Listing Reference: AEC250519-1
Listing Status: Open
Position Summary
- Company: AECI Plant Health
- Industry: Chemical Manufacturing / Industrial Processing
- Job Category: Learnership / Plant Operations
- Location: Modderfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term Learnership (Contract)
- Remuneration: Learnership stipend as per company policy
- EE Position: Yes – Employment Equity Considered
- Closing Date: 2 June 2025
Introduction
AECI Plant Health, a leader in sustainable agricultural and industrial chemical solutions, is offering an exciting Chemical Process Operator Learnership opportunity for unemployed South African youth. Based in Modderfontein, Gauteng, this structured programme is aimed at equipping young individuals with essential skills in plant operations, safety protocols, chemical handling, and industrial process monitoring.
This learnership is ideal for candidates with a Grade 12 certificate including Mathematics and Physical Science, who are eager to begin a hands-on career in the chemical manufacturing sector. With only five positions available, successful candidates will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical workplace experience under the guidance of qualified plant operators and production leaders.
Job Description
The Chemical Process Operator Learnership offers learners exposure to real-life plant operations, focusing on the safe and efficient management of raw materials, chemicals, and production equipment. Participants will undergo structured NQF Level 2 unit standards plant operation training, while actively assisting experienced plant operators with daily tasks.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting qualified plant operators in executing production duties
- Handling the filling and emptying of drums, bags, and bulk containers
- Loading and offloading raw materials and liquid chemicals
- Keeping all plant areas clean and hazard-free through proper housekeeping practices
- Operating plant equipment under supervision until declared competent
- Completing all production documentation and records with accuracy
- Monitoring chemical processes and maintaining logs once fully trained
- Adhering to plant safety protocols, especially when working at heights or in confined spaces
- Preparing to undergo forklift operation training as part of skills development
- Willingness to work shifts and overtime when required by the production team
This learnership prepares candidates for long-term roles in chemical plant environments where safety, precision, and operational excellence are key.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for this learnership is a young, enthusiastic individual who is eager to learn and work in a highly regulated chemical plant environment. Applicants must be committed to following safety procedures, demonstrate attention to detail, and be physically capable of handling manual operations.
Candidates should:
- Have a strong interest in industrial plant processes, chemical handling, and mechanical systems
- Be physically fit and mentally prepared to work in confined spaces and at heights
- Be self-disciplined and willing to follow safety and compliance procedures at all times
- Be dependable, cooperative, and able to work in a team-based production setting
- Have a commitment to learning and be open to mentorship and guidance from experienced operators
This opportunity is ideal for school leavers or unemployed youth seeking a pathway into the chemical manufacturing industry.
Role Responsibility
The role of a Chemical Process Operator Learnership includes the following duties:
- Support senior plant operators by executing routine production tasks
- Manage the safe transfer of chemicals and materials between tanks, containers, and machinery
- Clean and maintain the production floor and storage areas as part of good housekeeping practices
- Participate in safety inductions, operational briefings, and compliance workshops
- Record data related to temperature, pressure, flow rates, and material usage
- Learn to troubleshoot equipment under supervision and identify operational inefficiencies
- Report abnormalities or safety risks to supervisors and assist in resolving basic faults
- Maintain PPE standards and ensure proper usage during all duties
- Engage in on-the-job assessments to track progress and skills development
- Be available to work across various shifts as per operational requirements
This comprehensive exposure helps prepare learners for future employment in entry-level process operator roles.
Skills and Attributes
Applicants should demonstrate or be willing to develop the following skills and characteristics:
- Technical Awareness: Understanding basic chemical processes, industrial machinery, and plant workflows
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring accurate completion of documentation and compliance with procedures
- Communication: Basic verbal and written communication with team members and supervisors
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, lift, climb, and work in physically demanding environments
- Time Management: Being punctual, meeting deadlines, and maintaining consistent productivity
- Safety Orientation: Strong focus on health and safety protocols, especially in hazardous environments
- Teamwork: Ability to support team goals and follow instructions from supervisors
- Initiative: Proactive attitude toward learning and participating in operational tasks
- Computer Literacy: Basic knowledge of data entry and working with digital documentation tools
- Problem Solving: Developing the ability to recognize minor faults and assist in troubleshooting under supervision
These core skills will be enhanced through mentorship, structured training, and workplace experience.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for the Chemical Process Operator Learnership, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Grade 12 (Matric) certificate with Mathematics and Physical Science is essential
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years old
- Basic computer literacy, including the ability to use Microsoft Office tools and data entry applications
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be willing to work shifts, overtime, and under physically demanding conditions
- Must be able to maintain medical fitness, especially for tasks involving working at heights or in confined spaces
- Willingness to undergo forklift operator training as part of learnership development
Preference will be given to candidates who are unemployed and reside in proximity to the Modderfontein area.
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit:
- A comprehensive CV
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate (with Maths and Physical Science)
- Any supporting documents related to previous training or experience
Applications must be submitted via AECI’s official careers portal before the closing date: 2 June 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and assessments. If you do not receive a response within 30 days of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Final Note
The AECI Chemical Process Operator Learnership 2025 is a gateway to meaningful employment in South Africa’s chemical manufacturing sector. It provides hands-on experience in plant operations, compliance training, and technical development—all within a globally respected organization.
If you are passionate about industrial processes, eager to work in a safety-driven environment, and ready to gain real skills for your future career, this opportunity is for you.
With only five learnership positions available, don’t miss your chance to apply before 2 June 2025 and take your first step into the world of plant operations at AECI Plant Health in Modderfontein.