Course of Studies

Course Name Credit
PO 101 Introduction to Process Plant Systems On Campus 8
PO 102 Process Fundamentals On Campus 4
PO 103 Introduction to Process Plant Operations On Campus 2
PO 104 Plant Tours On Campus 3
PO 105 Work Practicum Practicum 6
Total 23

Program Summary

One of the in-demand jobs now and into the future is
plant operator.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This 24-week program (18 weeks on-campus +

6 week practicum) prepares you for entry level
positions as a plant operator. You'll gain knowledge
and develop the skills required to operate, monitor
and troubleshoot control equipment and processing
units found in most industrial settings. You'll learn
about industrial plant functionality and gain a
critical understanding of plant systems, process
fundamentals, and plant operations.

TRAINING FACILITY PROVIDES
UNIQUE ADVANTAGE

You'll engage in a variety of classroom, shop and
real-world activities. Learn the theoretical principles
of operations and processes in the classroom, and
apply your knowledge in our shop where you'll gain
valuable experience by practicing various operational
procedures.

During the 18 weeks of instructional time, you'll travel
to 10 plant operations of various sizes throughout the
West Kootenay such as Nelson Hydro, Teck, Zellstoff
Celgar, Columbia Brewery, Selkirk College, Kootenay
Boundary Regional Hospital (Trail) and the Nelson &
District Community Complex. The goal is by the end

of the tours, you will have a detailed record of the
plants you have visited and a broad awareness of

the operator duties and tasks at the various plants

in our area.

GREAT PARTNERSHIPS WITH
REGIONAL INDUSTRY

The Plant Operator Program usually has two intakes
each year. The provincial government has bolstered
funding in areas of trades that are anticipated to be
in-demand over the coming years. Plant operators
are considered one of those areas, so a third intake

selkirk.ca/programs

has been added and started this past August. This
intake will focus more on hospitals, school districts,
municipalities, sawmills, recreational facilities and
other large plant operations.

Upon completion of the on-campus component of

the program, you'll embark on a practicum hosted by
regional employers where you'll master operations in
real industrial environments.

WHAT IS A PLANT OPERATOR?

Plant operators are responsible for overseeing the
production process of a plant facility. The goal of

a process operator is to monitor equipment and
improve the quality, efficiency and safety of the plant.

Plant operators supervise staff members and
coordinate maintenance efforts to ensure control
instruments are working properly. They also perform
other administrative tasks such as recording test
results and other data about the plant's operation.
In addition, process operators are responsible for
reporting problems with the production process

or equipment to shift managers and maintenance
engineers. In some cases, plant operators may need
to carry out minor maintenance work and transport
various items for shipment.

A person does not need any particular qualifications
to become a plant operator. However, they do need to
have an understanding of math and be able to pass
an aptitude test, physical and medical exam at the
interview stage. A person can also become a plant
operator by completing an apprenticeship or taking
a college course related to the skills and knowledge
needed in the job. Plant operators usually work
full-time, sometimes shift-work, often with benefits,
for companies involved in the petroleum, agricultural
and pharmaceutical industry.

Plant Operator

selkirk.ca/program/plant-operator

LENGTH OF STUDY:
24 weeks

ACCREDITATION:
Certificate

CAMPUS:
Silver King Campus, Nelson

Admission Requirements

The following admission requirements are specific to
the Plant Operator Program.

— Graduation from a British Columbia Senior
Secondary School or equivalent

— Foundations & Pre-Calculus 10, or Apprenticeship
Workplace 10, or Principles 10, or Applications
10, or Essentials 11, or Selkirk ABE Math 46, with
a grade of “C” or better

— Recommended courses: Chemistry 11, Physics 11,
Principles of Math 11 &12 and English 12

— Consideration will be given to mature individuals
(19 years or older) who are not Senior Secondary
School graduates, provided they have completed
or are in the process of obtaining one of the above
prerequisites with a “C” grade or better (This
course must be completed prior to the program
entry date).

READY TO APPLY?

— Please make sure you meet all admission
requirements, including the general admission
requirements for the college.

— International Students (students who are
applying to Selkirk College from locations outside
of Canada) should follow the application steps
required by Selkirk International.

Important Dates

2016

— March 22 - Spring Intake Begins
— July 25 - Spring Practicum Begins
— September 2 - Spring Intake Ends

2017

— October 18 - Fall Intake Begins
— March 6 - Fall Practicum Begins
— April 14 - Fall Intake Ends

— March 21 - Spring Intake Begins

July 24 - Spring Practicum Begins

September 1 - Spring Intake Ends

Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2016-17 189