Paper Maker

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £25,000

Typical Hours

41 to 43 a week

between 8am and 6pm on shifts

How To Become a Paper Maker

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You can do a papermaker advanced apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

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 & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.