Chemical Plant Controller

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the required knowledge, practical skills and workplace based experience to prepare a learner to operate as a Chemical Plant Controller. Chemical Plant Controller controls and monitors the safe and efficient operation of a chemical process plant, according to specification. Qualifying learners will be able to: • Control operations according to production schedule. • Perform plant operations as per Standard Operating Procedures and/or work instructions. • Perform quality controls as per quality standards.

The Occupational Certificate: Chemical Plant Operator has been developed at NQF Level 5, through the realignment process with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) for registration by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This excludes the control room operations, internal and external stakeholder interactions, management of chemical operations personnel, management of chemical operations in refinery (both mining and chemical manufacturing industry or any other relevant industries), oil and gas rig, pipelines and platform, interface with computer/panels (DCS) and making decisions on anomalies and abnormal trends. Currently, no enhanced qualifications exist for this occupation, across industries, hence the request to develop an occupational qualification for Chemical Plant Controllers. Mostly, pockets of training are done against the historically registered Chemical Operator, with SAQA ID no. 78529. This qualification will be utilised to formally recognise the functions and responsibilities of the Chemical Operations Control Room Operator. This qualification will become the basis for formal training for Chemical Plant Controllers. Training for such is often offered by individual organisations. The main objective for the development of this qualification is to formalise these types of training by developing nationally recognised modules. The formalisation process will assist in supporting staff retention strategies and in diminishing employment instability. Organisations consulted include employers from various sectors such as mining, chemical and pharmaceutical, training providers, organised labour and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). This qualification is aimed at: • Experienced chemical plant employees working as Chemical Plant Operators. • Learners who gained experience in chemical related fields wishing to pursue their careers as Chemical Plant Controllers. Upon completion of this qualification, learners may gain employment as Chemical Plant Controllers in a variety of organisations within the mining, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Qualified learners will be able to safely and efficiently control and monitor the operation of a variety of plants and carry out a range of complex operations with minimum supervision. Learners who successfully complete this qualification can advance their careers by enrolling for higher level qualifications. Upon completion the latter will enable them to assume higher level responsibilities in leadership and management of plants. Qualified Chemical Plant Controllers who efficiently, effectively and safely perform their roles with minimum wastage contribute to the economy, society and the country at large. Attainment of this qualification will also enhance employability across industries.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 qualification. Or • National Certificate: Vocational: Process Plant Operator at NQF Level 4.

• Plan and execute plant operations.
• Control and monitor plant operation as per the Standard Operating Procedures and/or work instructions.
• Perform plant operations.
• Perform quality controls.
• Perform shift hand-overs.