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A Plant Technician performs a range of duties at a processing or manufacturing facility. You might operate a particular piece of equipment or be part of the production process. A Plant Technician, also called a Technician, Chemical Plant Technician or a Process Plant Technician, may have to maintain plant equipment and organise repairs when necessary.
Plant Technicians require excellent technical skills and strong attention to detail. It’s important that you can follow instructions and work to correct procedures. Plant Technicians must have good teamwork abilities and be able to manage their time well.
There are 11 courses available for people who want to become a Plant Technician. 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.
Work at factories and processing plants as a qualified plant technician with the Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology (PMA40116). This nationally recognised training course is completed in the classroom and formalises your existing knowledge of processing plant operations. The course covers work health and safety, carrying out machine shutdowns and isolation, using computerised technology and data systems, plus optimising processing plant operations. Choose electives that support your actual job role: monitoring and controlling work permits, leadership and job-coaching, preventative maintenance, remote operations.Enquire now for the full list of electives and the next intake dates..
Average duration: 3 months.
Work as a process operator or technician at factories, power and processing plants with the PMA30120 Certificate III in Process Plant Operations. This nationally recognised qualification has a technical focus and you’ll graduate with a range of skills directly related to your actual job role. The course includes: workplace safety, communication, and sustainability as well as job specific electives — confined spaces, workplace records and permits, machine and equipment maintenance, IT and data systems, piplelines and plant schematics, vehicle operation.Enquire now for career outcomes, training dates, and the next opportunities for enrolment..
The Certificate II in Process Plant Operations (PMA20116) is a 12-week training course with a heavy focus on operational safety. It’s a nationally recognised qualification ideal for processing plant operators and technicians who need a formal qualification that recognises that skills and experience. You can also choose elective units that support your existing job role: working in confined spaces, operating breathing apparatus, working at heights, controlling minor incidents. Enquire now for a course schedule and the full list of elective options. .
In Australia, a full time Plant Technician generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this job role has increased in recent years. There are currently 13,700 people employed as a Plant Technician in Australia compared to 10,100 five years ago. Plant Technicians may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities where plant facilities are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If a career as a Plant Technician interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Process Plant Operations. You’ll cover various aspects of operational safety and choose from electives including working at heights, controlling minor incidents and working in confined spaces. You could also consider a Certificate II in Competitive Systems and Practices or a Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations.
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Here are some potential career pathways within manufacturing plant. 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
Learn more about Plant Technician courses in your area.