Chemical Process Operator Learner
The AECI Group, through its Agri Health pillar, is offering an exciting learning and development opportunity for young individuals to join its operations as a Chemical Process Operator Learner based in Modderfontein, Gauteng. This learnership is designed for motivated candidates who are eager to build a career in the chemical manufacturing and processing environment while gaining nationally recognised skills through NQF Level 2 unit standards in chemical process operations.
This opportunity provides hands-on workplace exposure in a controlled industrial setting, combined with structured training that equips learners with practical, technical, and safety-focused competencies required in chemical plant operations.
About the Learnership Opportunity
The Chemical Process Operator Learner role forms part of AECI Agri Health’s commitment to developing young talent and strengthening technical skills within South Africa’s manufacturing sector. Learners will work under the supervision of qualified plant operators while undergoing formal training in chemical processing operations.
Successful candidates will gradually progress from assisted operational tasks to independently managing certain plant processes once declared competent. The programme focuses strongly on safety, accuracy, production efficiency, and operational discipline.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
As a Chemical Process Operator Learner, your core duties will include:
- Completing NQF Level 2 unit standard training in chemical process operations
- Handling the filling and emptying of bags, drums, and bulk chemical containers
- Loading and offloading raw materials, bulk bags, and liquid chemicals safely and efficiently
- Performing general housekeeping across all plant areas to maintain cleanliness and compliance
- Operating plant equipment under supervision until competency is achieved
- Accurately completing production logs, process documentation, and quality records
- Monitoring plant processes and assisting with adjustments where required
- Independently managing assigned plant processes once deemed competent
- Working safely in confined spaces and at heights in accordance with safety regulations
- Maintaining medical fitness to operate within a chemical plant environment
- Participating in forklift operation training and safely using material-handling equipment
- Working shifts and overtime when operational demands require
- Following instructions from the Team Leader and plant supervisors
- Upholding all SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) and PSM (Process Safety Management) guidelines
Safety remains a top priority in all activities, and learners will be trained to follow strict operational procedures to prevent incidents and ensure a secure working environment.
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for this learnership, applicants must meet the following essential criteria:
- Grade 12 (Matric) with Mathematics and Physical Science
- Basic computer skills, including data entry and MS Office
- Medically fit to operate a forklift (training provided during the learnership)
- Able to maintain ongoing medical fitness to renew forklift operating licence
- Willing to work in an industrial chemical plant environment
- Comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces
- Available for shift work and overtime when required
- Aged between 18 and 25 years
This opportunity is ideal for school leavers who are technically inclined, safety-conscious, and interested in industrial manufacturing processes.
Skills and Personal Attributes
Successful learners should demonstrate:
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- A willingness to learn and follow operational procedures
- Good communication skills
- Physical stamina for hands-on plant work
- Commitment to workplace safety
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Self-discipline and reliability
- A positive attitude toward training and skills development
What You Will Gain
By joining AECI Agri Health as a Chemical Process Operator Learner, you will benefit from:
- Nationally recognised NQF Level 2 chemical process training
- Real-world experience in chemical manufacturing operations
- Exposure to industry-standard safety systems and plant technology
- Practical forklift and materials handling training
- Professional mentorship from qualified plant operators
- Improved employability within the chemical and manufacturing sectors
This programme offers a strong foundation for long-term career growth in production operations, process control, and industrial plant management.
Workplace Environment
Learners will operate within a structured industrial facility where safety, compliance, and efficiency are key priorities. The environment encourages teamwork, continuous learning, and adherence to high operational standards.
Medical fitness assessments form part of the programme to ensure all learners can safely perform plant duties, including working in confined spaces and at elevated levels.
Privacy and Compliance
AECI is committed to protecting applicant information. Candidates are encouraged to review the company’s official privacy policy available through the AECI corporate website before submitting their applications.
Why Join AECI?
AECI is a respected leader in chemical manufacturing and industrial solutions across Africa and beyond. Through its training and development initiatives, the company actively invests in building technical skills and supporting youth employment.
This learnership offers more than just training — it provides real operational experience in a professional industrial environment that can open doors to future employment opportunities within the chemical sector.
Requisition ID: 820
Position: Chemical Process Operator Learner
Location: Modderfontein, Gauteng
If you are a young, motivated individual with a passion for science, manufacturing, and hands-on technical work, this learnership is an excellent opportunity to start your career in the chemical processing industry.