Certificate II in Polymer Processing

PMB20121

This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.

Overview

This qualification reflects the role of operators who operate production equipment or undertake similar roles to directly produce products. They operate production equipment within defined specifications and procedures and carry out a range of support functions. The operator will be able to apply technical and procedural knowledge to a defined range of situations and activities and be able to solve predictable problems by applying known solutions and will report non-routine problems to appropriate personnel.

Products and components may be for commercial, industrial or consumer markets and be made from natural or synthetic polymers covering thermoplastics as well as thermosetting polymers. Production may be long runs of standard products, short runs, or ‘one offs’ of specialised products.

There are no specific licenses that relate to this qualification. However, some units in this qualification may have licensing or regulatory requirements in some jurisdictions. Local regulations should be checked for details.

  • Financial help

  • Cost

    Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.

  • On-the-job training

    This traineeship is available:

    • Plastics Operator
  • Entry requirements

    This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.

  • Duration

    You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.

  • Delivery options

    You may be able to access this training in these ways:

    • Workplace-based
    • Some classroom learning
    • Part-time available
    • Partially online
    • Practical learning

Course content

This course is made up of units.

All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.

For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.

Unit Unit type
Process and record information Core
Work safely Core
Achieve work outcomes Elective
Apply 5S procedures Elective
Apply cost factors to work practices Elective
Apply gel coat or other polymer surface finish Elective
Apply Just in Time procedures Elective
Apply liquid surface coatings Elective
Apply quality standards Elective
Apply quick changeover procedures Elective
Apply workplace context to own job Elective
Assemble materials and equipment for production Elective
Bond polymers to surfaces Elective
Build fabric-reinforced conveyor belts Elective
Clean workplace or equipment Elective
Communicate in the workplace Elective
Conduct local risk control Elective
Control minor incidents Elective
Coordinate work of team or section Elective
Create composite laminates using hand lay-up techniques Elective
Create composite laminates using vacuum-assisted closed-moulding processes Elective
Cut plastic materials Elective
Cut rubber materials Elective
Demould polymer products Elective
Enter confined space Elective
Fabricate products with rubber or plastics Elective
Finish components and products Elective
Finish composite products Elective
Fit attachments and assemble components for customised polymer products Elective
Follow emergency response procedures Elective
Follow WHS procedures Elective
Gas test atmospheres Elective
Hand decorate products Elective
Hand mix materials Elective
Handle goods Elective
Identify and minimise environmental hazards Elective
Install rubber lining or pulley lagging using lay-up techniques Elective
Interact with computing technology Elective
Lay out and cut materials Elective
Make measurements Elective
Manage conflict at work Elective
Monitor and control work permits Elective
Monitor process capability Elective
Monitor process operations Elective
Operate a chopper gun to lay-up composites Elective
Operate a forklift Elective
Operate an internal mill blender Elective
Operate an open mill blender Elective
Operate ancillary equipment Elective
Operate blown film equipment Elective
Operate breathing apparatus Elective
Operate cable winding equipment Elective
Operate continuous vulcanising equipment Elective
Operate equipment Elective
Operate hand-held air or power equipment for production processes Elective
Operate injection moulding equipment Elective
Operate polymer compounding equipment Elective
Operate polymer extruders Elective
Operate polymer mixing equipment Elective
Operate portable vulcanising equipment Elective
Operate printing equipment Elective
Operate rotational moulding equipment Elective
Operate rubber calendering equipment Elective
Organise and communicate information Elective
Pack products or materials Elective
Participate in continuous improvement Elective
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices Elective
Perform creel rack operations for belting production Elective
Perform tasks to support production Elective
Prepare moulds for composites production Elective
Prepare polymer materials to specified formulae Elective
Prepare surfaces for coating Elective
Provide First Aid Elective
Reassemble production mould components Elective
Rework product imperfections Elective
Sample and test materials and product Elective
Shift materials safely by hand Elective
Sustain process improvements Elective
Transfer loads Elective
Undertake first response to fire incidents Elective
Undertake first response to non-fire incidents Elective
Undertake manual handling Elective
Undertake minor maintenance Elective
Undertake root cause analysis Elective
Use equipment Elective
Use hand tools Elective
Use materials and process knowledge to complete work operations Elective
Use organisation computers or data systems Elective
Use planning software systems in operations Elective
Use power tools/hand held operations Elective
Weld thermoplastics materials Elective
Work in a team Elective
Work in accordance with an issued permit Elective
Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering Elective
Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials Elective

Job prospects

The Certificate II in Polymer Processing sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.

  • Plastic Cablemaking Machine Operator

    ANZSCO 711511

    Plastic Cablemaking Machine Operators operate extruding machines to encase wire, cord, cable and optic fibre in plastic or rubber.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Plastic Compounding and Reclamation Machine Operator

    ANZSCO 711512

    Plastic Compounding and Reclamation Machine Operators operate mixing and grinding machines to prepare plastic powders and liquid blends, and recycle waste plastic materials from factory operations.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Plastics Fabricator and Welder

    ANZSCO 711513

    Plastics Fabricator or Welders operate machines to measure, cut, shape, fit and assemble plastics materials to produce plastic products.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Plastics Production Machine Operator (General)

    ANZSCO 711514

    Plastics Production Machine Operators (General) operate extruding, injection moulding and blow moulding machines to produce finished plastic products.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Reinforced Plastic and Composite Production Worker

    ANZSCO 711515

    Reinforced Plastic and Composite Production Workers operate machines to apply gelcoat, colouring and fibre reinforced plastic to moulds, in order to produce fibreglass and laminated products.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Rubber Production Machine Operator

    ANZSCO 711516

    Rubber Production Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture rubber products, such as tyres.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Other Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operator

    ANZSCO 711599

    Other Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators includes jobs like Thermoforming Machine Operator.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate II or III

  • Plastics Factory Worker

    ANZSCO 839211

    Plastics Factory Workers perform routine tasks in manufacturing plastic goods.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate I or secondary education

  • Rubber Factory Worker

    ANZSCO 839212

    Rubber Factory Workers perform routine tasks in manufacturing tyres and other rubber products.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate I or secondary education

Training providers delivering Certificate II in Polymer Processing

It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.

Showing: 3 providers

How to enrol in this course

To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.

When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.

The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.

Delivery locations can change as students enrol. If you're doing any workplace-based training, like an apprenticeship, this will take place in a different location from your classroom training. Contact your training provider to confirm delivery locations.
Government funding may be available. Contact your training provider to confirm.