Plastics Process Worker
What is the work like?
Plastics process workers control the machines that produce all kinds of mass-produced plastic items.
In this job your duties may include:
- weighing and mixing raw materials
- feeding materials into the machine
- adjusting the machine's settings
- monitoring the production process
- carrying out basic maintenance on the machines
- making quality control checks on products
- recycling any sub-standard items
- trimming excess plastic (known as 'flash') from products
- recording how much raw material has been used during production and number of items produced
- making sure that production runs smoothly
- calling in supervisors or engineers if there are problems
- labelling, stacking and packing products.
Since there are many types of manufacturing methods such as injection moulding or extrusion, you must become familiar with different types of machine.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any formal qualifications to become a plastics process worker, although employers will expect you to have a good level of literacy and numeracy.You will find it useful to have experience of factory work and operating machines.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
You will be trained on the job by your employer. Your training may include the chance to work towards a relevant NVQ such as:- Levels 1 and 2 in Performing Manufacturing Operations
- Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Polymer Processing and Related Operations.
Your employer may also arrange for you to study for a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Polymer Processing and Materials Technology by day release at a local college. You can do the BTEC as a stand alone course, or alongside your NVQ 3 in Polymer Processing if you are working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship. Colleges will usually ask for at least four GCSEs (A-C) or NVQ level 2 for entry.
If you progress to become a process technician, you may be able to take a BTEC HNC/HND in Polymer Science, or a degree in a relevant scientific or engineering subject. Your employer may sponsor you to study part-time.
Your employer may also arrange short course training through Polymer Training Ltd, to maintain and further your skills.
Where can I go for more information?
Unit 5, Mandarin CourtCentre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
Telford
Shropshire
TF7 4NA
Tel: 01952 587020
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be between £11,000 and £13,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to between £15,000 and £18,000.
- Team leaders and process technicians may earn up to £25,000 to £30,000 a year.
Salaries may be increased by shift allowances and overtime.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work in a factory or a workshop. The environment is usually clean, well-lit and well-ventilated, but it may be warm because the production processes involve heating raw materials.
You would wear protective clothing such as overalls, face masks and gloves. The work may involve standing for long periods, bending and lifting.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to follow instructions and production schedules
- fast, accurate working
- willingness to do repetitive tasks
- good levels of concentration and attention to detail
- basic mathematical skills, for measuring and calculating amounts
- the ability to work as part of team but without constant supervision
- awareness of health and safety
- good eyesight, for checking the quality of finished items.
What opportunities are there?
Plastics processing is a growing industry and employs around 100,000 people in the UK. Jobs may be advertised in the local press, in Jobcentre Plus and by agencies that specialise in industrial recruitment.
With experience, you could work on more specialised machinery, move into quality control work or progress to supervisor/team leader. With further study, you could become a process technician or polymer technologist.
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