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A Plant Operator is responsible for maintaining equipment to ensure it works correctly. They might work at a power plant, chemical plant or oil refinery. Plant Operators are required to be familiar with the entire operations at a plant so they can ensure the equipment is doing what is required.
The role of a Plant Operator is likely to involve the monitoring of pressure, temperature and flow rate for different machines to make sure that they are functioning properly. It’s also likely that a Plant Operator will need to collect and test samples.
There are 18 courses available for people who want to become a Plant Operator. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
Get started in civil construction with the RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations. This nationally recognised training course accompanies an apprenticeship and teaches you how to work safely on a civil construction site. The course covers levelling, trenches, concreting, earthworks — and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to operate a range of heavy vehicles (depending on your chosen electives) including backhoes, graders, dozers, and excavators. Enquire now for more information about how to enrol and where to study..
Average duration: 36 months.
The 52857WA Advanced Diploma of Plant Engineering is for experienced trades people who want to learn the latest plant engineering technologies. Over 18 months of study with professional trainers you will be introduced to the working essentials of plant engineering including mechanical equipment, fluid power systems (and their components), pumps and seals, HVAC systems, pressure vessels and boilers, thermodynamics, compressors, fans and blowers, instrumentation and control engineering — and much more. Enquire now for more information about graduation outcomes, study units, and entry requirements..
Average duration: 18 months.
The 52883WA Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering (Electrical Systems) is a hands-on engineering course that qualifies you for technical and project roles that involve instrumentation, electronics, and electrical power systems. This nationally recognised diploma delivers a full range of electrical engineering skills that will help you standout in the global market. The course covers: mathematics in engineering, electrical circuits, electrical power distribution, earthing and surge protection, electrical safety and wiring systems, energy use and efficiency, power quality, power cables and accessories, professional engineering practice, and much more. Enquire now for entry requirements, electrical engineering career outcomes, and the latest enrolment opportunities..
The UEE50220 Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation is for licensed electricians who wish to expand their professional reach to instrumentation, electrical engineering, and process plant technologies. Over 12-18 months of study you will learn how to install, commission, and maintain electrical control systems and other instrumentation — as well as write specifications for electrotechnology engineering projects. The course also covers electrical safety, sustainable energy, and compliance..
Average duration: 2 weeks.
Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the capacity of electrical engineering and related industries, particularly the power supply industries, to maintain their competitiveness in a global marketplace through the application of latest technologies, value adding to existing products, process and services and the development of new, sustainable and innovative solutions..
Average duration: 24 months.
In Australia, a full time Plant Operator generally earns $1,550 per week ($80,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
Despite job opportunities for Plant Operators decreasing slightly over the past 5 years, the industry is expected to remain stable. It is predicted that the number of Plant Operator roles will remain the same over the next 5 years.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Completing the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations provides key skills in heavy machinery operation and safety, essential for a Plant Operator role. This nationally recognised qualification showcases your industry readiness, enhancing your job prospects. It demonstrates practical competence and commitment, making you a preferred candidate for employers in the plant operation sector.
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Here are some potential career pathways within manufacturing plant, mining and oil and gas. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Manufacturing Plant
Brake Press Operator
$960 weekly pay
Factory Worker
Plant Technician
Process Worker
Production Worker
Wastewater Plant Operator Assistant
Water Plant Operator Assistant
Mobile Plant Mechanic
$1,150 weekly pay
Operations Officer
Plant Mechanic
$1,350 weekly pay
Plant Operator
$1,550 weekly pay
Polymer Technician
$1,340 weekly pay
Process Technician
$1,630 weekly pay
Technical Officer
$1,400 weekly pay
Wastewater Plant Operator
$1,250 weekly pay
Water Plant Operator
Plant Engineer
$2,350 weekly pay
Plant Manager
$1,920 weekly pay
Plant Supervisor
$1,540 weekly pay
Mining
Apprentice Engineer
Engineering Tradesperson
Advanced Engineering Tradesperson
$1,800 weekly pay
Casting and Moulding Tradesperson
$1,440 weekly pay
Driller
$1,650 weekly pay
Driller Offsider
Dump Truck Operator
$1,640 weekly pay
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Geological Technician
Hydraulic Fitter
Hydraulic Mechanic
Industrial Electrician
Instrumentation Technician
Machinist
Mechanical Fitter
Miner
$1,700 weekly pay
Mining Machine Operator
Mining Surveyor
Production Operator
Shotfirer
Drilling Supervisor
$1,750 weekly pay
Jumbo Operator
$2,300 weekly pay
Metallurgist
Mining Engineer
Mining Manager
$1,500 weekly pay
Mining Supervisor
Research Engineer
Oil and Gas
Derrickman
Gas Industry Operator
Instrumentation Control Engineer
Petrochemical Engineer
Drilling Engineer
Oil and Gas Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Reservoir Engineer
Learn more about Plant Operator courses in your area.