Packaging Machinery Technicians: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Different machines and equipment are used when manufacturing bags, bottles, cans, cartons, boxes and other containers. They are used for varied operations like filling, labeling, marking, forming and closing. Those who maintain and make sure that the machines and equipment are working properly are called packaging machinery technicians. They work with different control systems like fiber-optic transmitters, vision systems, pneumatic controllers and robotic units. Problems of packaging machines and equipment could be mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems in nature.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Mechanical drawing, Electrical shop and Machine shop classes are very useful when pursuing a career as a packaging machinery technician. Since most the machines now are computer-aided, Computer Science class is beneficial. Two-year training program is available for applicants to enhance their technical skills and knowledge about packaging machines. The program is offered in trade schools, technical institutes and community colleges. Completing this program will give the applicant certificate or degree in automated packaging machinery systems. Hands-on training will be on the last two years of the program where they will be taught how to use lathes, hacksaws, mills, grinders and drill presses. It will be an advantage for the applicant to secure a certification from National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and The Institute of Packaging Professionals.
Skills and Abilities
Electrical and mechanical aptitudes are very important for a packaging machinery technician’s job. Good eye and hand coordination is needed also. They need to be analytical and have strong problem-solving skills. Listening skills are an added factor in this profession to understand the complains of the workers who are using the machine. Communication skills also help in informing the workers on how to use properly the equipment. It is essential that they focus and concentrate on their work even when pressured with a deadline.
Duties
The duty of a packaging machinery technician will depend on the position: if they are machinery builder, field service technician or automated packaging machine mechanics. One of their responsibilities is to modify existing machine or develop a new one.
They should follow writing schematics, plant layouts, engineering blueprints and pneumatic designs. They are also involved in setting up and installing new machines. Part of their duty is to check the machine and equipment to make sure that it is efficient and safe to use. They perform routine check-up or maintenance actions to prevent breakdown of the equipment.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Starting salary for packaging machinery technician is about $20,000 a year. The type of the industry and the size of the company are variables which affect their income. Packaging industry has been expanding which would require the company to invest more in machines and equipment that will be used. This creates better job opportunities for those people who want to work as packaging machinery technicians in the future.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 514 Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 Time: 2:29 PM
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