Because of the nature of the work in the pulp and paper industry, you are unlikely to get a job straight from school. Employers generally look for people with a proven work history, commitment, and experience of shift work. Once you have gained this experience you may be employed in one of the following jobs, usually as a trainee or assistant, until you have shown you're able to do the work:
LOG YARD OPERATOR / DRIVER
Operates log and bucket loaders in the raw materials yard dealing with logs and wood chip. Often responsible for monitoring quality of incoming materials. May also drive bulldozers and trucks to move bark and other waste products (hog fuel) for burning.
RAW MATERIALS PREPARATION
Cuts logs to length (billets) for mechanical pulping or works chipper to reduce logs to wood chips for mechanical or chemical pulping.
MECHANICAL PULPMILL OPERATOR
Operates machinery that produces mechanical pulp for papermaking. May also be involved with monitoring chemical additions to the process. Responsible for quality control and changing the process to meet product requirements.
PAPERMAKER
Works on the machine that converts pulp to paper. May be involved at the wet end - where the paper is formed, pressed and dried; or at the dry end - where the paper is reeled up and then cut to size. Dry end operators may also monitor product quality.
PULP DRIER OPERATOR
Works the machinery that converts pulp into dry sheets, and stacks, wraps and ties them into bales. Monitors process and product quality and alters the drier to achieve the required product specifications.
PACKING LINE OPERATOR
Works the machinery to package finished product for transport. May also drive forklifts to move, store and load finished product.
WAREHOUSE PERSON
Manages the receipt and storage of finished product. Keeps track of stock in the warehouse and monitors that orders are met.
TRAINEE SAW DOCTOR
Assists with the maintenance and sharpening of the saws and knifes used in the processes.
Many employers offer training plans to further your development in the industry. These are managed by FITEC and may be delivered on-the-job and / or through Polytechnics or Private Training Enterprises (PTE's).
Firstly you may have to work through an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) introductory programme. You will also receive training for the job that you are doing. This training is the first stage of the Level 2 National Certificate in Pulp and Paper.
For specific qualification information, look in National Qualifications on this website.
Level 2 National Certificates
Some employers offer Modern Apprenticeships. You could be eligible for a Modern Apprenticeship if:
- You are 16 to 21 years old when you start
- You meet the entry requirements for the industry
- You are ready to work towards a National Certificate at Level 3 or 4.
- Once you have completed Level 2, you can go on to other levels (whether or not you are in a Modern Apprenticeship), such as the Level 3 National Certificate.
As part of the programme, your employer commits to your Modern Apprenticeship, making sure that your training happens and helping with the cost. FITEC also covers some of the cost of the training and makes sure that the highest standards are maintained.
FITEC has Training Advisors who help set up the Modern Apprenticeship by putting your programme and achievement milestones together, then support you through it.
Once you have completed Level 2 in the pulp and paper sector, you may progress to the following jobs as you train for further levels of qualification:
CHEMICAL PREPARATION OPERATOR
Manages the equipment and processes that make the chemicals used in the digester.
STEAM / POWER BOILER OPERATOR
Manages the equipment and processes that ensure efficient use and recovery of water, steam and energy for other operations.
DIGESTER OPERATOR
Operates the digester which combines chemicals and wood chips at high temperature and pressure to produce pulp. The digester is mostly computer controlled, so the operator monitors control panels to ensure that the process is working properly.
RECOVERY BOILER OPERATOR
Manages the equipment and processes for recovering the chemicals washed out of the digester.
BLEACH PLANT OPERATOR
Manages the equipment and processes used for bleaching the pulp to make it whiter. Monitors process and chemical quality to ensure product specifications are met.
SAW DOCTOR
Maintains and sharpens the saws and knifes used in the processes.
Level 3 National Certificates
Because of the specialised nature of the roles in the pulp and paper sector, you will usually start as an assistant operator. Over time, with more experience and qualifications, you may be able to progress to operator, senior operator or team leader. You may also learn a number of jobs within a team. The next level of qualifcation is Level 4.
Level 4 National Certificates
These qualifications cover the wide range of roles held within the Pulp and Paper sector. Advancement is based on performance, attitude, experience and qualifications. More senior roles include:
PROCESS TECHNICIANS
Specialist monitoring of processes for quality and environmental compliance and ongoing improvement and adjustment of product and equipment.
TEAM LEADERS
Leads a process team. May be responsible for training and health and safety.
OPERATIONS COORDINATORS
Coordinates the activities of an area to ensure efficient operation and that product specifications are understood and met. Often responsible for planning and coordinating maintenance requirements for their area.
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR OR MANAGERS
Responsible for all aspects of the plant operation, including product quality and quantity. Often also responsible for training, health and safety and environmental issues. In addition they ensure that machines are set up to produce the required grades.
OPERATIONS OR SITE MANAGERS
Responsible for all aspects of the business including financial management, quality control, training, health and safety, and workforce development.
RESEARCH WORKERS
Investigates and analyses wood characteristics and their impact on manufacturing options. Works closely with industry to help create solutions to their problems. May specialise in any one of the fields associated with pulp and paper manufacture.
Your performance in these roles may be enhanced by the Level 5 Diploma in Wood Manufacturing.
Level 5 Diploma in Wood Manufacturing
This qualification is designed for senior operational people in the wood processing industries (solid wood processing, wood panels manufacturing, or pulp and paper manufacturing). It is also open to school leavers and university graduates who can meet the entry requirements. Whatever aspect of wood processing you're in, the course will give you the skills and knowledge to optimise production processes, contribute to the technical development of wood-based businesses, and play a role in the development of operational staff.
This qualification covers excellence in wood based production, the impact of wood characteristics on product and process quality, and features of New Zealand's wood based industries. In addition there are a range of units covering business management skills.
After completing the Diploma in Wood Manufacturing, you may choose to continue your training by going on to a university degree. The Diploma may earn you some credits towards your degree, however this depends on the programme and is up to the university.