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Paper maker

Alternative titles for this job include Paper manufacturing operative, paper manufacturing worker, paper mill worker

Paper makers manufacture products like tissue, paper, cardboard and packaging from wood pulp and recycled materials.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£26,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

days / nights / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a paper maker

You can get into this job through:

  • applying directly

Direct Application

You can apply directly to paper companies to be taken on as a trainee.

Although you do not need specific qualifications, you may have an advantage when looking for work if you have GCSEs in maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

Experience in paper recycling, manufacturing production line work or driving a forklift truck may be helpful.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in paper production from the Confederation of Paper Industries.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a paper maker, you would operate machinery and equipment to:

  • mix raw materials and recycled paper into pulp
  • remove impurities, like ink and metals from recycled materials
  • monitor the production process and report issues
  • check the quality of products
  • move finished products to storage areas ready for dispatch

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be noisy, hot and humid.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a shift supervisor.

You might also move into quality control, technical sales or production plant management.

Current opportunities

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Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a paper maker right now.

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Courses In England

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Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Skills assessment

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