Occupation Description

Process manufacturing workers provide support, organisational and operational services to plastics, rubber and cablemaking manufacturing processes. Their roles may, or may not, require the operation of plant or equipment, but will generally be involved in the preparation of materials, logistics, organisation of processes or people or generally supporting the process.

Process manufacturing occupations include…

In general a production assistant will work under supervision whilst a support operator will work more autonomously, and in some instances may be a team leader. The nature of their work and training provides them with a broad understanding of the manufacturing processes involved in their specific enterprise, however because of this breadth of knowledge it may be possible for them, with relative ease, to move between plastics, rubber and cable manufacturing operations.

Process manufacturing workers may…

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Whether they are involved in the manufacture of plastics, rubber or cables, process manufacturing workers will usually work in a factories-type environment. They will usually work in production areas that may be noisy, hot, and dusty and at times contain fumes, however the work environments are generally spacious, ventilated and well lit. Due to the nature of the work and the work environment safety awareness and compliance with regulations is vital. Process manufacturing workers may have to wear special safety equipment such as masks, gloves and protective clothing. The majority of their work may be spent standing and they sometimes work shifts.

Training

You can sometimes work as a process manufacturing production assistant in plastics, rubber and cablemaking without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. To work as a production assistant you will usually require a Certificate II in Process Manufacturing.

With experience, and possibly some further training, production assistants can become production support operators . This will usually require a Certificate III in Process Manufacturing.

You may be able to, with experience and possibly further training, work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector in roles such as technician, senior technical officer, product designer or in quality control.

Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.

Certificate II in Process Manufacturing
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.