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 technologists and those in similar paraprofessional roles in the plastics, rubber and cablemaking sectors. They apply in-depth knowledge of materials, process, equipment and problem solving to analyse performance and failure in equipment and products and to assist in the development of new/modified products. They are not required to be competent to operate production equipment but will understand the principles behind the relevant production and support processes.
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.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
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 |
|---|---|
| Identify and apply process improvements | Core |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Use structured problem-solving tools | Core |
| Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | Core |
| Analyse equipment performance | Elective |
| Analyse production trials | Elective |
| Analyse the design of products and tools for polymer injection moulding | Elective |
| Apply statistics to operational processes | Elective |
| Assess risk | Elective |
| Choose polymer materials for an application | Elective |
| Contribute to WHS management system | Elective |
| Coordinate maintenance | Elective |
| Design structural or mechanical polymer components | Elective |
| Determine and improve process capability | Elective |
| Develop a Just in Time system | Elective |
| Develop a new compound | Elective |
| Develop a new die or tool | Elective |
| Develop a new product | Elective |
| Develop and monitor quality systems | Elective |
| Develop fibre-composite products using cored-laminate techniques | Elective |
| Develop quick changeover procedures | Elective |
| Develop strategies for more sustainable use of resources | Elective |
| Diagnose production equipment problems | Elective |
| Ensure process improvements are sustained | Elective |
| Facilitate a team | Elective |
| Identify faults in electronic control | Elective |
| Identify problems in fluid power system | Elective |
| Modify an existing product | Elective |
| Mould composites with chemically-resistant or fire-retardant properties | Elective |
| Operate computer-aided design (CAD) system to produce basic drawing elements | Elective |
| Optimise cost of a product or service | Elective |
| Optimise polymer processing operations | Elective |
| Optimise process/plant area | Elective |
| Plan, implement and monitor energy management | Elective |
| Predict polymer properties and characteristics | Elective |
| Repair damaged fibre-composites structures | Elective |
| Set advanced or complex injection moulding dies | Elective |
| Test thermoset composite laminates and materials | Elective |
| Trial a new injection moulding die | Elective |
| Trial a new production mould assembly | Elective |
| Trial new process or product | Elective |
| Undertake value analysis of product or process costs in terms of customer requirements | Elective |
| Use computer-aided design (CAD) to create and display 3-D models | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Polymer Technology sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Metallurgical and Materials Technician
ANZSCO 312912
Metallurgical or Materials Technicians test materials as part of mineral and metal processing and refining, or for research into metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials in support of Metallurgists and Materials Engineers.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Plastics Technician
ANZSCO 399916
Plastics Technicians set up, adjust, repair and troubleshoot machines which manufacture plastics products.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Diploma of Polymer Technology
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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PARTEC (RTO code 0195)
Contact this provider
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.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.