ANZSCO Work Type Detail Sheets

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Plastics Factory Worker

839211 · Medium Next-day ready
Career data Close match

Factory process workers operate basic machinery and equipment in processing and manufacturing plants. They may do routine tasks like cleaning work areas and equipment.

Most common salary $52k – $82k
Upper salary up to $107k
Training No specific training
View on Tahatū ↗ Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0
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$78k – $112k
Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0

Description

Performs routine tasks in manufacturing plastic goods.

Typical work tasks

  • Dumps material into hoppers of machines; stop moulding machines and discharge contents; cut foam products from foam blocks; clean, smooth and wax moulds for making products; brush and spray release agents onto moulds to assist with the removal of moulded products; build up layers of fibreglass and resin on moulds; clean work areas, tools and equipment; may smooth rough edges of moulds using files, grinders and sanders.

Typical work environment

  • Works indoors in factories.
  • Work spaces will usually be adequately heated and ventilated to disperse heat and other by-products of plastics production processes.
  • Work sites may be noisy.
  • Plastic workers may utilise a variety of personal protective equipment including face masks, eye protection, safety footwear and gloves as appropriate for specific tasks.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Medium physical demand level.
  • Stands constantly on concrete floors while operating machinery and walks about work areas to move equipment, supplies and carry out various tasks.
  • Sitting is not a significant component of the job.
  • Stretching up and across is required on a frequent basis.
  • Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements may be required when inspecting machinery, raw goods and final products.
  • Bending is occasionally required.
  • Twisting of the body or neck is not a component of the job.
  • Frequently handles cutting tools and operates specialised precision equipment that may cause damage to skin or hands.
  • Frequently lifts and carries materials and finished products about the factory site.
  • Repetitive tasks are frequent especially in the use of hands and arms for holding, seam-sealing or other assembly tasks, and for some machine operations.
  • Driving is not required.
  • Uses a range of specialised hand, power and machine tools and equipment to join, seal mould and finish plastic products.
  • Mental skills necessary include practical skills, key-boarding, machine operation, and mathematical skills.
Entry signal Reviewed

Enter via experience or on-the-job training; no mandatory pre-entry qualification. Flagged next-day ready.

Entry barrier Experience or on-job training
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 4
Next-day ready Yes

How this was determined (model-generated): Plastics factory worker; L2/3 or one year experience, OJT path; no mandatory pre-entry qual or licence.

Entry Requirements

An NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).

For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification.

Further Comments

  • There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.