Plant Operator Course: Requirements, Fees, and Institutions.
The need for plant operators in Kenya is steadily increasing. These professionals are responsible for monitoring and maintaining heavy machinery in power plants, oil refineries, chemical factories, and construction sites.
To become a certified plant operator, one must complete a relevant course at a recognized institution.
Plant operators handle various machines used for lifting, digging, and material transportation in industrial and agricultural settings.
Choosing a specialization before enrolling in a course is essential, as some operators focus on excavators, while others specialize in cranes or different types of machinery.
Essential Details About the Plant Operator Course
To be recognized as a professional plant operator, one must undergo formal training at a reputable institution. Below is an overview of the course requirements, duration, fees, and institutions offering this programme.
Requirements for Enrolling in a Plant Operator Course
Plant operators oversee the operation of lifting and earthmoving machinery. During training, students learn how to operate different types of equipment used in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. To qualify for this course, candidates must enroll in an accredited training institution and obtain a certification upon completion.
Admission requirements may differ between institutions, but the general prerequisites include:
- A valid national ID card
- A valid driver’s license (Applicants without a license must complete a one-month driving programme)
- KCPE or KCSE academic certificates may or may not be mandatory, depending on the institution
Course Duration
This is a short-term course lasting between one and three months, depending on the institution. Upon completion, students must undergo a mandatory attachment for practical experience.
Course Fees
Tuition fees vary based on the institution and the type of machinery a student chooses to specialize in. Some institutions charge extra for accommodation, while others do not offer boarding facilities. On average, training fees range between KES 60,000 and 120,000.
Institutions Offering the Plant Operator Course
Several institutions in Kenya provide plant operator training. Some have established reputations, while others are relatively new. Below are two of the top institutions offering this course.
Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT)
KIHBT is a government-owned institution known for high-quality infrastructure-related training. The plant operator course is conducted at its Ngong campus and is offered every two months, taking approximately two months to complete.
KIHBT equips trainees with practical skills for operating road construction machinery. The key areas covered in the course include:
- Selection and application of machinery
- General maintenance and minor repairs
- Highway safety and traffic regulations
- Machine control and operation
- Work precision and craftsmanship
The main entry requirements for this course are a valid national ID and a driver’s license.
Sensei Institute of Technology
Sensei Institute of Technology is a modern college offering technical courses, including plant operator training, driving, ICT, mechanics, and building and construction. The plant operator course is available at its Nairobi and Nakuru campuses, which are well-equipped with various heavy machines, including forklifts, cranes, excavators, farm tractors, and motor graders.
Entry requirements include a valid national ID, a driver’s license, four colored passport-size photos, and a pair of training boots. The training is structured as follows:
| Programme | Duration | Fees (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Course (3 machines) | 1 month | 68,000 |
| Premium Course (6 machines) | 2 months | 104,000 |
Boarders pay an additional KES 7,000 per month for food and accommodation. Non-Kenyan students are charged 20% more on the tuition fee. Upon successful completion, trainees receive an NTSA-endorsed license certifying their competency in the specific machines they trained on.
Plant Operator Training in Kenya
Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology (KIHBTECH)
Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology (KIHBTECH) is a private institution specializing in various building and construction programmes. It is well-equipped with modern machines and training equipment.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the plant operator programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submit a fully completed application form.
- Provide a copy of a national ID or passport.
- Submit two passport-size photos.
- Possess safety boots for training.
- Bring personal items such as bed sheets, blankets, utensils, a bucket, toiletries, etc.
Machine Operation Training
Trainees must become familiar with different machinery and later specialize in specific ones. The institution provides hands-on training using a variety of machines, including:
- Front-end loaders
- Bulldozers
- Asphalt pavers and rollers
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Backhoes
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Road graders
- Tractors
- Pile drivers
- Compactors
International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute (IPMTTI)
International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute (IPMTTI) is an NTSA-accredited driving school that provides in-depth technical training in plant operation, mechanics, and motor vehicle driving.
Course Overview
The plant operator course at IPMTTI covers both theoretical and practical aspects of heavy machinery operation. Trainees learn about plant functionality and control techniques. The course duration is two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Course Duration
In Kenya, plant operator courses typically last between one and three months, depending on the institution chosen.
Qualifications Required
The essential requirements for enrollment include a valid national ID or passport and a driver’s license. Some institutions may have additional criteria.
Training Institutions
Several institutions offer plant operator courses in Kenya, including:
- International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute
- Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology
- Sensei Institute of Technology
- Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology
Salary Expectations
Plant operators in Kenya earn between KES 17,836 and 80,309 per month. Generally, entry-level operators earn less than experienced professionals.
Job Marketability
Plant operation is a viable career in Kenya. There is a high demand for skilled plant operators in factories, construction sites, and the agricultural sector.
Read Also: KUCCPS: Why University Placement for 2024 KCSE Candidates is Delayed.
Conclusion
Pursuing a plant operator course in an accredited institution is essential for those looking to enter this field. Completing the training enhances employment opportunities in plant management and maintenance.
Plant Operator Course: Requirements, Fees, and Institutions
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