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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 | $26.37 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $32.08 |
| Top | $39.28 |
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.
There are several types of plastics processing. These include injection molding, rotational molding, extrusion processes, and blow molding.
In injection molding, molten plastic material is injected into a steel mold to form individual 3D products. These can include industrial components, domestic goods, or medical parts. The softened plastic quickly cools and hardens, and the mold opens. The part is ejected and the process is repeated for each new piece.
In rotational molding, powdered plastic is placed inside a mold and the mold is rotated, heated, and cooled. This produces large, sometimes complex, parts.
In extrusion processes, softened plastic is forced through a metal die. The continuous operation delivers products such as plastic pipe, film and sheet goods, and coverings for wires and cables. In another extrusion process, plastic is premixed to modify its properties.
In blow molding, melted plastic is formed into a parison. (A parison is a tube-like piece of plastic with a hole in one end.) A pressurized gas, most often compressed air, causes the hot parison to expand. This presses 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. In general, plastics processing technicians monitor the operation of automated equipment. They record product measurement and output rates. They also:
Plastics processing technicians work in manufacturing plants. Plants often operate 24 hours a day. Technicians can be required to stand for up to 12 hours at a time. They may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Safety gear is standard in an industrial setting. This includes eye and ear protection and steel-toed boots.
Handling heavy objects is also routine.
Plastics processing technicians need:
They should enjoy precision tasks. They should like being methodical in their work. They should enjoy helping engineers.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 15 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 09, 2020 and Apr 16, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Set machine or equipment controls, oversee production and inspect processes | 12 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 11 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 11 |
| Collect and compile operational or experimental data | 10 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 10 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 9 |
| Develop manufacturing and processing procedures | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Initiative | 7 |
| Develop and carry out work study | 6 |
| Conduct work measurement or other studies | 6 |
Plastics processing technicians need basic math. They also need a working knowledge of the processing characteristics of common plastics materials. Over time they develop the knowledge and skills to set up and maintain automated processing equipment. They also take safety training.
In Alberta, most plastics technicians are trained on the job. Employers may prefer applicants with one or more of the following:
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Plastics processing technicians work for large and small plastics manufacturers.
With experience, they may be promoted to supervisory positions. They may also advance by taking on positions in quality control and testing, equipment maintenance, or costing and production estimating. They may need further education to become managers.
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 [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2233: Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.1% from 2019 to 2023. 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 | $16.42 | $42.00 | $26.37 | $25.00 |
| Overall | $21.57 | $48.45 | $32.08 | $30.50 |
| Top | $23.55 | $60.84 | $39.28 | $36.16 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Construction | $96,035 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $79,361 |
| Wholesale Trade | $77,580 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $77,113 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $66,039 |
| Manufacturing | $62,010 |
Canadian Plastics Industry Association website: www.plastics.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.