ApprenticeSearch.com | Process Operator

Wood products processing operators monitor and maintain the equipment in wood products and pulp and paper plants.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

Using and maintaining tools and equipment for measuring, testing and assessment
Operating a central control room to control process operations
Monitoring and controlling process equipment and materials
Maintaining processing equipment and components and vessels
Controlling chemical composition
Carrying out quality and statistical process control
Working diligently to ensure the workplace is safe, clean and organized

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Secondary school diploma with math, chemistry, and English credits
Knowledge of physics and blueprint reading would be an asset
While not mandatory, completion of a 6,720-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, is recommended

What's Your Future as a Process Operator - Wood Products (246W)?

Employment opportunities vary based on strength of economy, global competitiveness of industry, demand for wood products, and environmental trends
Impacted by the development of new technology in digital communications and recycling and natural disasters that can lead to increased product demand
Potential employers include wood products companies and pulp and paper processing firms

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $25.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Process Operator: Wood Products (246W)

Ask Yourself:	Yes	No
Do you have good manual dexterity, and enjoy working with and maintaining measuring, testing and assessment tools?
Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy keeping accurate written records?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? Are you willing to follow strict safety procedures, particularly around the use of moving equipment and hazardous chemicals?
Do you enjoy researching and finding out about how systems, processes, and equipment should function?
Do you enjoy being a part of a process that creates a larger finished product? Do you enjoy seeing your finished project?
Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done?
Are you good at geometry and algebra?

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Process Operator: Wood Products (246W) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

Process Operator – Refinery, Chemical & Liquid
Process Operator – Food Manufacturing
Chemical Engineer
Chemist

What does a Process Operator - Wood Products (246W) do?

Process Operator - Food Manufacturing (246T)

Process Operator - Refinery, Chemical & Liquid (246F)