Sappi Process Controller in Training Learnership

Energy plants are among the most technically demanding environments within large-scale manufacturing, where boilers, turbines and utility systems must operate continuously, safely and efficiently. For technical candidates who already have some plant experience, moving into process control can provide a pathway towards greater responsibility for monitoring and controlling the systems that keep an entire operation running.

Sappi is recruiting a Process Controller in Training Energy through a structured training and development programme designed to develop successful candidates into fully competent Process Controllers Energy. Participants will gain further technical knowledge, practical operational experience and the plant licences required to progress within an Energy Plant environment.

About the Sappi Process Controller in Training Learnership

Unlike a traditional entry-level learnership aimed at candidates with no workplace exposure, this opportunity requires applicants to already have at least two years of plant experience within an Energy or Boiler environment.

The successful candidate will undergo structured development while gaining supervised exposure to the operation of:

• Boilers
• Turbines
• Utilities
• Energy Plant equipment
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

The ultimate objective is to develop the trainee into a competent Process Controller capable of safely operating and monitoring Energy Plant processes.

What Does a Process Controller in Training Do?

Process Controllers play an important role in maintaining stable, safe and efficient plant operations.

During the training programme, successful candidates will assist with operating Energy Plant equipment while progressively developing the technical competence required to take greater responsibility.

Training will include both practical plant experience and formal competency development.

Boilers, Turbines and Utilities

Successful candidates will assist with the safe and efficient operation of:

• Boilers
• Turbines
• Utility systems
• Associated Energy Plant equipment

All activities must be completed according to established operating procedures and under the appropriate supervision while the candidate is still undergoing training.

Distributed Control System Training

An important part of the role involves working with a Distributed Control System (DCS).

Trainees will learn how to:

• Monitor process parameters
• Observe plant operating conditions
• Identify abnormal readings
• Make operational adjustments under supervision
• Support stable plant performance

Developing an understanding of DCS operations is particularly valuable for candidates interested in industrial process control.

Plant Inspections and Monitoring

The Process Controller in Training will conduct routine plant inspections and monitor equipment performance.

Where abnormalities or process deviations are identified, these must be reported to the Shift Superintendent.

The role therefore requires candidates who can pay close attention to equipment behaviour and recognise when plant conditions differ from normal operating parameters.

Start-Up and Shutdown Procedures

Participants will gain practical experience with important operational procedures, including:

• Pre-start inspections
• Plant start-ups
• Plant shutdowns
• Equipment isolation
• Lock-out procedures

These activities must be performed according to the applicable operating and safety standards.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Matric/Grade 12 with Mathematics and Physical Science, OR
• N3 in Pulp and Paper
• A relevant NQF Level 5 qualification, or currently be studying towards one
• At least 2 years of plant experience within an Energy/Boiler environment

Candidates should carefully note the experience requirement. This programme is aimed at people who already have relevant plant exposure rather than applicants entering an industrial environment for the first time.

Advantageous Qualifications

The following will strengthen an application:

• National Diploma in Engineering
• Engineering degree
• Qualification in a related technical field
• Relevant Energy Plant licences
• Relevant Boiler Plant licences

Candidates who already hold plant licences should make these clearly visible on their CV.

SHEQ and Plant Safety

Operating boilers, turbines and associated energy equipment requires strict compliance with workplace safety procedures.

Successful candidates will be expected to comply with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ)requirements.

Responsibilities include:

• Promoting safe working practices
• Participating in safety observations
• Participating in risk assessments
• Maintaining good housekeeping
• Following isolation procedures
• Following lock-out procedures
• Reporting unsafe or abnormal plant conditions

Safety competence will remain important throughout the training programme.

Operational Records and Shift Handovers

Process control also requires accurate record keeping.

Trainees will learn to:

• Maintain operational records
• Complete shift handovers
• Record plant conditions
• Report production issues
• Report quality concerns
• Record equipment problems

Accurate information between shifts helps maintain continuity and allows operational teams to respond appropriately to changing plant conditions.

Continuous Improvement

Sappi also expects participants to contribute ideas that could improve:

• Plant performance
• Equipment reliability
• Energy efficiency
• Environmental compliance

As trainees develop greater knowledge of the plant, they will be encouraged to identify opportunities for operational improvement.

What Sappi Offers

Successful candidates will have access to:

• Structured learning and development
• Practical Energy Plant experience
• Career development opportunities
• Exposure within a global organisation
• Opportunities to travel
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits

The programme is specifically structured to accelerate the participant’s development towards becoming a competent Process Controller – Energy.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates who already work, or have previously worked, within:

• Boiler plants
• Energy plants
• Utilities operations
• Industrial processing plants
• Pulp and paper operations
• Heavy manufacturing environments

Someone with Grade 12 Maths and Physical Science or N3 Pulp and Paper, an appropriate NQF Level 5 qualification and two years of Energy/Boiler plant experience would closely match the advertised profile.

Thabang Maimela’s Tip

The words “in Training” can make this opportunity look completely entry-level, but the requirements tell a different story. Sappi wants someone with at least two years of Energy/Boiler plant experience.Your CV should therefore lead with your actual plant exposure. Mention the boilers, turbines, utilities, DCS or other process equipment you’ve worked with, along with any start-up, shutdown, isolation and lock-out experience. If you already hold Energy or Boiler plant licences, place them prominently alongside your qualifications rather than burying them near the end of your CV.

How to Apply for the Sappi Process Controller in Training Opportunity

Interested candidates should apply through the official Sappi recruitment channel where the Process Controller in Training – Energy vacancy is advertised.

Before applying, prepare your:

• Updated CV
• Matric or N3 certificate
• NQF Level 5 qualification or evidence of current studies
• Engineering qualification, where applicable
• Relevant plant licences, where applicable
• Other supporting technical qualifications

Your CV should clearly demonstrate your minimum two years of relevant Energy/Boiler plant experience. Apply Now

A Pathway into Energy Process Control

The value of this Sappi opportunity lies in the progression it offers. Successful candidates aren’t simply being brought in to perform basic plant duties; they will undergo structured development intended to build the licences, operational knowledge and practical competence required of a Process Controller Energy.

For technical candidates who already have experience around boilers or Energy Plant operations and are ready to move further into process control, the programme could provide a valuable next stage in their industrial career.

Closing Date: Not Specified

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