Description

Job roles/employment outcomes
The Certificate III in Polymer Processing is intended for advanced operators who use production equipment to directly produce products. They would undertake more advanced operations, typically including start-up and shutdown in accordance with the operating procedures, and would apply their knowledge to anticipate problems. They would be expected to solve a range of foreseen and unforeseen problems, using product and process knowledge to develop solutions to problems which do not have a known solution, or a solution recorded in the procedures.

Certificate III also contains units of competency which are the beginning of the polymer technician stream and which contribute to a deeper knowledge of polymers and processes.

For people working in the industry in production support roles, MSA30107 Certificate III in Process Manufacturing would be appropriate. This Certificate is available in MSA07 Manufacturing Training Package. The relevant MSA units of competency for this Certificate are available as electives in PMB07.

Application
This industry manufactures a wide range of polymer products and components ranging from consumer products to components to be included in other commercial, industrial or consumer products. Much of it is long runs of standard products, but equally it may be short runs/one offs of specialised products. It uses a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers covering thermoplastics as well as thermosetting polymers.

The products from this industry may be components in automobiles, aeroplanes and marine craft as well as domestic appliances and industrial and commercial plant and equipment. It may also be electrical or data cabling. They may equally be consumer products such as paint brushes, tooth brushes, lunch boxes or carry bags.

People with this qualification may be expected to operate and problem solve production equipment and perform a range of support functions

Training programs for this qualification are suitable to be undertaken as part of a formal training contract with an employer under an Australian Traineeship or Apprenticeship arrangement.

Pathways into the qualification
This qualification may be accessed by direct entry, or entry may also be gained through PMB20107 Certificate II in Polymer Processing.

Units of competency contained within this qualification may be common with other manufacturing qualifications and credit should be granted towards this qualification where competency has already been achieved. Credit should also be granted towards this qualification where competency has been achieved in units of competency contained within relevant skill sets.

The units of competency in this qualification reflect competencies which are practiced within the industry and recognition of prior learning (RPL) should be granted where there is sufficient evidence of competency from work-based experience.

Pathways from the qualification
Further qualification pathways from this qualification include PMB40107 Certificate IV in Polymer Technology

Additional qualification advice
MSA31108 Certificate III in Competitive Manufacturing and MSA30107 Certificate III in Process Manufacturing are available for those who need a more generalist qualification covering the application of good manufacturing practice and lean principles.

Licensing considerations
There are no specific licences that relate to this qualification. However, units of competency in this qualification may provide the underpinning knowledge and skills required for various licences. Local regulations should be checked for details.