Job Role

Process Technician

Company

Bericap UK

What attracted you to the plastics industry in the first place?

I knew very little about the plastics industry when I first started my role as a Quality Control Apprentice. However, like many others working in this field, I was surprised to find out how complicated injection moulding really is and how many variables and inputs affect the outcome of an injection moulded part. This caught my attention and I became very interested in finding out more about the plastics industry. When it came to the end of my apprenticeship in the quality department, it was a sure thing that I was to pursue a career in injection moulding.

How did your career move forward?

At the end of my apprenticeship in the quality department at Bericap UK, I had a review meeting with the operations director to discuss my views on the apprenticeship and what my next steps were to be. I expressed my interest to get more involved with the production of injection moulded parts and so I was given the opportunity to take on a role as a Process Technician Trainee. Alongside my job role, I completed a HNC in Mechanical Engineering and eventually moved up in to the role of a Process Technician.

What advice do you have for young people starting out?

The plastics industry is one that is full of opportunities for people with the right skill set. There is a big skill shortage so to anyone starting out, I would encourage them to take on board all that you do and seek as many training opportunities as possible. "You never stop learning" and this statement couldn't be more true in the plastics industry. I would advise young people who are keen to progress to invest as much time and attention to there respective roles as possible, as this will be key in achieving success in the plastics industry.

What do you like about working in the plastics industry?

The thing I enjoy most about working in the plastics industry is that no two days are the same, each day presents itself with new challenges and opportunities. Whilst it may be a demanding industry at times, designed to constantly challenge people to think outside the box, it is even more so an interesting and exciting industry, with a lot of upcoming developments and opportunities. It is one the biggest industries in the world, filled with people from different backgrounds and varying skills, so there is always opportunities to meet new people and develop yourself as a working individual.

How do you think the plastics industry will change in the next 5 years?

Whilst the plastics industry is constantly growing, companies endeavour to achieve higher manufacturing rates to produce more and more parts to meet customer demand. However, in recent years, a lot of focus has been directed towards running more efficiently and environmentally friendly. I believe there will be a lot more development in machinery and technology over the upcoming years, to try and couple these two considerations and result in an increasing rate of producing parts and at the same time run more efficiently and environmentally friendly. I think we will see a lot of new advancements in machinery and technology that will be both interest and exciting to work with.

Is there anything else you would like to add...

I have, so far, thoroughly enjoyed working in the plastics industry, particularly in injection moulding and would recommend it to anyone who may be considering embarking on a similar challenge as mine. It is a chance to develop your skills and the opportunity to progress into career roles that involve more responsibility is endless. It has been an industry that I have, thus far, found interesting and challenging, and I do not regret pursuing my interest in it. I believe that the plastics industry will continue to grow and as new advancements are introduced, it will be an industry that will be highly rewarding to be a part of.

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