Plastics Worker Kaimahi Kirihou

Physical Requirements

Plastics technicians need to be fit and healthy as the job involves some lifting, and they spend long periods on their feet.

Useful Experience

Useful experience includes:

• work with basic engineering equipment such as welders, lathes and power tools
• any work in the plastics, rubber or composites industry
• work as a mechanical engineer
• work in other factory jobs, particularly shift work.

Personal Qualities

Plastics workers need to be:

• skilled in interpreting plans and drawings
• good at problem-solving
• accurate and methodical
• able to follow instructions
• able to work independently and in a team
• responsible and safety-conscious.

Skills

Plastics workers need to have knowledge of:

• how to operate tools and machinery
• processes used to make plastic products, and the ability to diagnose production problems
• product standards and safety regulations
• different chemicals, compounds and metals
• heats and speeds needed for mechanical tasks such as welding.

Conditions

Plastics workers:

• either work shifts or regular business hours. They may be required to work longer hours or weekends to meet deadlines
• work in factories, processing plants and workshops
• may work in smelly, noisy and dusty conditions. They may also work with toxic materials, which require the use of safety equipment
• may travel locally to clients' workplaces to install or repair products.