Plastics Technicians

High School

If you are interested in a career as a plastics technician, you will need a high school diploma. In high school, you should take vo-tech, drafting, and other classes that involve you directly with design and manufacturing. Computer science classes (including computer-aided design) are also important to future plastics technician work.

Postsecondary Training

To prepare for a career as a plastics engineering technician, you should investigate programs offered by community colleges, technical institutes, and vocational-technical schools. Many employers prefer to hire technicians with the minimum of an associate's degree or a certificate from a vocational-technical school. Some schools include plastics courses as part of mechanical or chemical technicians programs. Another training option is to participate in apprenticeship programs or in-plant training programs while earning a degree. Many companies operate on a three-shift basis; hours can be arranged around class schedules. As part of the learning experience, it is possible to participate in cooperative education or work-study programs. This is a joint venture between the school and the industry where you can work a limited number of hours per month and often receive college credit.

Students who plan to enter the military should investigate branches of service that offer training in plastics. The United States Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army publish procurement specifications, operate repair facilities, and conduct their own research and development.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificate programs in plastics engineering technology, plastics technology, manufacturing engineering, advanced manufacturing, and related fields. For example, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a plastics technology certificate. Some of the core courses in the program include Designing Plastic Parts for the Injection Molding Process; Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing; Plastic Injection Mold Design: Basic and Advanced Topics; and Plastic Part Failure: Analysis, Design & Prevention. Visit https://uwm.edu/sce/certificates/plastics-technology-certificate for more information about the program. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Organizations that provide continuing education opportunities for technicians include SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals, American Chemistry Council, and SME. Contact these organizations for more information.