Polymer Processing Operations
The Intermediate Level and Advanced Level Apprenticeships have been designed to meet the requirements for the type of work undertaken in the Polymer Processing Industries.
Polymer processing deals with the manufacture and production of polymer and synthetic substances, such as plastic, nylon and PVC. Plastic is incredibly versatile and can be made from different ingredients, moulded into any shape, and put to a huge range of uses across industry and the rest of society, from carrier bags to electrical cables. It’s no surprise that the polymer industry is one of the most important areas of manufacturing in the UK. One factory is likely to produce many different kinds of plastic items.
An apprentice would normally work in either a factory or a workshop and learn how to mass-produce plastic or composite items. They would weigh and mix raw materials, learn about the production process, test products, maintain machinery and make sure items are made on time and without wasting materials.
Such is the diverse nature of the products manufactured, apprentices may find that they will be required to manufacture some products or components by hand-based methods.
Production requires practical skills that will require the apprentice to work quickly on complicated tasks, to use numeracy skills to mix materials and to have an eye for detail.
Job Roles
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship
- Polymer/Composite Operator
Advanced Level Apprenticeship
- Production Operator/Technician
Last Updated: 16/01/2012
