Plastics process workers control the machines that produce all kinds of mass-produced plastic items. There are many types of manufacturing methods such as injection moulding or extrusion, so workers must become familiar with different types of machine.

Their duties may include:

• weighing and mixing raw materials
• feeding materials into the machine
• adjusting the machine's settings
• monitoring one or more machines during the production process
• carrying out basic maintenance on the machines
• quality control checks - making sure that products are up to standard and recycling any sub-standard items
• trimming ‘flash’ (excess plastic) from the products
• keeping accurate records such as how much raw material has been used during production and number of items produced
• making sure that production runs smoothly, and calling in supervisors or engineers if there are problems
• labelling, stacking and packing products.

Hours and Environment

Plastics process workers normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, which may include shift work and night work covering seven days a week. A driving licence is often required due to the nature of shift working.

They work in factories or workshops, which are usually clean, well-lit and well-ventilated, but may be very warm because the production processes involve heating raw materials.  

They usually wear protective clothing such as overalls, face masks and gloves. The work may involve standing for long periods, bending and lifting.

Skills and Interests

To be a plastics process worker you should:

• be able to follow instructions and production schedules
• be able to work quickly and steadily on repetitive tasks
• be able to concentrate for long periods
• pay attention to detail
• have numeracy skills, for measuring and mixing raw materials
• work well as part of team but also able to work without constant supervision
• be safety-conscious when working with machinery
• be physically fit
• have good eyesight, for checking quality.

Entry

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a plastics process worker, although some employers may ask for some GCSEs/S grades or equivalent. 

You will find it useful to have experience of factory work and operating machines.

You may be able to enter through an apprenticeship scheme. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3) for 16-24 year-olds. 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.

Training

You will be trained on the job by your employer. You will also often be able to work towards a relevant NVQ/SVQ, such as:

• NVQ/SVQ Levels 1 and 2 in Performing Manufacturing Operations
• NVQ/SVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Polymer Processing and Related Operations.

If you work in injection moulding or extrusion, some units of the engineering-related NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Materials Processing and Finishing may also be suitable.

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. If you are taking an Advanced Apprenticeship you will usually do this as part of your NVQ/SVQ level 3. Colleges will usually ask for at least four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent for entry.

If you progress into a technician role, 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. To enter a degree course you will usually need at least five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) plus two A levels/three H grades, or an equivalent such as a BTEC National Diploma.

Polymer Training Ltd offers a range of short courses including basic and advanced techniques, machine maintenance and supervisory skills – see Further Information for contact details.

Opportunities

Plastics processing is a growing industry and employs around 100,000 people in the UK.

With experience you may be able to progress to:

• a supervisory job such as team leader or materials supervisor
• working with more complex machinery as a technician
• quality control work.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainees could start on £10,000 to £13,000 a year.
Experienced workers may earn between £15,000 and £18,000.
Process technicians with relevant qualifications may earn between £18,000 and £25,000 a year.

Salaries may be increased by shift allowances and overtime.

Further information

Unit 5, Mandarin Court
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200 Halesfield 7
Telford
Shropshire
TF7 4NA
Tel: 01952 587020