1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Paper maker

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)

£17,000 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

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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.

This usually takes about 36 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

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 being trained in forklift driving 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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

  • operate processing machines
  • remove metals and plastics from recycled materials
  • oversee the production process
  • check for damaged or sub-standard paper
  • store and load 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

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

Paper Crafts

  • Provider: NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
  • Start date: 06 November 2023
  • Location: Bingham

Paper Making Introduction - Beginner/Intermediate

  • Provider: WM College
  • Start date: 03 February 2024
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.