Power Generation Plant Operators operate boilers, turbogenerators, and associated plant to generate electrical power.

Skill Level

3

Specialisations

• Hydro-electric Station Operator
• Power Generation Turbine Room Operator

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Power Generation Plant Operator is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must have successfully completed an AQF Qualification either a Certificate III in ESI Generation – Operations or formal training that is comparable
• Must possess skills that are current to Australian industry standards demonstrated by 12 months full time employment or equivalent part-time in the occupation in the previous three years
• If you have obtained a qualification internationally or an Australian qualification that was not through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full time or equivalent post-qualification experience
• If you have obtained an Australian qualification issued through the Australian Recognition of Learning process, you are required to demonstrate 3 years full-time or equivalent post-qualification experience OR 6 years full-time or equivalent experience which can be either pre- or post-qualification

Control the operation of chemical production equipment, pump gas and oil from wellheads, refine and process petroleum products, and operate boilers, turbogenerators and associated plant to generate electrical power.

Tasks

• Controlling equipment performing continuous and batch processes to process chemicals and natural gas, manufacture refined petroleum products, and blend petroleum base stocks to produce commercial fuels, lubricating oils and asphalt
• Controlling the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw material and processing agents such as catalysts and filtering media into plant
• Patrolling and inspecting equipment to ensure proper operation and setting operating controls on equipment
• Analysing samples and readings and recording test data
• Controlling records of production, quantities transferred and details of blending and pumping operations
• Checking equipment for malfunctions and arranging maintenance
• Operating power generation plant controls to produce required load
• Monitoring operation of power generation plant and interpreting instrument readings
• Authorising procedures to isolate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical apparatus and plant
• Writing reports and maintaining records on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations
• Carrying out routine operating tests

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this Group

• 399211 Chemical Plant Operator
• 399212 Gas or Petroleum Operator
• 399213 Power Generation Plant Operator