Want a Career in the Polymer Industry?
Want a Career in the Polymer Industry?
The plastics industry is a collection of niche interests and sectors – ranging from the production of food packaging and single-use goods right up to the specialist materials applications such as the engineering polymers that find their way into NASA’s space programme. To find out why work in the plastics industry, click the button below.
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The BPF aims to help plug the skills gap by listing all the different training courses
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The leading markets for plastic products include, packaging, automotive, building, and medical/ healthcare. The main manufacturing processes include injection moulding, thermoforming, film blowing, blow moulding and others.
A broad knowledge of all processes and polymers is of help when starting a career. It is perhaps wise not to become a specialist too early on – but to have a focus on adding new expertise and experiences – of processes, materials and markets – to a developing career.
Dr Millar says she is inspired by the increasing scope for circularity in polymer: ‘it really excites me to see how much we can improve this space in the coming years which will bring obvious environmental benefits but also increase employment in the circular sector’.
She wants to let all women just starting their careers in the industry know that ‘the most important thing is to continue learning. Having that broad, relevant knowledge is critical when it comes to applying for new roles and taking on new challenges’.
A quote from her colleagues: “The polymer industry in Northern Ireland owes a lot to Dr Millar for her dedication to her chosen field of polymers. Bronagh is a very hard working and highly motivated member of our team in the PPRC and is equally happy talking with both company representatives on a polymer issue as with a medical doctor about the requirements of a new innovative medical device”.
Her colleagues describe Carolina as ‘one of the most enthusiastic people in the office, who’s passion and dedication for a more circular economy has made a phenomenal impact and inspired all her team to follow in her footsteps’.
Carolina loves the opportunity to network with an extensive number of industry peers and different stakeholders to build a more sustainable future for plastics... she says ‘what could be more inspiring than being part of an industry revolution that will define how a new sustainable plastics industry will look?’
Carolina wants to let all women at the beginning of their careers in plastics know that ‘if you really want something and put in the effort and passion, it will come. Give wings to your dreams.’
A quote from her colleagues: “Carolina is an inspiration. She combines her passion for women's rights with her true belief in advances in sustainability, using her business role as a platform to drive improvement for everyone.”
Katherine wants to let women thinking about/at the start of their careers in the industry know that ‘it’s easy when you join the industry to believe you need to come from a certain background or behave in a certain way, but the industry needs a diverse mix of people to thrive, so be confident to be yourself. Whilst the industry undoubtedly faces many challenges, it’s an exciting time to be part of its development’.
A quote from her colleagues: “Plastribution would not be the company it is without Katherines input. She is a testament to the value of women in senior positions within a male dominated industry”.
Rebekah says she is inspired by women in the industry who have achieved so much more than she has, ‘they have paved the way and it makes me want to strive to accomplish as much as I can in my field’. She wants to let all women just starting their careers in the industry know that ‘the sky is the limit’.
A quote from her colleagues: “We’re proud to see how such a quiet and timid young lady has really found her confidence and voice, proving to others, and above all herself, what she is truly capable of.”
Michelle’s team say her level of professionalism, commitment, hard work, knowledge of the business and market, and her capacity to deliver results quickly, is simply outstanding. ‘Anything you ask her, even if outside her scoop of work, will be delivered with excellency’.
Michelle says she is inspired by the teams she works within and the huge sense of achievement when she reaches/exceeds the goals that are set out for the year. She wants to tell all women just starting their careers in the industry to ‘believe in yourself and ensure you are always moving forward towards your own personal achievements and business success’.
A quote from her colleagues: “It's a luck and a privilege to have her in our team”.
From technicians like Rebekah, to proprietors such as Beverly, and every woman in between, the women highlighted in this article are prime examples of how beneficial diversity in the industry truly is. While International Women’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate another year of progress for women, it is also a crucial reminder of how strongly gender inequality still exists in many places, and definately within the plastics industry. It is up to all of us to ensure we're aware of the realities women are facing, and work together to reduce misoginy in the workplace — not just on International Women's Day, but every day.
Find out more about International Women's Day.
If you're interested in a career within the industry, take a look at Polymer Jobs, Polymer Zone, and Plastik City.
What Is International Women’s Day?
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.