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.
- View qualification
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
