SOC 2020 · 8114
Plastics process operatives
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 25th | £24,377 |
| 50th | £32,644 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | — | £24,377 | £32,644 | — | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £37,262 | — | — |
| South East 2025 | — | — | £33,753 | — | — |
| West Midlands 2025 | — | — | £24,259 | — | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Plastics process operatives attend and operate moulding, extruding, thermoforming, calendering, covering, cutting and other process equipment to make and repair plastic products.
Typical tasks
prepares machine for operation by affixing any necessary attachments
weighs and mixes ingredients, loads machine with plastic to be worked or regulates flow from feed conveyor or hopper
monitors controls regulating temperature, pressure, etc. and operates moulding, extruding, calendering, thermoforming and covering machines
inspects plastic products for defects, takes measurements and repairs plastic belting and sheathing
trims, cuts and performs other finishing operations on plastic using hand and machine tools
makes artificial eyes and contact lens discs, and makes and repairs spectacle frames and plastic parts of artificial limbs and other orthopaedic appliances
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job, supplemented by specialised courses. NVQs/SVQs in Performing Manufacturing Operations at levels 1 and 2 and apprenticeships are available.