Paper Technologist

Introduction

Paper technologists carry out work concerned with the processing and manufacture of paper, board and other paper based products. They work in engineering, production control, quality control and research and development.

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Work Activities

Paper technologists work in the paper processing industry, which converts waste paper and wood pulp into lots of different grades of paper and board. Products are used in education, industry, communication, distribution and the home, and can range, for example, from cereal packets, newspapers and paper money to fine art papers.

Paper Technologists apply scientific and engineering principles to paper manufacture. They also have a knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of paper. They work in areas such as:
• engineering and production control
• quality control of raw materials and new products
• development of new products and processes
• paper conservation and research.

Some paper technologists find posts in related trades, developing new machinery and chemicals. There are also opportunities for people to work in marketing and technical sales.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need a good understanding of maths, physics and chemistry. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential qualities, as is an enquiring mind and problem-solving skills. You will also need perseverance if the desired result is not achieved immediately.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for paper technologists vary with the employer and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Paper technologists earn in the range of £23,500 - £27,500 a year, rising to £33,000 - £35,000. Higher earners can make around £45,000 a year.

Paper technologists usually work a 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Occasional late finishes may be required. Those who work in a production environment may be required to work shifts.

Employers are manufacturers who convert raw materials into paper and board. There are also opportunities in mills that produce paper for different purposes, for example stationery, wallpaper, tissue and toilet paper.

Some experienced technologists work for firms of consultants.

As the paper manufacturing process depends on large water supplies, the main centres of the industry are near rivers in places such as Aberdeen, Southern and Central Scotland, Buckinghamshire, Devon, East Lancashire and Kent.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills and abilities gained in industrial work are often valued by employers.

Working as an engineering technician can lead to entry into technologist-level posts.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

• 6% of people in occupations such as paper technologist work part-time.
• 10% have flexible hours.

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