Certificate in Energy Process Operations (Level 3)

Program Overview

The Certificate in Energy Process Operations (Level 3) is designed for aspiring plant operators in the energy and chemical sectors. Students learn essential skills and knowledge in thermodynamics, instrumentation, safety procedures, gas testing, and chemical management. Through hands-on work placements, they apply their learnings in real-world settings, preparing them for entry-level operator roles within the industry. The program is supported by Energy Skills Aotearoa and offers pathways to further qualifications in the energy and chemical fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, the Certificate in Energy Process Operations (Level 3), is designed to equip individuals with the necessary operational skills and knowledge to work as entry-level operators in the energy and chemical plant industry. It combines the New Zealand Certificate in Energy and Chemical Operations (Plant and Machinery) (Level 3). This qualification is suitable for those seeking to enter the industry or for entry-level operators looking to advance their careers in energy or chemical plants.

Objectives:

The program aims to develop the skills and abilities required for entry-level employment as process operators in the energy industry. Upon graduation, students will be able to operate plant and machinery within an energy or chemical plant context, under limited supervision. They may also be able to apply these skills in various manufacturing fields.

Outline:

Duration:

1 trimester full time (including 12 weeks of industry placement)

Courses:

• EPO3.001 Thermodynamics: This course provides students with knowledge of basic thermodynamics, the basics of energy and heat relevant to the energy and chemical industry.
• EPO3.002 Instrumentation: This course provides students with knowledge of types of instrumentation used in the energy and chemical industry.
• EPO3.003 Safety Equipment: This course provides students with knowledge to be able to demonstrate and apply their legislative obligations, and that they are capable of managing their own compliance with PPE requirements.
As well as being able to identify and monitor on site personnel safety equipment more broadly.
• EPO3.005 Pipework and Drawings: This course provides students with the ability to correctly use and interpret petrochemical industry symbols, signs and terminology, and provides them with an understanding of the pipework and fittings that form such a critical part of the infrastructure of an energy and chemical plant.
The course also provides students with knowledge of, and the ability to both sketch and use process drawings for energy and chemical plants and to accurately relate those drawings to actual plant equipment and systems.
• EPO3.013 Chemical Management: This course provides students with knowledge and skills necessary for process operators in relation to chemical pollutants, control measures, monitoring and reporting pollution, and knowledge of employer and employee responsibilities relating to pollutants under the Resource Management Act (RMA) in an energy and chemical plant.
• EPO4.014 Process Operations 1: This course provides a ‘capstone’ to the process operations (oil and gas) programme, in which students are required to apply much of the knowledge and skills they have obtained throughout the programme regarding operating equipment in applied contexts within their work placements.
Students will demonstrate their competency in unfired pressure equipment, pump, compressor and fan operations and in the monitoring of plant operations. In undertaking all of these activities, students will be required to demonstrate that they understand and can apply their legislative obligations and that they are capable of managing their own compliance with PPE requirements, as well as being able to identify and monitor on site personnel safety equipment more broadly. Students will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of power and emergency power systems and storage tank operating principles.
• EPO4.015 Process Operations 2: This course provides a ‘capstone’ to the process operations (oil and gas) programme, in which students are required to apply much of the knowledge and skills they have obtained throughout the programme regarding operating equipment in applied contexts within their work placements.
Students will demonstrate their competency operating valves and in the monitoring of plant operations.

Careers:

Graduates of this program may gain employment as entry-level operators in an energy or chemical plant.

• The program is delivered in partnership with Energy Skills NZ and industry and offers work placement-based training in a range of energy-related industries.
• Additional expenses include stationery, pens, paper, calculator, ring binder, and boots to a specific standard.
• WITT and this program are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.