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Career pathway

Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators

ANZSCO 7113

Employed

5,100

Part-time share

24%

Female share

10%

Median weekly earnings

$1,451

Median age

45 yrs

Employment outlook

Declining

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture paper packaging and other paper products, fibreboard stock, logs, plywood, particle board, solid laminate and similar timber products.

What they typically do

  • Setting up printing plates, ink circulation systems, knives, creases, cutting dies, and folding and gluing machines
  • Loading machines with paper and fibreboard
  • Operating machines to form cardboard containers, paper plates, egg cartons, tissue paper and other paper products
  • Adjusting and cleaning machines and performing minor repairs
  • Securing timber into place and setting saws to produce specified sizes of plank and board to be cut
  • Starting machines and feeding stock onto cutting saw, and operating automatic feed mechanisms
  • Raising and lowering saws to trim boards and remove defects such as rot and splits
  • Controlling lathes and slicing machines to produce veneers, and laminating veneer using glue
  • Verifying dimensions of cut stock and accuracy of cuts
  • Checking saws and other machines for safety, sharpness and correct functioning

States and territories

Share of workers by location

VIC
24.3%
NSW
22.7%
QLD
19.8%
SA
15.3%
WA
10.4%
TAS
4.2%
ACT
1.7%
NT
1.6%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators.

  • Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations

    FWP40222 · AQF 4 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations

    FWP30322 · AQF 3 · 3 providers

    View qualification