Two specialties and growing industry — plastics maker's opportunities
The difference between thermoplastic and thermoset specialty and which career paths plastics opens
The plastic worker training can be completed at multiple levels and is divided into specializations based on what type of plastic the company works with. Here we look at the difference between thermoplastics and thermosets and the opportunities a trade with high demand offers.
§Levels in the education
The education can be completed at a basic level as a plastic operator (level 1) or continued to full plastic craftsman level with a specialization. The full course is longer and provides broader and deeper expertise.
§The specialization in thermoplastic
Thermoplastic is softened by heat and can be formed again and again. If you work with thermoplastic you typically deal with injection moulding, extrusion, and similar methods where the material is melted and formed. It is the most common type in many products around us.
§The specialization in hardened plastic
Thermoset plastic hardens permanently through a chemical reaction and cannot be melted and reshaped. It is used where high strength heat resistance or special properties are needed. Working with thermoset plastic requires different methods and a good understanding of the chemical hardening process.
§Where plastic workers work
Plastic is used in almost all industries — packaging, medical devices, electronics, construction, transport and much more. This is why plastic workers work in many types of companies, from small workshops to large, automated factories. The tasks range from setting up and operating machines to quality control and improving production.
§Career paths
With the journeyman's certificate you can work as a skilled plastic technician. With experience you can become operator on more complex systems work manager become specialist in specific processes or materials or work with development and improvement of production. The industry seeks skilled workers so the opportunities are good.
§A trade with a future
Plastic is everywhere and while environmental concerns change how we use and recycle it, the need for skilled plastic workers does not disappear — it evolves. Those who both know the craft and understand the material have a trade in high demand.
“Choose your specialty according to your position — but learn the material so well that you can do both.”
— Professional view on the plastic worker's specialties.