Three levels and a growing industry — the plastics maker's opportunities
Plastics operator, plastics maker and specialist in plastics production — and the career paths the plastics trade opens up
Introduction
The plastics maker programme is divided into three levels with one specialisation each: plastics operator, plastics maker and specialist in plastics production. The programme is focused on thermoplastics — the 2026 executive order (BEK 126/2026) has no specialisation in thermosets. Here is what the levels involve.
Levels in the education
You can finish as a plastics operator (level 1), continue to plastics maker (level 2) and add specialist in plastics production (level 3) on top. Each level has its own journeyman's exam. The full programme is longer and gives broader and deeper skills.
Thermoplastics — the programme's material
Thermoplastic is softened by heat and can be formed again and again. If you work with thermoplastic you typically deal with injection moulding, extrusion, and similar methods where the material is melted and formed. It is the most common type in many products around us.
Thermosets — good to know
Thermoset plastic hardens permanently through a chemical reaction and cannot be melted and reshaped. It is used where high strength heat resistance or special properties are needed. Working with thermoset plastic requires different methods and a good understanding of the chemical hardening process.
Where plastic workers work
Plastic is used in almost all industries — packaging, medical devices, electronics, construction, transport and much more. This is why plastic workers work in many types of companies, from small workshops to large, automated factories. The tasks range from setting up and operating machines to quality control and improving production.
Career paths
With the journeyman's certificate you can work as a skilled plastic technician. With experience you can become operator on more complex systems work manager become specialist in specific processes or materials or work with development and improvement of production. The industry seeks skilled workers so the opportunities are good.
A trade with a future
Plastic is everywhere and while environmental concerns change how we use and recycle it, the need for skilled plastic workers does not disappear — it evolves. Those who both know the craft and understand the material have a trade in high demand.
“Learn thermoplastics inside out — but also know thermosets, so you know when they are the right choice.”
— Professional view on the plastics maker's levels