Production Worker
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $29.26 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $38.28 |
| Top | $55.11 |
Interest in precision working to conduct work measurement and other studies and to set machine and equipment controls
Interest in compiling operational or experimental data; and in collecting and analyzing data and samples in support of quality assurance and industrial health and safety programs
Interest in assisting engineers to develop manufacturing and processing procedures and variables, and to oversee production and inspect processes
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
In injection molding, molten plastic material is injected into a steel mold to form individual three-dimensional products such as industrial components, domestic goods or medical parts. Softened plastic quickly cools and hardens in the mold. Then the mold opens, the part is ejected and the process is repeated to produce another part.
In rotational molding, powdered plastic is placed inside a mold and the mold is rotated, heated and cooled to form large, sometimes complex, parts.
In extrusion processes, softened plastic is forced through a metal die to produce continuous products (for example, plastic pipe, film and sheet goods, wire and cable covering) or to pre-mix plastic to modify its properties.
In blow molding, melted plastic is formed into a parison (a tube-like piece of plastic with a hole in one end). A pressurized gas, usually compressed air, is used to expand the hot parison, pressing it against a mold cavity. The pressure is held until the plastic cools forming a hollow container.
Duties and responsibilities vary depending on the process involved but, in general, plastics processing technicians:
Plastics processing technicians work in manufacturing plants that often operate 24 hours a day. They work shifts that may include nights, weekends and holidays. Working in an industrial environment often requires wearing safety gear such as eye and ear protection and steel-toed boots to reduce the risk of injury.
Plastics processing technicians routinely handle items that weight up to 20 kilograms.
Plastics processing technicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy performing tasks requiring precision, taking a methodical approach to their work and assisting engineers.
Plastics processing technicians need:
In Alberta, most plastics processing technicians are trained on the job. Employers may require applicants to have one or more of the following qualifications:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Plastics processing technicians are employed by large and small plastics manufacturing firms.
Experienced plastics processing technicians may advance to supervisory positions or move into related positions in quality control and testing, equipment maintenance, or costing and production estimating. Further education may be required to advance to management positions.
Plastics processing technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2233: Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the C133: Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Technologists and Technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.89 | $52.50 | $29.26 | $28.85 |
| Overall | $23.42 | $52.50 | $38.28 | $41.40 |
| Top | $26.00 | $84.13 | $55.11 | $46.35 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $103,858 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $80,313 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $77,160 |
| Manufacturing | $64,683 |
Canadian Plastics Industry Association website: www.plastics.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.