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Paper maker

Alternative titles for this job include Paper manufacturing operative, paper manufacturing worker, paper mill worker

Paper makers make products, including tissue and heavy board, from wood and recycled materials.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm on shifts

How to become

How to become a paper maker

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You can do a papermaker advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for vacancies. You might be taken on as a trainee. Although you do not need specific qualifications, you may have an advantage when looking for work if you have GCSEs in maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

Experience in paper recycling, production line work or forklift training may be helpful.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the paper industry from the Confederation of Paper Industries.

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • operating processing machines
  • removing metals and plastics from recycled materials
  • overseeing the production process
  • checking for damaged or sub-standard paper
  • storing and loading paper products ready for delivery

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be noisy, hot and humid.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With training and experience you could move into jobs in quality control or paper technology.

Other career options include supervisory management, technical sales or production plant management.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a paper maker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Porcelain Paper Clay | Jewellery, Porcelain

  • Provider: GREATER BRIGHTON METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 May 2021
  • Location: WORTHING

Develop your Creative Printing on Fabric and Paper - Improvers - Online Live

  • Provider: KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 22 April 2021
  • Location: Canterbury
Find courses near you

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