Description

Job roles/employment outcomes
The Certificate IV in Polymer Technology is intended for senior operators and polymer technicians. These technicians may be process-based and directly involved in production, or they may be based elsewhere, e.g. in a laboratory, although they will typically still have functions on the production floor.

The technician will typically be involved in trialling and solving more complex problems which require greater theoretical knowledge, combined with an understanding of the production process and equipment.

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 undertake a technician role on the shop floor, from a base in a laboratory or office. They will be competent to operate production equipment and perform a range of support functions and will also undertake advanced problem solving and will participate in product or process improvement.

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 PMB30107 Certificate III 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 PMB50107 Diploma of Polymer Technology

Additional qualification advice
MSA41108 Certificate IV in Competitive Manufacturing is 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.