOPS212A
Use Enterprise Computers Or Data Systems
30.00 hr

This competency covers the use of organisation computers or data systems in order to work effectively. The operator is familiar with the system, can locate and use the appropriate data and is able to accurately record data into the system as required. This competency covers the use of computer equipment and company software programs, including selecting the correct programs for use and identifying minor faults in equipment or software. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.

PMAOPS201B
Operate Fluid Flow Equipment
60.00 hr

This competency covers the operation of the range of pumps and valves typically encountered in the fluid flow system of a processing plant. It includes identifying, operating, monitoring and troubleshooting these items.

PMAOPS202B
Operate Fluid Mixing Equipment
20.00 hr

This competency covers the operation of the range of fluid mixers found in fluid processing plants. This competency is typically performed by all operators using mixing equipment.

PMAOPS203B
Handle Goods
15.00 hr

This competency covers the moving of goods into and out of a plant/chemical store. The operator would handle goods as part of their job role.

PMAOPS204B
Use Utilities And Services
40.00 hr

This unit covers the use of a range of utilities and services in the plant. It includes the selection of the appropriate utility/service from those provided to the plant and recognizing and responding to operational problems as required.

PMAOPS205B
Operate Heat Exchangers
40.00 hr

This competency is typically performed by an operator and covers the operation of heat exchangers, including heat exchangers that form part of a heating, cooling or refrigeration system, and solving of heat exchanger problems.

PMAOPS206B
Operate Separation Equipment
15.00 hr

This competency is typically performed by all operators and covers the operation of typical stand alone dual phase separation equipment as used in a chemical or oil/hydrocarbons processing plant, and solving of problems with separation processes.

PMAOPS207B
Operate Powered Separation Equipment
15.00 hr

This competency covers the operation of powered dual phase separation equipment including centrifuges, scraped filters, rotary vacuum filters and the like. This type of equipment is found in many process manufacturing plants. It also includes solving problems with separation processes and the equipment, including the driver powering the separation equipment (eg electric motor).

PMAOPS210B
Operate Particulates Handling Equipment
20.00 hr

This competency covers the operation of the range of equipment used to store and convey particulate solids. This competency is typically performed by many operators in a solids handling plant and is often a starting point for operators to learn the operation of the plant as a whole. It covers items of equipment such as mechanical conveyor systems (including feeders), pneumatic conveyor systems and storage equipment such as hoppers and silos.

PMAOPS211B
Operate Manufacturing Extruders
40.00 hr

This unit covers the operation of extruders which produce plastic granules/pellets from polymer resin and similar extrusions, eg powder coating resin. It includes the operation of equipment ancillary to the extruder, including that used for adding masterbatch and other additives.

PMAOPS213B
Package Product/Material
20.00 hr

This competency is typically performed by operators and covers the operation of a packing line to package materials and products. Typical packing lines included in this competency may dispense liquid products into drums or plastic containers, pack filled containers into cartons or stack filled containers onto pallets.

PMAOPS216B
Operate Local Control System
40.00 hr

This unit covers the operation of a local control panel. These controllers use simple control algorithms and only a limited number of control loops. Typically it will be located on the plant, but may also be located off plant and include simple panels in a control room which are not part of the main control panel.

PMAOPS221B
Operate And Monitor Prime Movers
40.00 hr

This unit covers the operation of a prime mover and its ancillary equipment is used to drive a high pressure pump or compressor. The prime mover may be a large high voltage/current electrical motor, a turbine or a diesel engine. It is a complex, independent item of equipment with a specialised start up and shut down procedure. It may have its own control panel and inbuilt vibration monitoring equipment.

PMAOPS222B
Operate And Monitor Pumping Systems And Equipment
40.00 hr

In a typical scenario a prime mover is used to drive a complete pumping system including pumps and ancillary equipment (eg, vibration monitors, lubrication pumps and equipment, gear boxes and barring gear). The pumps covered by this unit typically are used for hydrocarbon transmission lines.

PMAOPS223B
Operate And Monitor Valve Systems
20.00 hr

In a typical scenario an operator adjusts and monitors valves and ancillary equipment as part of controlling a process, eg hydrocarbons transport pipeline, gas distribution network.

PMAOPS230B
Monitor, Operate And Maintain Pipeline Stations And Equipment
40.00 hr

In a typical scenario, an operator is responsible for the operation and monitoring of pipeline stations and associated equipment within the parameters established. The competence includes examining the station and its equipment for signs of damage and/or need of maintenance, maintaining general cleanliness and reporting against specific requirements. Pipeline stations can include: maintenance bases compressor stations scraper stations inlet and delivery stations mainline block valve sites.

PMAOPS232B
Produce Product By Filtration
40.00 hr

This competency covers the skills needed to operate typical stand alone dual phase separation equipment as used in a chemical, oil/hydrocarbons processing or other plant.

PMAOPS280A
Interpret Process Plant Schematics
20.00 hr

This competency covers the interpretation of process plant schematics for a range of operations uses. It includes a wide range of schematics.

PMAOPS290B
Operate a Biotreater
30.00 hr

This unit covers the operation of a biotreater which is typically used for the reduction of BOD in an aqueous waste stream.

UEPOPS319A
Operate And Monitor Gas Production Plant
20.00 hr

This unit deals with the skills and knowledge required to operate, inspect and monitor gas producing plant.

FDFPHGMP2B
Implement Good Manufacturing Practice Procedures
60.00 hr

This is a Core unit for pharmaceutical processing. It covers the skills and knowledge required to comply with relevant Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) codes and workplace quality standards.

Group B Electives
PMAOHS211B
Prepare Equipment For Emergency Response
20.00 hr

This competency unit covers the preparation and minor servicing of equipment used to respond to emergency situations.

MSAPMOHS205A
Control Minor Incidents
30.00 hr

This unit covers control of minor incidents. The competency would be possessed generally by most/all operations personnel and some non-operations personnel. It would require training in addition to that which might typically be part of an induction program, but does not require specialist training such as is given to members of an incident response team. The general purpose of this initial response is to prevent any incident from escalating. In the event of an incident this person may be expected to respond to an incident team member in line with procedures. This unit does NOT apply to major incidents (see MSAOHS210A Control non-fire incidents and MSAOHS212A Control fire incidents).

MSAPMOHS210B
Undertake First Response To Non-Fire Incidents
20.00 hr

This unit deals with recognising and responding to an emerging incident (except for fire) to provide an appropriate first response.

MSAPMOHS212A
Undertake First Response To Fire Incidents
30.00 hr

This unit is designed to ensure that an appropriate first response to fire incidents in onshore and offshore situations/emergencies is achieved.

MSAPMOHS216A
Operate Breathing Apparatus
20.00 hr

This unit covers comp+etence associated with the operation and maintenance of breathing apparatus equipment in an irrespirable atmosphere.

MSAPMOHS217A
Gas Test Atmospheres
30.00 hr

This unit is about testing the working atmosphere to determine if it is safe for the proposed work. Testing involves the use of electronic test apparatus.

MSAPMPER200B
Work In Accordance With An Issued Permit
20.00 hr

This unit aims to ensure that people working under a permit to work understand the system, know the limitations of the permit under which they are working and comply with all the requirements of the permit. The people to whom this unit applies may be called permit recipients' or permit holders' by some organisations. Some organisations call permits' clearances' This unit covers the basic competency of working under a permit. Where entry to a confined space is required, then MSAPMPER205B Enter confined space is also required. The safety observer (standby person) competencies are covered by MSAPMPER202A Observe permit work. The issuing of permits is covered by MSAPMPER300B Issue work permits.

MSAPMPER201A
Monitor And Control Work Permits
20.00 hr

This competency covers the monitoring of the operational conditions in which a permit to work has been issued, and the required activities and functions associated with the production/process of chemical, hydrocarbons, oil, and other process manufactured products. This role may be carried out by the standby person or other appropriately qualified persons. While this competency carries with it high levels of responsibility the role is usually prescribed by the permit process and may be exercised by any competent operator.

MSAPMPER202A
Observe Permit Work
10.00 hr

This competency covers the safety observer role for permits requiring a safety observer. It may be undertaken by a member of the work team or an operator may perform this role.

MSAPMPER205B
Enter Confined Space
30.00 hr

This competency covers the control of entry to confined spaces, for maintenance, servicing of vessels or other necessary reasons. Work in/entry to confined spaces shall conform to relevant legislation and AS2865/2001, or its authorised update or replacement.

MSAPMSUP200A
Achieve Work Outcomes
30.00 hr

The competency covers the ability to identify and implement actions to achieve workplace targets and to suggest improvements. This unit applies to all employees who may work either individually or as part of a team. This unit does not cover maximisation of process/equipment efficiencies undertaken as part of the normal work role, which is covered in the relevant unit of competency.

MSAPMSUP210A
Process And Record Information
30.00 hr

This unit of competency covers the provision and processing of all relevant information by responding to the information requirements of the plant including the completion of all workplace documents and clearly and concisely providing relevant information to others.

Group C Electives
MSAPMOHS100A
Follow OHS Procedures
20.00 hr

On completion of this unit, the worker will be able to recognise hazards commonly occurring at the workplace and follow health and safety instructions and procedures in the workplace.

MSAPMOPS100A
Use Equipment
30.00 hr

This unit covers the use of any item of equipment which is operated with limited application of knowledge.

MSAPMOPS102A
Perform Tasks To Support Production
30.00 hr

This competency covers the performance of largely manual tasks that are performed in support of the production process working under close supervision. It applies to all sectors of the industry.

MSAPMSUP101A
Clean Workplace Or Equipment
20.00 hr

This competency covers general housekeeping duties, as well as the cleaning of plant and equipment. This competency is typically demonstrated by all operators working either independently or as part of a work team.

MSAPMSUP106A
Work In a Team
30.00 hr

This competency covers the organisation of team activities to fit in with the scheduling of production to meet operational guidelines.

PMAOPS101C
Read Dials And Indicators
15.00 hr

This competency covers making (or taking) readings/measurements in a variety of sites and locations, using common types of plant instrumentation. It also covers recording measurement results in a prescribed format, according to procedures and with the appropriate level of detail included in all reports.

PMAOPS105C
Select And Prepare Materials
15.00 hr

This competency covers the selection and preparation of materials for use in production processes. The focus of this unit is finding and delivering the right materials to the process in the right condition. Along the way, some minor preparation may be required.

FDFPHGMP1A
Follow Work Procedures To Maintain Good Manufacturing Practice
40.00 hr

This competency covers the identify requirements of GMP related to own work. Observe personal hygiene and conduct to meet GMP requirements and follow GMP requirements when carrying out work activities.

All fees quoted are annual indicative fees and are correct at the time of publishing. The Victorian state government recently announced a series of government funding and fee policy changes for TAFEs. As a result, the advertised tuition fee rates are subject to change, for students commencing their course from 1 July 2012. In subsequent calendar years, fees may be subject to a small increase in line with annual Institute fee pricing reviews. The student tuition fee is indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as student services and amenities fees. This qualification may have prerequisites, co-requisite or bridging units from lower or higher level qualifications. An offer of a place is always subject to places being available. The Institute reserves the right to close applications when the course is full. Where minimum course numbers are not met, the course may be cancelled at short notice. In such instances and only when possible, an alternative option may be suggested for accredited courses. For further clarification please seek advice from the Institute.

Course Enquiries

Local Students
1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445)

International Students
+61 3 9286 9425

Please click here to see the list of courses offered to International students