Overview of this occupation
Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture paper packaging and other paper products, fibreboard stock, logs, plywood, particle board, solid laminate and similar timber products.
What they do:
- Adjust equipment for optimal performance
- Cut materials according to specifications or needs
- Cut wood components
- Feed materials or products into or through equipment
- Load materials into equipment for use or processing
- Mark materials, products, work pieces or equipment with identifying information
- Monitor equipment or machinery operation to ensure proper functioning or detect issues
- Operate woodworking equipment
- Set equipment guides, stops, spacers or other fixtures
- Set up and operate cutting equipment
What technology tools they use:
- Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Industrial control and automation software
What their interests are:
- Practical – they enjoy working with equipment, operating machinery and fixing things.
Source: Australian Skills Classification, job and Skills Australia, Commonwealth of Australia. Used under Creative Commons BY 4.0 licence and Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Quick facts
Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators
All employees nationwide 1
The number of people employed in an occupations as their main job across all Australian states.
Projected growth 2
The projected increase in employment in Australia from May 2023 to May 2028.
Working in NSW 3
The distribution of people employed in an occupation in NSW.
Median age of all workers 5
This shows the median age of all workers in this occupation.
Part-time workers 6
Those who usually work less than 35 hours per week.
See footnotes for source details and additional information.
Skills and knowledge
What are they good at?
This table lists skills and knowledge categories according to how relevant they are for this occupation.
Intermediate | Basic familiarity |
|
|
|
|
Source: Australian Skills Classification, Jobs and Skills Australia, Commonwealth of Australia. Used under Creative Commons BY 4.0 licence.
Education and qualifications
Paper and Wood Processing Machine Operators – Skill level 4
Occupations at Skill Level 4 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:
- AQF Certificate II or III
At least one year of relevant experience many substitute for the formal qualifications listed above.
Source: Conceptual basis of ANZSCO, ABS Survey, Release Nov 2021.
Qualifications in this workforce
This table shows the distribution of employment by highest qualification completed (in any field of study).7
Year 12 and below
Certificate III or IV
Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Bachelor`s degree
Post-graduate
Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on place of usual residence.
Use this as a guide for understanding what qualifications are the most common in this field. For personalised support on your education journey, talk to a Careers NSW specialist.
Talk to one of our specialists
At any career stage you can talk with a specialist from Careers NSW about your goals and how you can achieve them.