Plastics processing machine operator

Plastics processing machine operators monitor machines used to manufacture plastic products. Operators check that the computer-controlled machines run efficiently. The work also involves making quality checks.

Work activities

Plastics processing machine operators monitor the machinery that is used to make products in the plastics processing industry. Typical plastic and rubber products include:

• Car tyres
• Bottles
• Certain parts for computers and for aircraft.

Operators keep watch over the processing and check that the machines are operating according to the machine “production sheet”. For example, they check gauges – for pressure, temperature, speed and so on.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need to:

• Be willing to do repetitive work.
• Enjoy practical work with machinery.
• Pay strict attention to health and safety regulations and carry out necessary safety checks carefully.
• Be reasonably fit, as you could spend most of each shift on your feet.

Employers have identified the skills that will be required by the workforce of the future. These are:

• General IT Skills.
• Job specific practical/technical skills.
• Teamworking skills.
• Problem-solving skills.

Pay and opportunities

According to jobs board Glassdoor, plastics processing machine operators start on around £22,000, rising to £32,000 with experience (5,648 salaries, November 2023).

Machine operators usually work a full-time week, which can include late finishes and shift work.

Opportunities for plastics processing machine operators occur in factories in towns and cities throughout the UK. The largest number of employees is located in the North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England and the South East.

What’s happening in this work area?

The polymers industry overall has continued to grow over the last 10 years. While there has been a decline in some aspects of the industry, the development of new technologies has enabled it to remain competitive despite growing competition from foreign markets. The state of the economy in general is critical to the polymers industry as the materials are used in a large number of different markets. The cost of crude oil has a direct effect on the cost of all polymers and as such will cause an increase or decrease in plastic product prices, affecting the market greatly.

Where are vacancies advertised?

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

Entry routes and training

You can enter this work by applying for vacancies at a plastics processing company. You do not usually need qualifications to enter this type of work. A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of polymer processing technician could be a good way into this role.

Some companies run work-based training programmes. Trainees follow a structured training programme that may include off-the-job instruction. They are supervised and assessed by an experienced member of staff.

Progression is usually to machine setter positions within a company. From there, it may be possible to move into process technician positions, or into supervisory roles.

Qualifications

You do not usually need qualifications to enter this type of work.

If you wish to enter this career through an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although if you don’t have these you may be able to gain them as part of your course.

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.

Relevant skills gained in factory production work and using machinery can be helpful.

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• Machine operator
• Plastics processing machine setter
• Reprographics assistant
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