Plastics Extruder Operators
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Job description
These individuals operate machines that convert masses of plastic into sheets or films. They monitor operations and control the supply of materials. They ensure the production line operates properly and they maintain the machines. They mainly work for plastic extrusion companies.
Environment
- Controlled ambient temperature
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- Hazardous chemical
- Odours
- Uncontrolled ambient temperature
- Noise
Main tasks
- Set the parameters (temperature, speed, etc.) during processing.
- Check product quality and adjust machine controls as required.
- Add chemicals and dyes to mixtures.
- Investigate the cause of breakdowns and make minor repairs, as required.
- Maintain the inventory of materials.
- Clean the work area.
Advancement and mobility
- Experience leads to supervisory positions.
Training and requirements
Formation
Most training programs are offered in French only.
Secondary
DVS in opération d'équipements de production
Placement rate: 80.4%
13.3% of graduates pursue further studies
WAP
This occupation is targeted by a Workplace Apprenticeship Program
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Information processing
- Monitoring operations
- Data collection
- Operations and control
- Quality control analysis
- Result evaluation
- Judgment and decision-making
- Critical thought
- Coordination
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment maintenance
- Solving complex problems
Abilities
- Control accuracy
- Limb coordination
- Manual dexterity
- Reaction time
- Speed control
- Awareness of issues
- Near vision
- Core strength
- Static muscle power
- Information organization
- Processing flexibility
- Hand-arm stability
- Auditory attention
- Selective attention
- Speech clarity
- Oral comprehension
- Digital dexterity
- Endurance
- Colour perception and distinction
- Deductive reasoning
- Perception speed
- Speech recognition
- Distance vision
- Visualization
Knowledge and attributes
- Critical thinking
- Focussed on results
- Autonomy
- Sense of responsibility
- Capacity to work in a team
- Knowledge of production and treatment
- Versatility
- Rigour
- Respect standards and regulations
- Sense of observation
Interests
- Make, build, install
- Work manually
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
- Investigative
- People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
- Conventional
- People with this profile prefer specific, well-defined tasks. They like to respect the order of things and follow established rules.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Plastics processing machine operators (CNP 94111)
Skill type
Manufacturing and utilities
Last update: January 29, 2026