You can do a papermaker advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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 a paper maker
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
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
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
- being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
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 mill or at a production plant.
Your working environment may be noisy, hot and humid.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
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.
Training 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
The Art of Paper: Folding, Pleating, Manipulation
- Provider: WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE
- Start date: 23 March 2019
- Location: LONDON
Develop your Creative Printing on Fabric and Paper
- Provider: COMMUNITY LEARNING AND SKILLS
- Start date: 25 April 2019
- Location: Canterbury
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