Grade 12, with English 12, mathematics 12 and chemistry 11 is required, and chemistry 12 and physics 11 are recommended. BCIT also offers a two-year Petroleum and Natural Gas program which prepares graduates for employment in various areas of the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production, transmission and distribution, and manufacturing. Admission requires graduation from high school with English 12, mathematics 12 and either chemistry 11 or physics 11. A certificate in industrial first aid is highly recommended and often required for most workers in this occupational group. Most B.C. colleges and university colleges offer this certification through their continuing education departments.
Large companies offer it as part of orientation training.
Individuals who are prepared to learn and have an interest in working with massive systems and complex machines are usually good candidates for positions as central control and process operators. They need to be alert, quick thinking, agile and physically fit. Good vision, excellent hearing, good communication skills and good judgement are important. Good spatial perception also is required. Mechanical aptitude, mathematical ability, analytical ability, hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are required.