Specialized paper industry operator.

Technicians in the manufacture of paper and paper pulp are the professionals responsible for monitoring, steering and overseeing the various manufacturing processes, tailoring them to the needs of the company according to established quality, safety and environmental standards. Paper pulp is obtained from materials such as wood, rags, esparto, straw, pulp or used paper, and various types of machines are subsequently used in the manufacture of paper. In fact, even though the professionals who carry out the work can be the same, the manufacture of paper pulp is included within the basic chemical industry, whereas finished paper and cardboard are more specific to the manufacturing industry. Their work is usually performed at large plants, where paper pulp is produced and paper is processed, although there are some companies with lower manufacturing volume where this work can be performed by experienced paper manufacturing operators, with technician being the natural progress to a higher category.

• Operate machinery for the production of paper pulp, paper and cardboard.
  Prepare and operate manufacturing machines according to the required quality.
  Direct first-line maintenance as well as cleaning operations of equipment and facilities.
  Take samples for quality control and perform simple tests on prepared pulps, papers and cardboards, checking compliance with intermediate product specifications.
  Prepare glues and surface treatment baths at machine for paper and cardboard, while respecting conditions for proper implementation.
  Comply and enforce standards of good manufacturing practices and safety and environmental standards in chemical processes.
• Perform finishing on papers and paper boards.
  Finish papers and paper boards, obtaining required dimensions and optimising use of the product.
  Adjust smoothness and conditioning of paper and paper board according to required quality.
  Prepare papers or cardboards, as a finished product, for storage or shipment.
  Operate machines, equipment and facilities in accordance with established safety standards.
• Prepare and fine tune equipment and auxiliary facilities for the papermaking process, keeping them in good operating conditions.
  Transport solids and liquids required for the papermaking process.
  Supply or evacuate air, steam or other gases for the papermaking process, as stipulated.
  Establish and maintain the thermal conditions of the process using generators, heat exchangers and cooling units.
  Obtain water vapour, adequate for the process, operating steam boilers.
• Oversee the paper pulp mill process
  Assist in starting up and stopping continuous and discontinuous processes, according to established procedures and synchronising operations.
  Mark the control points necessary to reach the operating regime.
  Measure process variables with established instruments and frequency and adjust different parameters using the control panel and managing equipment indicators.
  Analyse the paper pulp and the closed water circuit of the company.
  Control the process according to the production plan.
  Perform quality control operations throughout the production process.

Regulated training and graduates

• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Chemistry - Intermediate Level: Pulp and Paper Process Operations
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família professional de Química: Preparació de pastes papereres (Nivell 2)
• A-levels

Complementary training

Vocational training includes a course for Paper Industry Operator within the chemical industry sector. This is useful for factory floor workers with experience or for employees coming from training cycles not related to the paper industry.
Knowledge of solid waste treatment, codes and symbols for pressure vessels, chemical formulas and symbols; awareness of conditions of the facilities and equipment and related reporting.
Knowledge of optimised sampling methods, environmental control systems and quality standard ISO 9000: 2000.
Have completed lower or middle degree courses on occupation risk prevention depending on the level of responsibility in the company.

Other specific skills

Driving licence and own vehicle.
Intermediate knowledge of languages, especially English, for multinational companies.

Analytical thought: Level 1

Orientation within reach: Level 1

Initiative: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 1

Logistics

The planning, organisation, control and carrying out of logistics and administrative tasks are the focus of people who work in the field of logistics. Activities in the field of logistics include the organisation and planning of supply, storage, production and distribution systems, taking inventories, controlling stock and estimating production, as well as the organisation and/or carrying out of the administrative tasks necessary for the implementation of these activities. Knowledge of organisation, control and management techniques is essential for carrying out these activities.

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Industrial painting technician

Food handler on fishing vessels

Restaurant pastry chef

Welding Technician

Industrial Labourer

• Work hours

  Split shift, continous shift or, usually, morning, afternoon or night shifts. Companies usually work continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Timetable and schedule flexibility are required, since it is sometimes necessary to work on weekends and bank holidays.

• Salary

  Annual gross salary is between 17.795 and 25.585 euros depending on position, responsibilities and company size. Median: 21.336 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Technician