Paper technologist

Paper technologists carry out work concerned with the processing of paper, board and other paper-based products. They work in engineering, production control, quality control, and research and development.

Work activities

Paper technologists work in the paper processing industry, which converts waste paper and wood pulp into lots of different grades of paper and board. These materials can then be used to make products for use in industry, education, communication, distribution and the home. Products include cereal packets, exam papers, paper money, newspapers and even disposable nappies. Paper technologists apply scientific and engineering principles to paper manufacture. They also have knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of paper. The specific work activities depend on their area of work.

They could work in areas such as:

• Engineering and production control.
• Quality control of raw materials and new products.
• Paper conservation.
• Packaging and distribution.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• A good understanding of chemistry and physics.
• Number skills.
• To be good at organising your workload.
• Problem-solving skills.
• A strong eye for detail.
• IT skills.

The following future skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

• Job-related technical skills.
• Teamworking skills.
• Management and leadership skills.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for paper technologists vary with the employer and level of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Paper technologists earn in the range of £17,000 to £25,000 per year.

Paper technologists usually work a 41-43-hour week, Monday to Friday. Occasional late finishes may be required. Those who work in a production environment may be required to work shifts.

Employers are manufacturers who convert raw materials into paper and board. There are also opportunities in mills that produce paper for, e.g. stationery, wallpaper, tissue and toilet paper.

Opportunities for paper technologists occur with employers in the main centres of the industry in places such as Aberdeen and the Scottish Lowlands, Buckinghamshire, Devon, East Lancashire and Kent. As paper manufacturing depends on abundant water supplies, plants are normally located near rivers.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Entrants to this career are usually graduates. Degrees related to materials technology will be useful to people wanting to get into this type of work. There are also foundation degrees, HNCs and HNDs available in subjects related to chemistry or applied science. These courses can be used as a way into the career or to progress to a full degree course.

Your training will usually be on-the-job with supervision from an experienced technologist.

Progression will usually be to managerial positions. Some technologists move into consultancy.

A papermaker apprenticeship standard exists, however there is not currently sufficient interest in running it from employers.

Qualifications

For entry to a relevant degree course, the usual requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels, one of which should be in a science subject.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A-levels, for example:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To enter a relevant HNC, HND or foundation degree, you will usually need:

• One A-level.
• A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A level subject.
• A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.

For alternatives to A-levels, see above. However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in industrial work are often valued by employers. Working as an engineering technician can lead to entry into technologist-level posts.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Related careers

• Glass technologist
• Materials technologist
• Museum / art gallery conservator
• Packaging technologist