Machine Operators and Related Workers in Chemical, Plastic and Rubber Processing
What they do?
A. Plastics processing machine operators set up and run mixing, calendering, extruding, and moulding machines.
B. Rubber processing assemblers run moulding, laminating, calendering, and extruding machinery/equipment.
C. Rubber processing inspectors examine finished rubber products.
D. Water and waste plant operators monitor and run computerized control systems and related equipment to regulate water treatment and distribution, and the treatment/disposal of sewage and wastes.
E. Chemical plant machine operators blend, mix, process, and package a wide range of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning/toiletry products.
Where they find work?
1. Plastics and rubber products manufacturing - 54.0%
2. Chemical manufacturing - 19.0%
3. Utilities - 6.0%
4. Wholesale trade - 3.0%
5. Public administration - 2.0%
6. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 2.0%
7. Miscellaneous manufacturing - 2.0%
What education do I need?
1. In general, you usually need a high school diploma and relevant industry or college courses.
2. You may need on-the-job training and related work experience.
3. Most occupations require training or certification in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Statistical Process Control System (SPC), and other safety-related programs.
4. To be a plastics moulding process operator, you may need hydraulics, pneumatics, and electronics systems courses.
5. To be a water and waste plant operator, you must have courses in water pollution control and be certified in water distribution or treatment.
6. Many recent entrants have a community college diploma, and almost 2 in 5 have a trade/vocational certificate.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Computer Basics - Word and Excel
3. Sciences
4. Machine Shop
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Machine Operators and Related Workers in Chemical, Plastic and Rubber Processing is $15.77/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the processing, manufacturing and utilities sector and are close to the average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
6% of Machine Operators and Related Workers in Chemical, Plastic and Rubber Processing are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Machine Operators and Related Workers in Chemical, Plastic and Rubber Processing is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at a below-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($15.77) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is above average.
3. The unemployment rate (6%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. The retirement rate will likely be below average, and the number of retiring workers should not contribute significantly to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Machine Operators and related Workers in Chemical, Plastic and Rubber processing are found in Ontario and Nova Scotia while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (42%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Machinery
2. Monitoring
3. Attention to details
