JOB OVERVIEW Many people wonder what laminators do. A laminator is a kind of worker or staff whose work setting is varied depending on the project type assigned. The trademark task of a laminator is to glue rubberized fabric and foam so as to create divisions and form sections of inflatable buildings. In addition, prior to securing the material fabric and foam, he first accurately measures before he cuts strips of fabric to a specified length using different measuring device e.g. tape measure and different cutting materials. This is done to ensure the quality of every project at hand.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Being a laminator is entering a skilled job. Normally, these days, the new laminators are entry-level employees which does not necessitate a specific educational requirement to be hired as such. Usually, however, a high school diploma is already adequate as a credential plus the possession of several skills needed in manual labor. At times, there are companies that only require an on the job training regardless of any educational attainment. This may include but not limited to classroom instruction sponsored by an employer, providing the know hows on different lamination duties that laminators, on the real job, will be expected to perform.
ABILITIES AND SKILLS
As has been said, laminators are expected to perform skilled manual labor such as easuring, cutting fitting and pasting materials. It is a must therefore tha a laminator has a good 20/10 vision. Those who are working with small parts or details may be strictly required of good eyesight as well as hand eye coordination. Manual dexterity is another required skill since in this work, we deal with accurate measuring for the purpose of trimming or cutting different types of materials with different properties and securing them in a particular location. Also, efficiency and effectiveness in the delivering to the instructions to achieve the goal of the job is very much needed.
DUTIES
In specific, these are what laminators do in their everyday work. A laminator puts together by gluing rubberized fabric materials as well as foams, to form parts, divisions and sections of inflatable buildings. Before doing so, the first have to measure the materials to bue glues and cut into strips accurately through a specified pattern, length and width, with the help of a measuring device (usually a tape measure), and a sharp cutting tool (usually shears and manual and electric cutters). After the parts have been prepared, he then makes sure that the edges are evenly cut and prepared, by gluing the fabric material with a solvent.
Then, he attaches fabric strips together as well as the foam and cleans edges of strips of the joined fabric strips using again a solvent. Then he will glue all these together and repeat the process until all the fabric is covered with foam. He trims rubberized fabric is the almost finished product.This then will be cut again to a specified size for the use of the openings for doors and windows, with the use of a template and knife. Afterwards, these metal framed doors and windows will be secured on openings. The last task is to make sure that the edges attached with foam an fabric are clean again with the use of a solvent and a tape.
EARNINGS AND JOB OUTLOOK
In U.S., it is estimated that the annual average salary for laminators would simply range from $25,218 to $42,190. The rate on an hourly basis depends on the location or the state of employment, the number of years of experience dictating one's proficiency in accomplishing duty related tasks, and the company of employment, as the last. Indeed, this salary rate is not bad for a person whose tasks can be done without a degree or a specific diploma.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of the opportunities and trainings for skills and practice upgrading.