Occupation Description
CHO plant technicians control the operation of plant and equipment to produce chemical products, and to extract, refine and distribute hydrocarbon and oil products. They generally work at a more senior and more technical level to operators and will often be responsible for the supervision of staff.
CHO plant technicians include…
CHO plant technicians may specialise in…
CHO plant technicians may…
Chemical plant technicians assist in the overall operation of chemical production processes and equipment used in manufacturing a range of products such as paints, inks, soaps and cosmetics, fertilisers, drugs, textiles, ammunition, plastics, glues and resins. In some plants, operations are computer controlled. Knowledge of batch processing and equipment performance is very important to ensure high production levels Chemical plant technicians are trained to handle industrial quantities of chemicals safely, efficiently and with no environmental harm.
Petroleum and gas plant technicians assist in the overall operation of the plant and equipment used to pump oil and gas from wellheads, and to refine, process and store petroleum products. In most refineries and plants, the instruments are computer controlled. Knowledge of chemical and physical processes and equipment performance is very important to enable optimum production.
Personal Requirements
You should
Environment
Chemicals plant technicians will spend some time working in offices, but also in production areas that may be noisy, hot, and dusty and at times contain fumes, however the work environments are generally spacious, ventilated and well lit. Some of their work may be spent standing and they sometimes work shifts.
Petroleum and gas plant technicians are employed in the minerals industry, in onshore and offshore oil and gas wells or rigs, in refineries and in oil storage facilities (terminals). Shift work may be required.
CHO Plant Technicians will usually work in a team and because of the nature of their work safety awareness and compliance with regulations is vital. They must be aware of safety regulations and must wear supplied protective equipment.
Training
To work as a CHO Plant Technician you will usually require a Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology .
You can work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector. With experience, and possibly further training ( Diploma of Process Plant Technology ), you can work as a senior plant technician, quality control technician or product development technician.
With an Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology you can work as a senior production technician, or as a plant, quality control or distribution manager.
Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.
Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology
Diploma of Process Plant Technology
Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology
Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects
For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .
Printed Resources
The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).
Where Can I Go From This Job?
To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.
