How to Be Plastics Production Worker - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 20, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Plastics production workers are an integral part of the plastics industry, being responsible for the production of a variety of products from plastic materials. This role is essential in the manufacturing process, as the production worker is responsible for ensuring that the plastic products meet the industry quality standards. As such, it is important for plastics production workers to have a strong understanding of the production process and be able to recognize any potential problems that could arise.

In addition, they must be knowledgeable about safety regulations and understand the importance of following proper safety protocols. When plastics production workers are able to produce a quality product, it can have a positive impact on the companys reputation and lead to increased sales and profits, which in turn can benefit the local economy.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or certificate. Most plastics production worker positions require applicants to hold at least a high school diploma or certificate.
Get on-the-job training. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level plastics production workers. If available, take advantage of the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
Take courses related to plastics production. If your employer doesn't offer on-the-job training, consider taking courses related to plastics production at a local college or trade school. This can give you a leg up when applying for positions and help you become more knowledgeable about the industry.
Apply for entry-level positions. Once you have the necessary education and/or experience, start applying for entry-level plastics production jobs. You may be asked to work in a variety of roles, such as machine operator, assembler, or inspector.
Obtain certifications. Once you have been working in the field for a few years, consider obtaining certifications related to plastics production. This can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the industry.

Plastics production workers can stay ahead and remain capable in their field by staying current on industry trends and best practices, investing in proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves and their coworkers, and continuously improving their skills. Staying informed of changes in the industry, such as new safety regulations or technological advancements, is essential to staying ahead. Investing in the right PPE, such as gloves, goggles, and masks, will help keep workers safe and productive in the workplace.

Finally, taking the time to learn new skills or increase knowledge of existing processes will make workers more capable and valuable to their employers. Taking initiative and striving to keep up with industry trends and best practices is key to remaining a successful plastics production worker.

You may want to check Plastic Molder, Plastic Fabrication Technician, and Plastic Tool Maker for alternative.

Job Description

Set up and operate production machinery to fabricate plastic components.
Monitor production machinery and inspect parts for defects.
Troubleshoot and repair production machinery as needed.
Follow safety protocols and guidelines when operating machinery and using chemicals.
Load and unload plastic components into the production machinery.
Maintain inventory of plastic components and supplies.
Clean and organize work area on a daily basis.
Package and label finished products for shipment.
Conduct quality control tests on finished products.
Assess production process and suggest improvements as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and understand written instructions
Ability to work with machines and conveyor systems
Basic knowledge of plastic materials and processes
Good manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs
Ability to stand for extended periods of time
Ability to understand and follow safety procedures
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Ability to follow Quality Control/Quality Assurance procedures
Ability to inspect parts for defects and make necessary adjustments
Basic computer skills

Having the right skills is essential for a successful career as a Plastics Production Worker. Good communication skills are essential, as it allows workers to effectively coordinate with other team members and supervisors. Problem-solving skills are also vital in order to troubleshoot any potential issues with the machinery or plastic production process.

Attention to detail is important to make sure the products are of the highest quality and free from defects. Physical strength is also important in order to lift, move, or assemble heavy pieces of equipment and supplies. Finally, having a technical aptitude helps workers understand how to use the tools and equipment involved in the plastic production process.

Without these skills, it can be difficult for a Plastics Production Worker to be successful in their role.

Plastic Mold Maker, Plastic Injection Molding Technician, and Plastic Packaging Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a plastics production environment?
What safety protocols have you implemented in previous plastics production positions?
How do you troubleshoot issues that arise in the production process?
Can you explain the blow molding plastic production process?
How do you ensure that you meet production deadlines and quotas?
What techniques do you use to optimize the plastics production process?
How comfortable are you with using hand and power tools?
How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks in a busy plastics production environment?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy during the plastics production process?
How well do you work with a team to ensure production efficiency?

Common Tools in Industry

Power Drill. Used to drill holes into plastic parts (eg: drilling holes for screw posts).
Heat Gun. Tool used to heat plastic parts to make them easier to shape (eg: heating a plastic sheet before bending it).
Hand File. Used to smooth and shape plastic parts (eg: filing down rough edges).
Band Saw. Used to cut large pieces of plastic into smaller parts (eg: cutting a large sheet of plastic into individual circles).
Injection Molding Machine. A machine used to make plastic parts by injecting molten plastic into a mold (eg: making small toy figurines).
Ultrasonic Welder. A machine used to weld together two pieces of plastic (eg: welding two sheets of plastic together).
Sander. Used to smooth the surface of plastic parts (eg: sanding down a plastic sheet to make it smooth).
Drill Press. Used to drill precise holes in plastic parts (eg: drilling screw holes in a plastic part).
Router. Used to cut intricate patterns into plastic parts (eg: carving a decorative pattern into a plastic panel).
Punch Press. Used to punch holes into plastic parts (eg: punching ventilation holes into a plastic case).

Professional Organizations to Know

Plastics Industry Association (PIA)
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
American Chemistry Council (ACC)
Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)
Plastics Manufacturing Association (PMA)
International Association of Plastics Distribution (IAPD)
International Plastics Designers and Manufacturers Association (IPDMA)
European Plastics Converters (EuPC)
International Council of Plastics Distributors (ICPD)
Automotive Plastics and Composites Association (APCA)

We also have Plastics Quality Inspector, Plastics Product Designer, and Plastic Extrusion Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Injection Molding. A manufacturing process in which melted plastic is injected into a mold to create a product.
Extrusion. A process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile. A material is pushed through a die of the desired cross-section.
Blow Molding. A manufacturing process in which heated plastic is forced into a hollow mold and allowed to cool and harden. Once cooled, the object is ejected from the mold.
Vacuum Forming. A manufacturing process in which a sheet of plastic is heated until it becomes malleable and then formed over a mold using a vacuum.
Thermoforming. A manufacturing process in which a sheet of plastic is heated until it becomes malleable and then formed over a mold using a combination of pressure and vacuum.
Rotational Molding. A manufacturing process in which a heated plastic powder is placed in a mold and spun at high speeds to create a hollow, seamless part.
Compression Molding. A manufacturing process in which heated plastic is placed between two molds and compressed to create a product with uniform thickness and shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical work environment for a Plastics Production Worker?

Plastics Production Workers typically work in a manufacturing setting, with exposure to loud machinery, heat, and chemicals.

What type of materials do Plastics Production Workers handle?

Plastics Production Workers handle a variety of raw materials, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene and PVC.

What duties do Plastics Production Workers perform?

Plastics Production Workers are responsible for operating and monitoring injection-molding machines, inspecting and testing products, packing finished products, and keeping records of production and quality.