COE-Attendant Operator

ITI Trade: COE - Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant)

Powered by NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training)

The Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) trade is a job-oriented vocational program designed for those interested in working in the chemical processing industry. This trade comes under the Center of Excellence (COE) scheme, which equips trainees with advanced technical skills to operate and manage chemical plants safely and efficiently.

The course is structured to meet the industrial standards of Indian and international chemical industries, offering knowledge in chemical processing, plant operations, equipment handling, safety procedures, and quality control. Upon completion, candidates are prepared for employment in government, private, and multinational companies, as well as for self-employment in the chemical industry.

Course Highlights

Overview of the Role

An Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) is responsible for the operation and monitoring of various equipment and systems in chemical plants. They handle raw materials, control processing parameters, conduct quality tests, and ensure that production runs smoothly, adhering to strict health, safety, and environmental standards.

Operators work under the supervision of plant managers or engineers and are vital for maintaining optimum production efficiency, plant safety, and compliance with quality standards.

Scope of Employment

After successful completion of the course, candidates can work as:

• Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant)
• Chemical Process Operator
• Utility Operator
• Production Operator
• Plant Assistant / Helper
• Laboratory Technician (Process Control)
  They can also explore roles in:
• Petrochemical Plants
• Fertilizer Plants
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Units
• Water Treatment Plants
• Refineries
• Food and Beverage Processing Plants

Trades Summary: Skills Acquired During the Course

1. Basic Engineering & Workshop Practice

• Introduction to engineering materials and tools
• Familiarization with mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation basics
• Workshop practices like fitting, welding, sheet metal, and plumbing
• Safety practices in workshops and industrial environments

2. Chemical Plant Equipment Operation

• Understanding chemical process equipment: reactors, heat exchangers, evaporators, distillation columns, etc.
• Operating pumps, compressors, centrifuges, valves, and other process machinery
• Handling pressure vessels, boilers, and utility systems (steam, water, compressed air)

3. Chemical Process Control

• Basic process control principles (temperature, pressure, flow, and level control)
• Working with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Monitoring control panels and instrument readings for smooth operations
• Startup and shutdown procedures of equipment and processes

4. Raw Material Handling and Preparation

• Identifying and handling various raw materials and chemicals
• Weighing, measuring, and mixing chemicals as per process requirements
• Material safety data sheets (MSDS) and chemical storage guidelines

5. Process Chemistry and Reaction Engineering

• Basics of chemical reactions and engineering
• Knowledge of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transfer
• Introduction to industrial chemistry processes (acid production, polymerization, etc.)

6. Utilities and Offsite Operations

• Operation of utility services such as water treatment, effluent treatment plants (ETP), cooling towers
• Power generation and distribution in a plant
• Basic knowledge of fire-fighting systems, emergency handling, and disaster management

7. Quality Control and Laboratory Practice

• Sampling and testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products
• Working with pH meters, viscometers, spectrophotometers, titration, and other lab instruments
• Documentation and record-keeping as per Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

8. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safety measures in chemical plants
• Awareness of environmental regulations
• Handling of hazardous chemicals, first aid, fire safety, and evacuation procedures

9. Soft Skills & Communication

• Communication skills for team coordination
• Documentation and report writing
• Work ethics, discipline, and industrial behavior

Practical Training Modules

• Hands-on operation of plant machinery and equipment
• On-site training at chemical plants or industries
• Exposure to live projects and industrial visits
• Simulation exercises for process monitoring and emergency handling

Advanced Software and Systems (Optional Add-ons)

• Introduction to SCADA Systems
• Basics of AutoCAD (P&ID Drafting)
• Exposure to ERP systems used in industries (SAP, etc.)

Career Growth and Opportunities

After completing the Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) course, candidates may start as plant assistants or operators and can gradually move up to:

• Shift In-charge
• Process Supervisor
• Production Manager
• Safety Officer
• Quality Control Analyst

Further studies or certifications can help enhance their skills and career opportunities, such as:

• Diploma/Degree in Chemical Engineering
• Certifications in Process Safety Management (PSM)
• Industrial Safety and Environmental Courses

Examinations and Certification

• Regular internal assessments
• Practical and theoretical exams conducted by NCVT
• Final trade test followed by NCVT certification on successful completion

Conclusion

The COE – Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant) trade is a comprehensive program for those who wish to build a career in the chemical and process industries. It offers hands-on technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and industrial exposure, opening up opportunities for lucrative jobs in both public and private sectors.