Certificate in Energy Process Operations (Level 3)

Summary

You will learn how to:

• Apply knowledge of heath and safety regulatory requirements to working in an energy and chemical plant.
• Apply knowledge of drawings, instrumentation, and thermodynamics to monitoring energy and chemical plant operations.
• Operate a range of plant and equipment and carry oit product sampling in an energy or chemical plant.

The Certificate in Energy Process Operations is currently not being offered in 2025. This programme has been paused and is scheduled for review in 2026. Further updates will be provided once the review has been completed.

Energy Skills Aotearoa

This programme has been developed with support from Energy Skills Aotearoa representing the energy industry.  Energy Skills is committed to attracting, promoting and developing talent for the New Zealand Energy industry.

Programme Specific Information

Develop the skills and abilities to the level required by the energy industry for entry-level employment as process operators.

When you graduate you will  be able to operate plant and machinery within an energy or chemical plant context, under limited supervision. You may also be able to apply these skills under limited supervision in roles across a wide range of manufacturing fields.

This programme is delivered in partnership with Energy Skills NZ and industry and offers work placement-based training in a range of energy-related industries.

Entry requirements

• NCEA Level 2 which must include 12 or more credits from the science domain and NCEA Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy requirements, or
• Equivalent knowledge, skills, work experience or study.

Special entry criteria

Additional to academic entry requirements applicants will also be required to provide two written referee reports, medical conditions disclosure and a criminal check. If shortlisted applicants will also be required to attend an industry interview and provide a drug free test. Drug free tests are at the cost of the student.

Career Options

Graduates of this qualification may be employed as entry-level plant and machinery operators in an energy or chemical plant.
This qualification may lead on to the New Zealand Certificate in Energy and Chemical Process Operations (Level 4) with strands in Advanced Steam Generation Plant Operation, Chemical Plant Operation, Geothermal Plant Operation, Petrochemical Plant Operation, Petrochemical Transfer and Storage, with optional strands in Gas Turbine Operation, and Steam Turbine Operation.

Ballance Process Operator Melanie has just bought her first house at 25 years of age, thanks in part to her step into an operator role in the energy industry three years ago.

Initially, Melanie capitalised on her interest in science and began her career in the laboratory at Ballance Kapuni. She became interested in what changes influenced the results she saw in the lab, so she spent time learning from operators on the plant about the process and their responsibilities. This led her back to the classroom to complete the process operator training programme at WITT Te Pūkenga in 2019.

Melanie’s first role as an operator took her north to Whangarei where she worked for Refining NZ after having done a work placement there as part of the course. Changes at Refining NZ’s operation, brought Melanie back home and back to Ballance, but this time in an operator role.

Melanie

Certificate in Energy Process Operations (Level 3)

Further Study Options

• New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice (Level 4).
• New Zealand Certificate in Energy and Chemical Operations (Boiler Operation) (Level 3) and/or the New Zealand Certificate in Energy and Chemical Field Operations (Level 4) with strands in Process Plant Equipment, Steam Plant, Geothermal Operation, Petrochemical Operation and Petrochemical Transfer and Storage.

Additional expenses

Closer to the programme starting, learners will receive a list of course materials to purchase.  Examples of course materials could include textbooks, stationery, printing; uniforms, personal protective equipment, tools and a laptop.

Changes for new learners

WITT and this programme are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Enquire now