Job Overview Rubber goods production workers are creators of items, or products that are made of with natural or synthetic rubber materials. They are involved in the process of softening, shaping, curing, cutting as well as molding of the treated rubber. These raw materials, after being processed will be turned into thousands of different products ranging from those that we see in our households, to those that are being used as parts of the air and space crafts. There are several types of rubber good production workers that are classified based on the stage or the process that they do to the rubber. To name a few, there are workers with the title of rubber cutters, rubber-mill tenders, formula weighers, foam rubber mixers, frothing-machine operators, cement mixers, model makers, calender operators, dippers and many more.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Majority of the rubber goods production workers possess a high school diploma, and learn the skills needed in the job, though on the job training, or at times, through intrinsic company trainings. However, those who want to pursue a higher position in the same industry such as being a in a research department, engineering and chemistry section of the industry, a relevant course in college should be taken. This may inlcude a bachelor's degree in any of the physical sciences, engineering as well as in research.
Skills and Abilities
In general, rubber good production workers should have the technical skills specific for their job description. They should be able to know how to operate machines being used in rubber good production, and tools that are commonly utilized in the industry. It is expected that they are physically strong, in good health, and have the endurance to undertake tasks heavy in nature. A good eyesight and being detailed oriented are also preferred of them. As they collaborate with the other members of the rubber good production team, a skill in communication and interpersonal relation is needed. Being able to follow instructions accurately as directed by the engineers or the seniors is also very important.
Duties
The duties of the rubber goods production worker vary from one postion title to another. The industry works through a system of division of labor, that is defined by the specific process that the raw rubber will undergo.
For example, a rubber cutter is assigned to operate cutting machines to cut bales of crude rubber into smaller pieces. As rubber mill tenders, they operate or tend milling machines that mix, blend, as well as knead, to refine scrap, crude and synthetic rubbers. As for the formula weighers, they are in charge of operating tram cars on single rails so as to collect ingredients and take the weights.
Job Outlook and Earnings
The earnings or the salary of a rubber goods production workers is affected by several factors. Among these are the seniority level, the scope of responsbility, the worker's skills, number of hours of work, the employer and the state of work. Since many of the workers are members of the union, somehow, the salary is being dictated by the agreements between the employer and the unions themselves. To give an example, the earnings of a production worker in a rubber and plastic industry averages to 24,190 U.S. dollars, on an annual basis. On the other hand, for those who are in charge of molding, casting machines or the so-called model makers, the earnings may point to around 44,260 U.S. dollars, also on an annual basis.
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.