HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical pathway starts with a secondary-school diploma, with courses in math, science and computer use helpful. Some employers may prefer related experience in manufacturing, production, food processing, or other machine-operation work. New workers often begin in entry-level plant roles and learn on the job how to follow formulation cards, monitor gauges, use control systems, take samples, and record production data. Training usually covers safety procedures, equipment cleaning, and basic troubleshooting. Requirements can vary by employer, province and the type of chemical plant or product.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Monitor meters, gauges and electronic instrumentation on one or more chemical or formulation units, such as mixers, kettles, blenders, dryers, tabletting, encapsulation, granulation and coating machines
- Measure, weigh and load chemical ingredients following formulation cards
- Start up, shut down, troubleshoot and clean equipment
- Adjust processing machines and equipment
- Monitor reaction processes and transfers of products in conformance with safety procedures
- Take samples and perform routine chemical and physical tests of products
- Record production data
- May operate equipment from a control room or from control consoles located near the production units.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Attention to DetailsComputer LiteracyMachineryMonitoring