Plastic Fabricator and Welder

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Break the mould and shape your future in the dynamic world of plastic fabrication and welding.

As a Plastics Fabricator and Welder, you’ll be the driving force behind the creation of innovative, custom-designed plastic products that redefine our everyday lives. Harness your expertise in specialised welding techniques and material knowledge to transform complex visions into tangible realities. Join a team of passionate professionals and make your mark on industries ranging from manufacturing to construction and beyond.

As a Plastics Fabricator and Welder, you’ll be at the forefront of plastic product manufacturing and assembly. Your role will involve fabricating, shaping, and joining plastic components using various techniques, with a particular focus on welding. You’ll work with a wide range of thermoplastics, interpreting technical drawings and specifications to create custom products or repair existing ones.

In this position, you’ll be responsible for selecting appropriate materials, preparing surfaces, and using specialised tools and equipment for cutting, forming, and welding plastics. Your skills will be crucial in ensuring precise fits and strong bonds between components. You’ll need to understand the properties of different plastics and how they respond to various fabrication and welding methods.

Your expertise will be vital in troubleshooting issues, making necessary adjustments to equipment, and optimising fabrication processes. You’ll collaborate with design teams, engineers, and other fabricators to meet project specifications and deadlines. As a Plastics Fabricator and Welder, you’ll also play a significant role in maintaining safety standards, keeping a clean work environment, and contributing to quality control efforts.

Your role may include duties as follows:

  1. Interpret technical drawings and specifications for plastic fabrication projects
  2. Select appropriate materials and prepare them for fabrication and welding
  3. Operate plastic cutting, forming, and welding equipment
  4. Perform various welding techniques such as hot gas welding, extrusion welding, and ultrasonic welding
  5. Fabricate custom plastic components and assemblies

Becoming a Plastics Fabricator and Welder offers an exciting entry point into polymer manufacturing.

  1. Complete high school, focusing on subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
  2. Look for apprenticeship or entry-level position vacancies in companies that offer on-the-job training.
  3. Develop your skills through hands-on experience and continuous learning about new materials and techniques.
  4. Stay updated with industry standards and safety regulations.
Also Known As:
  • Plastic Welder
  • Thermoplastic Welder
  • Plastic Fabrication Technician
  • Polymer Fabrication Specialist
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a plastic fabricator and welder include:

  • Plastic welding techniques
  • Material knowledge
  • Precision
  • Problem solving
  • Technical drawing and interpretation
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a plastic fabricator and welder include:

  • Safety-conscious
  • Precision
  • Adaptable
  • Reliable
  • Continuous learning
  • Investigative – “Thinker”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Engineering
  • Engineering Skills
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Chemistry
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Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Plastics Fabricator and Welder can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$55,000
Median
$70,000
High
$85,000

Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to upskill, there are multiple entry points and career progression opportunities available through vocational education and training.

You may want to pursue a qualification to deepen your expertise. The following qualification/s can be completed as an apprenticeship:

  • Certificate II in Polymer Processing (PMB20121)
  • Certificate III in Polymer Processing (PMB30121)

A range of specialisations exist for this qualification, including a specialisation in plastic fabrication.

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to four years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Advancing your career

Choosing to advance your career offers exciting opportunities for growth and specialisation. As you gain experience and skills through entry-level positions or initial qualifications, you can explore higher-level vocational education and training options to elevate your expertise. These qualifications can open doors to senior roles allowing you to take on more responsibility, as well as offering a foundation for further education.

To advance your career, or deepen your knowledge in this industry, consider the following qualifications:

  • Certificate IV in Polymer Technology (PMB40121)
  • Diploma of Polymer Technology (PMB50121)

While not always required, relevant degree qualifications that could enhance your career prospects include:

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical or Materials)
  • Bachelor of Science (Polymer Science and Technology)

Depending on the facility and employer, holding a business degree with a specialisation in human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management could also be useful. 

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

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