C A R E E R I DE AS
OPERATING AT A HIGHER LEVEL WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED YOU IN YOUR DECISION TO FOLLOW THIS CAREER PATH? When I arrived at Ekurhuleni East TVET College my intention was to study electrical engineering, but at the information desk I meet Mr Majoe, the process plant operation lecturer. He gave me the process plant operations z-card brochure, which contained all the information I needed plus subjects that the course was offering. This sparked my interest in the subject, and I decided to seek advice from my cousin’s sister, who is a plant operator. She filled me in on the pros and cons of the job and the opportunities that this course brings. This is what led to me choosing this career path. WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION, TRAINING OR BACKGROUND IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A PROCESS PLANT OPERATOR? The two major subjects that are needed are mathematics and physical sciences. In my case, I did have a matric certificate, which was an advantage, but the process plant operation requirements are that you have to pass or complete Grade 9,10 or 11. WHAT ARE THE DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CAREER YOU HAVE CHOSEN? Process plant operation involves playing a major role in the pulp paper making business. There are also other functions and duties that are important to learn during the course but working with the processes of making paper forms the basis of the day-to-day job. WHAT PART OF THIS COURSE DO YOU FIND MOST SATISFYING? The most satisfying part of this course is the processing plant / paper making process. I find it very interesting how we can
make or process so many different types of paper, from printing paper to calendar paper, and so much more.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR QUALIFICATIONS THAT YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS CAREER? I will be receiving my NC(v) NQF Level 4 Certificate this year but I would like to further my studies and get a degree in pulp and paper making at a university. WHAT PARTICULAR SKILLS OR TALENTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO BE EFFECTIVE AS A PLANT OPERATIONS OPERATOR? Ambition is what is needed in this career, so even though it is pulp and paper making, you still need to be inspired to work hard and always excel. The skill that you must have is to know your physical science well and to have a basic background knowledge of chemistry and mathematics, so you’re able to make correct calculations and measurements of the chemicals. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER LEARNERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING THIS CAREER PATH? I would advise them to start with NC(v) NQF Level 2-4, so that they can get all the basics in place that are needed for this course and the processes of pulp and paper making. WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE FIELD IN TERMS OF NEW AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES? There are many opportunities in this field. One example is that after receiving the NC(v) Level 2-4 Certificate, you could gain work experience at companies like Coca-Cola, where you are able to work in the processing of ingredients department because you will have experience of chemical or ingredient processing.
MATHABATHE ANTOINETTE NKADIMENG PROCESS PLANT OPERATOR LEVEL 4
DO YOU THINK THAT STUDYING AT EKURHULENI EAST TVET COLLEGE HAS PREPARED YOU FOR THE WORKPLACE? HOW? Yes, I think the institution has prepared me for the workplace. Not only do we study the theory, but we also do practical training using the actual chemicals and ingredients for experiments in workshops. WHO WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN THE MOST HELP IN YOUR CAREER? HOW DID THEY HELP YOU? There are two lecturers who have helped me the most: Mr Majoe helped me to choose
this career path. He has played an important role ever since the first day when I found him at the information desk and he handed me the process plant operation brochure. Ms Sello has always gone the extra mile to help me understand whatever I might be struggling with, even if it is a subject that she does not teach. Plus, she kept me motivated each and every day.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE WORD ‘SUCCESS’ MEAN TO YOU? Being successful in everything that you do. Waking up every day to do something that you really love and are passionate about and then achieving it. Celebrating the little achievements and being able to tell people about the career that I chose. That is success to me!
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