Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators

Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture and finish plastic and rubber products.

**Indicative skill level:**

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

#### In Australia:

- AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

#### In New Zealand:

- NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

**Tasks include:**

- operating controls to regulate temperature, pressure, speed and flow of operation - measuring and loading materials, items and ingredients for mixing into machines and feeding mechanisms - monitoring operation, regulating material supply and adding chemicals and colorants to mixture - threading uncoated wire and cable through plastic coating machines, around take-up reels and through dies and cooling chambers - laying casings, beads, ply and rubber sheets on moulds - operating rollers to remove air - operating vulcaniser presses and controlling curing - examining output for defects and conformity to specifications - performing minor repairs and maintaining production records