Plant Operator Assistant
AkzoNobel Australia

Are you curious about how colour, chemistry, and creativity come together in the real world? A student placement with AkzoNobel offers you the chance to experience life inside a global leader in paints, coatings, and advanced materials.

At our Sunshine facility, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how AkzoNobel operates—from the production of high-performance paints and powder coatings to the science of quality control and the importance of customer service. You'll be immersed in a professional environment where innovation, safety, sustainability, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.

This is more than just observing—students are given the opportunity to rotate through key areas of the business, interact with skilled professionals, and experience the advanced technology that drives the coatings industry forward. You’ll even have the chance to try supervised spraying techniques and explore real-world applications of chemistry and manufacturing.

Whether you're passionate about science, engineering, customer service, or just eager to see how a global business runs, a placement with AkzoNobel will open your eyes to exciting career possibilities and provide valuable insights into one of the world’s most colourful industries.

Skills You Might Learn

By the end of the placement at AkzoNobel Sunshine, students will have developed a range of practical and professional skills, including:

Workplace Communication – Understanding how to communicate effectively within a team and in a professional environment.

Teamwork & Collaboration – Working alongside experienced staff across various departments and contributing to shared goals.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking – Observing how issues are identified and resolved in real-time production and customer service scenarios.

Technical Awareness – Gaining exposure to the processes involved in paint and powder production, quality control, and spraying techniques.

Attention to Detail – Learning the importance of precision and accuracy in manufacturing and testing procedures.

Time Management & Reliability – Following structured schedules, meeting expectations, and understanding the importance of punctuality and consistency.

Health & Safety Awareness – Gaining insight into safety procedures and protocols essential in an industrial environment.

Typical Tasks & Duties

During the placement at AkzoNobel Sunshine, students are introduced to a dynamic, real-world work environment within a leading global coatings company. Under staff supervision and guidance, students will:

Observe and assist in paint and powder production processes, gaining insight into how products are formulated, mixed, and packaged.

Participate in quality control activities, including learning about product testing methods and understanding how standards are maintained.

Engage with the customer service team to learn how orders are processed and how customer relationships are managed.

Experience hands-on spraying techniques in a controlled and safe environment, under direct supervision.

Rotate through various departments to gain a broad understanding of operations, safety protocols, teamwork, and workflow within a manufacturing setting.

Students are encouraged to ask questions, take notes, and reflect on how different roles contribute to the overall success of the company. The placement is designed to provide practical exposure, inspire career interest, and build confidence in a professional setting.

Student Requirements

Students are required to reliable and committed to attending their placement each week. A discussion with Future Connect is required and a resume with a cover letter advising why they would like to undergo placement with Akzonobel.

Dress Requirements

Students will be required to wear steel cap boots and a high vis vest to enter the workplace

Special Transport Requirements

Please visit PTV for the closest bus stop.

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