The requirement for plant operators is increasing in Kenya. These professionals oversee and upkeep machinery at power stations, chemical plants, oil refineries, and various manufacturing facilities. To enter this field, you must first undergo relevant education and training. plant operator course in a reputable institution.
Operators of industrial equipment utilize large machinery for tasks such as digging, lifting, and transporting materials within factories and facilities. They may also be found at construction sites and farms. Prior to enrolling in a training program for this role, consider which specific type of machine interests you most. Specializations might include excavators, massive cranes, or various other kinds of equipment.
Plants operation course: everything you need to understand
To become a certified plant operator, you're required to enroll in a college or vocational school to obtain the necessary credentials. Here’s an overview of everything you need to understand regarding the plant operator program, including prerequisites, costs, and educational facilities that provide this course.
Criteria for enrolling in a plant operator program
A plant operator manages the daily functioning of earth-moving machines and crane equipment. In this role, you will acquire skills in operating various kinds of machinery and tools.
Certain machinery is utilized for construction purposes, whereas different types of equipment are employed in factory settings and agricultural activities. To qualify as a plant operator, you need to undergo instruction at an accredited facility. Upon finishing the course, you'll be awarded a certification.
It should be noted that the criteria differ between various colleges. Here are the typical prerequisites for this program.
- A legitimate government-issued identification card
- A legitimate driver’s license is necessary (Those who do not possess a license must enroll in a one-month driving program).
NB: Academic certifications (such as KCPE and/or KCSE) could potentially be required.
Course duration
The course for plant operators is categorized as a brief program. This training can be completed within a period of one to three months.
The length varies based on the educational institution you select. Once you finish your coursework, you'll need to undertake an internship.
Plant operator course fees
The cost of this course differs based on the educational institution you select. Additionally, the price can change according to the specific machinery areas in which you aim to specialize.
Certain institutions mandate charges for accommodations (specifically for residents), whereas some do not provide housing facilities at all. Typically, the tuition fees fall within the range of KES 60,000 to 120,000.
Training institutions for plant operators in Kenya
Several organizations provide the plant operator course. Some are recently established, whereas others have been functioning for an extended period and boast excellent reputations. Here’s a review of the leading institutions where you can sign up for this program.
1. Requirements and details for the KIHBT plant operator course
KIHBT stands for Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology. This public organization offers top-notch education in fields related to infrastructure.
The facility provides the plant operator course at the Ngong Campus. This particular course runs every two months and lasts for a duration of two months from start to finish.
KIHBT provides trainees with the necessary knowledge and abilities to handle different types of road construction equipment and machines.
The prerequisites for enrolling in the KIHBT plant operator course consist of possessing a valid identification document along with a valid driver’s license. The curriculum covers the following skill sets and subject matter:
- Selection of Plants and Their Applications
- Routine upkeep of equipment and minor fixes
- Highway code and safety
- Machine operation and control
- Good workmanship and precision
2. Sensei Institute of Technology course for plant operators
The Sensei Institute of Technology is a contemporary educational facility providing instruction in various technical abilities. It provides programs focused on areas such as driving, culinary arts, information communication technology (ICT), mechanical work, electrical and electronic studies, operating machinery, and construction trades.
The facility provides the plant operator course at both the Nairobi and Nakuru locations. These sites are fully equipped with various machinery including forklifts, motor graders, cranes, roller motors, dump trucks, excavators, agricultural tractors, paving equipment, track shovels, and backhoe loaders.
For this course, you will need a current driver’s license along with a valid national ID card. Additionally, trainees are required to bring four colored passport-sized photographs and a pair of training boots when reporting.
Here are additional course details you should be aware of. Keep in mind that enrollments occur during the first week of each month throughout the year.
| Programme | Duration | Fees in KES |
| Standard course (3 machines) | 1 month | 68,000 |
| Premium Course (6 machines) | 2 months | 104,000 |
- A monthly charge of KES 7,000 covers meals and lodging. Foreigners must pay an additional 20% on top of this fee.
- Once you successfully complete the course, you'll be awarded an NTSA-recognized certification indicating your proficiency with particular machinery you've been trained on.
3. Kilimambogo Highways Construction and Technologies (KIHCOTECH)
Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology (KIHBTECH), a private entity specializing in construction-related courses, boasts state-of-the-art machinery and tools for practical instruction. Listed below are the criteria needed for enrollment in their plant operation course.
- Fully filled application form
- Copy of your national ID or passport
- 2 passport size photos
- Safety boots for training
- Personal belongings such as bedding, towels, eating tools, container, hygiene products, etc.
Trainees must acquaint themselves with the functioning and usage of various machinery as they specialize in certain areas. The facility provides several kinds of equipment, outlined below.
- Front-end loaders
- Bulldozers
- Asphalt pavers and rollers
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Backhoes
- Dump trucks
- Excavators
- Road Graders
- Tractors
- Pile drivers
- Compactors
4. The International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute (IPMTTI)
What institutions provide plant operator courses in Kenya? The Institute of Plant Mechanics and Transport Training Institutes (IPMTTI), which is approved by the NTSA, offers comprehensive technical instruction in equipment operation, mechanical skills, and automobile driving.
The plant operator program educates participants about the workings and management of plants. Students acquire both theoretical understanding and practical skills related to operating and managing large machinery. At IPMTTI, this training lasts for two months.
What is the duration of a plant operator training program?
The duration of the course ranges from one to three months in Kenya, varying based on the specific institution you choose.
What criteria must be met to become a plant operator?
The main criteria include a legitimate national ID or passport along with a driver’s license. Certain organizations might also require extra documentation.
What institutions provide courses for plant operators in Kenya?
The institutions offering this program encompass the International Plant Machinery Training Technical Institute, Kilimambogo Highways Building and Technology institution, Sensei Institute of Technology, as well as the Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology.
What is the salary of a plant operator in Kenya?
Operators in Kenya’s plants receive monthly wages ranging from KES 17,836 to 80,309. Typically, newcomers start with lower salaries compared to more experienced colleagues.
Is the plant operation business viable in Kenya?
Indeed, the course holds significant demand within the nation. Many factories, building sites, and farming areas require skilled plant operators.
Should you wish to pursue a career as a plant operator, you'll need to enroll in a plant operation program at an accredited facility. It’s our hope that upon completion of your studies, you will find employment in plant management and upkeep.
Recently, INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.co.ke released a compilation of six-month diploma programs available in Kenya along with the institutions providing these courses. According to ministry guidelines, diploma courses typically last between two to three years in Kenya.
Nevertheless, numerous brief diploma programs are available for completion within half a year. The admission criteria differ based on the particular program you aim to take on.
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