Job Description

COFCO International South Africa is inviting applications for a Learner Process Technician / Learner Technician opportunity based in Standerton, Mpumalanga.

This opportunity forms part of the SOM Technician Development Programme, a structured initiative designed to provide technical development and meaningful workplace experience for Learner Technicians.

The programme offers structured learning, mentorship, continuous assessment and practical exposure within Standerton Oil Mills.

The successful candidate will monitor and control plant processes, support process optimisation, collect process data and gain essential engineering skills needed in the manufacturing industry.

Learner Technicians will receive support from both local and international engineering teams within the COFCO group.

Job Purpose

The purpose of the SOM Technician Development Programme is to provide learner technicians with structured workplace exposure and technical development opportunities aligned with industry standards and Standerton Oil Mills operational requirements.

The learner will help monitor and control plant processes to ensure operations remain within specified parameters while complying with the Integrated Management System of Standerton Oil Mills.

Key Performance Areas

The successful learner will be responsible for:

• Developing an understanding of safe working procedures.
• Undertaking process optimisation.
• Rotating to other sections of the plant when required.
• Collecting process data.
• Creating trends and dashboards for optimisation purposes.
• Undertaking process fault finding.
• Monitoring and controlling plant equipment.
• Monitoring utilities and consumptions within the scope of authority.
• Conducting sampling when required.
• Identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Collecting routine and non-routine field data.
• Diagnosing faults affecting plant conditions.
• Completing all necessary training to develop technical skills.
• Participating in periodic assessments.
• Providing periodic presentations to a panel of senior staff.
• Participating actively in practical fieldwork.
• Performing any related tasks required from time to time.
• Understanding energy management principles.
• Ensuring the plant is operated according to safety standards and COFCO policies.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12.
• S4 or S5 completed, including all theoretical subjects in Chemical Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• No bursary obligations.
• Recent proof of Work Integrated Learning confirmation from the institution.
• Proof of qualification, including academic record.
• Certified Matric certificate.
• Certified ID copy.

Advantageous Experience and Qualifications

The following will be advantageous:

• 1 to 2 years of experience in soya or sunflower crushing plants.
• 1 to 2 years of experience in edible oil extraction.
• Diploma, BTech or BEng Tech in Chemical Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience with Siemens PCS7 SCADA.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Applicants should have:

• Computer literacy.
• Ability to concentrate for extended periods on repetitive tasks.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Analytical thinking ability.
• Results-driven approach.
• Focus on safety.
• Focus on quality.
• Focus on throughput.

Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Following instructions and procedures.
• Learning and researching.
• Adapting and responding to change.
• Applying technical expertise and technology.
• Writing and reporting.
• Working with people.
• Coping with pressure and setbacks.

Working Conditions

• Plant-based role in an industrial environment.
• May be required to work overtime.
• May be required to be on standby.

Skills

• Process monitoring
• Process control
• Process optimisation
• Process fault finding
• Plant operations
• Chemical engineering
• Industrial engineering
• Data collection
• Trends and dashboards
• Sampling
• Field data collection
• Energy management
• Safety standards
• Manufacturing operations
• Computer literacy
• Siemens PCS7 SCADA
• Communication skills
• Analytical thinking
• Time management
• Technical reporting
• Teamwork
• Working under pressure