Chemical plant operators generally enter the workforce in entry-level positions and work their way up, sometimes to senior management positions. Currently a large portion of the workforce is retiring, creating a critical shortage of technical workers for many years to come.

There are very few institutions that provide training for entry-level operators. This Chemical Plant Operations Online Training Program is unique and user friendly, designed for people who have minimal knowledge of the industry or math, physics, or chemistry. The necessary science concepts are built into the program modules.

Chemical plant operators have the responsibility to make sure units and process systems function properly. They consider personnel safety as the primary objective and ensure production processes are operating safely. Operators continually monitor instrumentation and the operation of equipment, and they make adjustments to keep system process variables within acceptable ranges.

Chemical plant operators enjoy good wages. Depending upon industry and location, entry-level chemical plant operators usually make $13.00 to $20.00 per hour. After a few years of experience, generally the pay range is $18.00 to $30.00 per hour. Chemical plant operators are rarely laid off, and nearly all regions of the United States have some chemical manufacturing facilities. Many entry-level chemical workers eventually make their way into supervisory and management positions. Generally chemical plants have above-average benefits for workers.

Get started in the field by taking the Chemical Plant Operations Online Training Program!

Upon registering, you're given an initial twelve months to complete this program.  Should you need more time beyond the twelve months, an extension of six is available at no additional cost.

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be able to:

• Operate a chemical plant with safety as the prime consideration
• Monitor instrumentation and the operation of equipment
• Make adjustments to keep system process variables, such as flows, temperatures, and pressures, within acceptable ranges
• Detect potential and actual problems and take corrective action to prevent the interruption of system operations
• Analyze operational trends and take corrective actions
• Use standard operating procedures to start and stop production equipment
• Maintain communication with other operators, maintenance, and management

1. Basic Safety
2. Basic Hazard Communication
3. Basic Lockout-Tagout
4. Math 1000: Basic Math 1
5. Math 2000: Basic Math 2
6. Math 2500: Basic Math 3
7. Applied Physics 1
8. Applied Physics 2
9. Applied Physics 3
10. Heat Exchangers
11. Lubrication and Bearings
12. Electrical Safety
13. Electricity for Operators and Technicians
14. Industrial Valves
15. Compressed Air
16. How to Read Process Drawings
17. Basic Process Instrumentation and Control
18. Pump Fundamentals
19. Centrifugal Pumps: Operation
20. Chemistry Fundamentals
21. Chemical Reactions
22. Chemical Reactors

To enroll in this program, you should have basic keyboarding and computer skills and be comfortable navigating the Internet and using e-mail. You should have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

This program is for you if you’re seeking entry-level employment in chemical plants.

This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.

No textbooks are required for this program. You’re encouraged to print the on-screen program material for your reference. It’s a good idea to go through the printed material prior to job interviews.

Dr. John Galiotos, Ph.D., is the instructor for this program. He has extensive experience as professor and chair for the process technology department at one of the largest community colleges in the country.