Paper and pulp manufacturing is a growing and dynamic industry in South Africa and requires a wide variety of personnel - from unskilled and semi-skilled workers to tradesmen, technicians and engineers - to control all the processes and develop new ones.
Production: The paper industry is highly mechanized. Various specialized machines are used in the production process to manufacture paper, pulp and other finished paper products. An adaptor controls each machine. Examples of the different operators necessary to control these machines are the barker operator, digester operator, stock preparation operator, paper machine operator and envelope machine operator.
Maintenance: The paper industry employs many skilled maintenance workers to care for the complex machinery and electrical equipment. Millwrights install and repair machinery. Instrument repairers service the instruments, which measure and control the flow of pulp, paper, water, steam and chemical additives. Other important maintenance employees include electricians, maintenance machinists and pipe fitters.
Professional and technical occupations: The complexity of pulp and paper manufacturing requires workers who have engineering, chemical or other technical training. Chemists are responsible for quality control and they study the influence of various chemicals on pulp and paper. Chemical and mechanical engineers develop new production methods. Electrical engineers supervise the operation of power-generating equipment and instruments. Packaging designers design containers and packages and supervise their production. Box manufactures sometimes employ artist to design lettering, more computerized, system analysts and computer programmers become more important. Laboratory technicians, pulp testers and chemical analysts are necessary to assist engineers and chemists in their research.
The pulp and paper industry also employs many administrative and clerical personnel.
Requirements
- technical ability
- precise worker
School Subjects
No specific requirements
- Grade 9 Certificate or higher recommended.
- National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: depends on what degree is to be undertaken, else none
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Engiineering and Technology
Training
Degree: BSc Wood Science - US
Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology - UNISA
Most paper and pulp companies offer in-service training. For the more specialized occupations such as engineers and chemical analysts, applicants must be in possession of a relevant university of technology or university qualification before appointment.
Training for operators is offered at the Sappi College at the CSIR.
Employer
Companies in the paper and pulp industry, such as Sappi Southern African and Nampak Paper.
Contact
Paper Manufacturers Association of SA
P O Box 1553
Rivonia, 2128
Tel: (011) 803-5063 Fax: (011) 803-6708
Mondi Paper Co. Ltd
Nampak Paper Ltd
Sappi Southern Africa
www.pamsa.co.za