Paper manufacturing workers work in paper mills, and recycling and recovery plants, producing paper, corrugated board and tissue from wood pulp and recycled materials. There is a variety of different roles, including:

Pulp operator – oversees the chemical and mechanical pulping machinery which converts the raw materials (wood and bark) or recycled materials into 'slush' or pulp in preparation for the next stage of the process. Natural binding fibres, contaminants, ink, metals and plastics are broken down or removed from the mixture.

Stock preparation operator – works in the wet end and refining process, ensuring consistency in the recovered fibre and providing a continuous supply of pulp to the papermaking machines. They also take responsibility for keeping the work area clean and tidy and remove pulp or paper off-cuts.

Dry end operator - operates machinery that dries and sizes the paper. They assist the paper mill and engineering staff in clearing and cleaning the machinery.

Machine operator - supervises both the stock preparation and dry end areas of the process. They make sure that a continuous supply of pulp enters the wet end, and that the operating machines wind the paper onto reels.

Reel scanner/operator - operates the machines that wind paper onto reels, removing damaged or sub-standard paper and repairing any breaks.

Quality tester - monitors the machines to ensure they are working correctly, and checks the products to make sure they meet the customer's specifications.

Much of the work is automated and involves working with computerised machinery. Paper manufacturing workers may also work in the storage and dispatch of products from the mill or deal with the management of waste products. They work with technical staff to develop and improve products. They work closely with maintenance engineers to ensure the smooth running of the mill.

Hours and Environment

Most workers are on shifts covering 40 hours a week. This often includes nights and weekends.

Conditions in the preparation and processing plant can be noisy, hot and humid. Some work outdoors in all weathers may be required, such as loading and unloading delivery wagons. Workers wear protective clothing.

Skills and Interests

To be a paper manufacturing worker you should:

• have good manual skills
• have an aptitude for using automated machinery
• have good communication skills
• have a basic knowledge of engineering
• be able to follow instructions
• be a good team worker but able to work on your own initiative
• have good concentration levels
• have an awareness of health and safety issues.

Entry

There are no formal entry requirements to enter paper manufacturing work, although, GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent in mathematics, English and science are useful.

A common route for young people is to train as a manufacturing or engineering apprentice. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see Training section for contacts). You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), such as maths, English, science, engineering, design and technology or appropriate equivalents.

For information about careers in the paper industry see the website for the Confederation of Paper Industries in Further Information.

Training

You will receive on-the-job training, working initially as an assistant under the supervision of experienced operatives.

There are work-based NVQ/SVQ awards available for this type of work including:

• Certificate in Paper Technology at levels 2 and 3
• Fibreboard Operations at levels 2 and 3
• Combined Working Practices (options in quality control, health and safety, optimising process procedures) at levels 2 and 3.

Companies also offer additional training in health and safety, specific machinery types and forklift operation.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Operatives are employed by mills and recovery plants based mainly in the north-west, north-east, Yorkshire, south-east and Scotland.

With further training, it is possible to move into quality control, technologist positions, supervisory management and sales.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries range between £11,500 and £13,500 a year.
Experienced operatives can earn between £14,000 and £19,500.
Manufacturing workers with additional duties, such as supervision, can earn up to £21,000.

Further information

1 Rivenhall Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN5 7BD