Certificate IV in Polymer Technology

Job roles/employment outcomes

The Certificate IV in Polymer Technology is intended for senior operators and polymer technicians. These technicians may be process-based and directly involved in production, or they may be based elsewhere, e.g. in a laboratory, although they will typically still have functions on the production floor.

The technician will typically be involved in trialling and solving more complex problems which require greater theoretical knowledge, combined with an understanding of the production process and equipment.

This industry manufactures a wide range of polymer products and components ranging from consumer products to components to be included in other commercial, industrial or consumer products. Much of it is long runs of standard products, but equally it may be short runs/one offs of specialised products. It uses a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers covering thermoplastics as well as thermosetting polymers.

The products from this industry may be components in automobiles, aeroplanes and marine craft as well as domestic appliances and industrial and commercial plant and equipment. It may also be electrical or data cabling. They may equally be consumer products such as paint brushes, tooth brushes, lunch boxes or carry bags.

People with this qualification may be expected to undertake a technician role on the shop floor, from a base in a laboratory or office. They will be competent to operate production equipment and perform a range of support functions and will also undertake advanced problem solving and will participate in product or process improvement.

Training programs for this qualification are suitable to be undertaken as part of a formal training contract with an employer under an Australian Traineeship or Apprenticeship arrangement.

Pathways into the qualification

This qualification may be accessed by direct entry, or entry may also be gained through PMB30107 Certificate III in Polymer Processing

Units of competency contained within this qualification may be common with other manufacturing qualifications and credit should be granted towards this qualification where competency has already been achieved. Credit should also be granted towards this qualification where competency has been achieved in units of competency contained within relevant skill sets.

The units of competency in this qualification reflect competencies which are practiced within the industry and recognition of prior learning (RPL) should be granted where there is sufficient evidence of competency from work-based experience.

Pathways from the qualification

Further qualification pathways from this qualification include PMB50107 Diploma of Polymer Technology

Additional qualification advice

MSA41108 Certificate IV in Competitive Manufacturing is available for those who need a more generalist qualification covering the application of good manufacturing practice and lean principles.

Licensing considerations

There are no specific licences that relate to this qualification. However, units of competency in this qualification may provide the underpinning knowledge and skills required for various licences. Local regulations should be checked for details.


Subjects

Packaging Rules

To be awarded the Certificate IV in Polymer Technology competency must be achieved in twenty eight (28) units of competency.

four (4) core units of competency

twenty four (24) elective units of competency, as specified below.

Note: Where prerequisite units apply, these must be considered in the total number of units chosen. Please refer to individual units for details.

Core units of competency

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSS402051A

Apply quality standards

add topic MSAENV272B

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic MSAPMOHS200A

Work safely

add topic MSAPMSUP210A

Process and record information

Elective units of competency

Select twenty four (24) units of competency, as specified below:

a minimum of three (3) units from Group A

a minimum of two (2) units from Group B

the remainder of units may be chosen from Groups A, B and C, to bring the total number of electives to twenty four (24).

Note: Up to ten (10) of the elective units may be chosen from other qualifications in this Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, as specified in Groups B and C.

Group A

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSAPMOPS400A

Optimise process/plant area

*

add topic MSAPMOPS401A

Trial new process or product

add topic MSAPMOPS404A

Coordinate maintenance

add topic MSAPMOPS405A

Identify problems in fluid power system

add topic MSAPMOPS406A

Identify problems in electronic control systems

add topic PMBPROD430B

Trial a new die/tool

add topic PMBPROD431B

Trial a new, advanced or complex mould

add topic PMBTECH401B

Predict polymer properties and characteristics

*

add topic PMBTECH402B

Set advanced or complex dies

*

add topic PMBTECH403B

Test fibre-composites materials and laminates

add topic PMBTECH404B

Mould chemical resistant and/or fire retardant fibre-composites

*

add topic PMBTECH405B

Repair damaged fibre-composites structures

*

add topic PMBTECH406A

Diagnose production equipment problems

A maximum of two (2) units may be chosen from the units available in Group A of PMB50107 Diploma of Polymer Technology.

Group B

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MEM15001B

Perform basic statistical quality control

add topic MSS403010A

Facilitate change in an organisation implementing competitive systems and practices

add topic MSS403002A

Ensure process improvements are sustained

add topic MSS403021A

Facilitate a Just in Time system

add topic MSS403040A

Facilitate and improve implementation of 5S

add topic MSS404050A

Undertake process capability improvements

*

add topic MSS403051A

Mistake proof an operational process

add topic MSS404052A

Apply statistics to operational processes

add topic MSAENV472B

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic MSAPMOHS300A

Facilitate the implementation of OHS for a work group

*

add topic MSAPMOHS400A

Contribute to OHS management system

*

add topic MSAPMOHS401A

Assess risk

add topic MSAPMSUP300A

Identify and implement opportunities to maximise production efficiencies

*

add topic MSAPMSUP301A

Apply HACCP to the workplace

add topic MSAPMSUP303A

Identify equipment faults

add topic MSAPMSUP309A

Maintain and organise workplace records

add topic MSAPMSUP310A

Contribute to the development of plant documentation

add topic MSAPMSUP330A

Develop and adjust a production schedule

add topic MSAPMSUP382A

Provide coaching/mentoring in the workplace

add topic MSAPMSUP383A

Facilitate a team

add topic MSAPMSUP390A

Use structured problem solving tools

add topic MSAPMSUP400A

Develop and monitor quality systems

add topic MSL973001A

Perform basic tests

add topic MSL974003A

Perform chemical tests and procedures

add topic PMBPROD336A

Inspect heavy off-the-road tyres

add topic PRBPROD337A

Prepare heavy off-the-road tyres for repair

add topic PMBPROD338A

Repair heavy off-the-road tyres

add topic PMBPROD340A

Cure heavy off-the-road tyre repairs

add topic PMBPROD341A

Finish heavy off-the-road tyre repairs

add topic TLID3011A

Conduct specialised forklift operation

Up to two (2) relevant units may be chosen from this Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, where those units are available at Certificate IV.

Group C

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisite

add topic FPICOT2206B

Cross cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw

add topic LMTGN2008B

Coordinate work of team/section

add topic MEM03001B

Perform manual production assembly

add topic MEM03006B

Set assembly stations

*

add topic MEM09002B

Interpret technical drawing

add topic MEM09003B

Prepare basic engineering drawing

*

add topic MEM11005B

Pick and process order

add topic MEM11006B

Perform production packaging

add topic MEM11007B

Administer inventory procedures

add topic MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

add topic MEM13003B

Work safely with industrial chemicals

add topic MEM15001B

Perform basic statistical quality control

add topic MEM15003B

Use improvement processes in team activities

*

add topic MEM15004B

Perform inspection

add topic MEM16006A

Organise and communicate information

add topic MEM16007A

Work with others in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment

add topic MEM16008A

Interact with computing technology

add topic MEM18001C

Use hand tools

add topic MEM18002B

Use power tools/hand held operations

add topic MSS402002A

Sustain process improvements

add topic MSS402020A

Apply quick changeover procedures

add topic MSS402021A

Apply Just in Time procedures

add topic MSS402030A

Apply cost factors to work practices

add topic MSS402040A

Apply 5S procedures

add topic MSS402050A

Monitor process capability

add topic MSS402060A

Use planning software systems in operations

add topic MSS402080A

Undertake root cause analysis

add topic MSAPMOHS100A

Follow OHS procedures

add topic MSAPMOHS110A

Follow emergency response procedures

add topic MSAPMOHS205A

Control minor incidents

add topic MSAPMOHS210B

Undertake first response to non-fire incidents

add topic MSAPMOHS212A

Undertake first response to fire incidents

add topic MSAPMOHS216A

Operate breathing apparatus

add topic MSAPMOHS217A

Gas test atmospheres

add topic MSAPMOHS220A

Provide initial first aid response

add topic MSAPMOPS100A

Use equipment

add topic MSAPMOPS101A

Make measurements

add topic MSAPMOPS102A

Perform tasks to support production

add topic MSAPMOPS200A

Operate equipment

add topic MSAPMOPS212A

Use enterprise computers or data systems

add topic MSAPMOPS244A

Layout and cut materials

add topic MSAPMOPS363A

Organise on site work

add topic MSAPMPER200C

Work in accordance with an issued permit

add topic MSAPMPER201A

Monitor and control work permits

add topic MSAPMPER205C

Enter confined space

*

add topic MSAPMPER300C

Issue work permits

*

add topic MSAPMSUP100A

Apply workplace procedures

add topic MSAPMSUP101A

Clean workplace or equipment

add topic MSAPMSUP102A

Communicate in the workplace

add topic MSAPMSUP106A

Work in a team

add topic MSAPMSUP172A

Identify and minimise environmental hazards

add topic MSAPMSUP200A

Achieve work outcomes

add topic MSAPMSUP201A

Receive or despatch goods

add topic MSAPMSUP204A

Pack products or materials

add topic MSAPMSUP205A

Transfer loads

add topic MSAPMSUP230A

Monitor process operations

add topic MSAPMSUP240A

Undertake minor maintenance

add topic MSAPMSUP273A

Handle goods

add topic MSAPMSUP280A

Manage conflict at work

add topic MSAPMSUP291A

Participate in continuous improvement

add topic MSAPMSUP292A

Sample and test materials and product

add topic PMBFIN201C

Finish products and components

add topic PMBFIN202C

Fit attachments to products

add topic PMBFIN203C

Repair product imperfections

add topic PMBFIN205C

Hand decorate products

add topic PMBHAN103C

Shift materials safely by hand

add topic PMBHAN208C

Store products

add topic PMBPREP201B

Prepare moulds for composites production

add topic PMBPREP205C

Assemble materials and equipment for production

add topic PMBPREP206C

Prepare materials to formulae

add topic PMBPREP301C

Set up and prepare for production

add topic PMBPREP303C

Set up equipment for continuous operation

add topic PMBPREP304C

Set a die

add topic PMBPREP305B

Change extrusion die and setup

add topic PMBPROD206B

Operate ancillary equipment

add topic PMBPROD207B

Operate calender

add topic PMBPROD209C

Operate cable winding equipment

add topic PMBPROD210B

Operate injection moulding equipment

add topic PMBPROD211B

Operate blow moulding equipment

add topic PMBPROD212B

Operate thermoforming equipment

add topic PMBPROD213B

Operate extruders

add topic PMBPROD216B

Operate blown film equipment

add topic PMBPROD217B

Operate printing equipment

add topic PMBPROD221B

Operate rotational moulding equipment

add topic PMBPROD229B

Operate polystyrene shape moulding equipment

add topic PMBPROD233B

Operate film conversion equipment

add topic PMBPROD235C

Use materials and process knowledge to complete work operations

add topic PMBPROD236C

Operate hand held air/power equipment for production processes

add topic PMBPROD237C

Splice cables

add topic PMBPROD238A

Perform creel rack operations

add topic PMBPROD239A

Build reinforced conveyor belts

add topic PMBPROD240C

Cut materials

add topic PMBPROD241C

Lay up rubber lining or lag pulleys

add topic PMBPROD242A

Bond polymers to surfaces

add topic PMBPROD245C

Fabricate materials

add topic PMBPROD246C

Hand mix materials

add topic PMBPROD247C

Hand lay up composites

add topic PMBPROD248C

Prepare surfaces for coating

add topic PMBPROD249B

Apply liquid surface coatings

add topic PMBPROD251B

Apply gel coat or other polymer surface finish

add topic PMBPROD252C

Operate compounding equipment

add topic PMBPROD253C

Operate an internal mill blender

add topic PMBPROD254C

Operate an open mill blender

add topic PMBPROD255C

Operate mixing equipment

add topic PMBPROD259C

Operate granulating equipment

add topic PMBPROD261B

Operate continuous vulcanising equipment

add topic PMBPROD262B

Operate tyre curing equipment

add topic PMBPROD263B

Operate retread curing equipment

add topic PMBPROD264C

Check recycle wash process

add topic PMBPROD265C

Operate portable vulcanising equipment

add topic PMBPROD266B

Prepare tyre casings for retreading

add topic PMBPROD267B

Operate steel cutting equipment

add topic PMBPROD268B

Operate bead coiling equipment

add topic PMBPROD270B

Operate injection blow moulding equipment

add topic PMBPROD280B

Operate resin-glass depositor equipment

add topic PMBPROD281B

Finish composite products

add topic PMBPROD282B

Assemble mould

add topic PMBPROD283B

Demould product

add topic PMBPROD284B

Operate open flame moulding equipment

add topic PMBPROD285A

Operate computer controlled equipment


Pathways...

    Not applicable.


Entry Requirements

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

complete logs and reports

document and record information

identify and maintain documentation

consult with key personnel

develop system for communicating

maintain document control system

record and report test results

Teamwork

work as part of a team

identify own role and responsibility within a team

contribute to development of team work plans

provide support to others in the work area

undertake appropriate and effective communication with team members

Problem solving

recognise and diagnose problems

implement appropriate corrective action

rectify equipment and quality problems

diagnose production equipment problems

apply knowledge of materials, product purpose and processes

check performance of equipment and make approved adjustments

make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity

use material and process knowledge to solve problems

Initiative and enterprise

develop policies

make adjustments to improve equipment performance

anticipate the impact of the process on the product

determine problems needing action

suggest options for improvement

recommend corrective and/or optimisation actions

monitor and adjust schedules in response to operational variations

Planning and organising

plan work

organise materials, consumables and personnel

develop work plans

schedule activities

determine resources required

determine urgency and timeliness factors in planning

prepare for trial

organise polymer tests

Self-management

operate within appropriate time constraints and work standards

select and use appropriate equipment, materials, processes and procedures

demonstrate consistent performance

locate, interpret and apply relevant information

Learning

identify sources of information to expand knowledge and understanding

recognise limits of own professional expertise and consult specialists as necessary

participate in improvement procedures

participate in development of continuous improvement strategies

consult with appropriate personnel to refine performance

access manufacturer manuals/specifications to expand knowledge

Technology

interpret data and information on equipment

identify characteristics and capabilities of equipment

trial equipment, process and product

interpret polymer morphology and phase diagrams

interpret polymer tests

perform material and product tests