Calender, plastic

What does a Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry is responsible for monitoring and controlling calendering machines used in the production of plastic films and sheets. Tasks include setting up, starting, and adjusting machines to ensure the quality and efficiency of production. It also involves supervising material flow, inspecting finished products, and troubleshooting issues or malfunctions. The work environment is often industrial and can be noisy, with a focus on safety and precision in machine handling. The role requires constant attention to operate machines correctly and follow strict safety procedures.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,900 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary rose to 32 000 SEK, an increase of about 3.6%. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 33 200 SEK, a further increase of approximately 3.75% from the previous year. This positive salary trend can largely be explained by high demand for skilled machine operators in the plastics industry, as well as technological advancements and automation increasing skill requirements. Despite a forecast of reduced demand in the longer term, market conditions and difficulties in recruiting experienced calander operators have driven up wages in recent years.

Kalanderskötare, plastics salary – full overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK/month (women, regional sector)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK/month (men, private sector salaried employee with post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK
• Women earn: 31 800 SEK/month (94% of men’s salary)
• Men earn: 33 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Lowest wages are found in the regional sector, highest in the private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry, a high school diploma with a focus on industry, technology, or process engineering is generally required. Many employers also seek experience in machine handling, and it is common for new hires to receive internal training at the workplace. Additional skills and certifications can improve employment prospects and salary levels.

• High school diploma: Industry, technology, or process engineering (3 years)
• Internal training: Common at the workplace, especially for machine-specific tasks
• Certifications: Meritorious, e.g., for safety and machine handling
• Internship: Often part of education or as an introduction upon hiring
• Prerequisites: Basic mathematical and technical knowledge

Common benefits and compensations

A Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry is often offered benefits such as shift allowances, wellness contributions, opportunities for further training, and collective agreements on insurance and pension schemes. Other common compensations include bonuses for meeting production targets and access to company health services.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the job market for Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry is influenced by technological development and increased automation, which may reduce demand for the role in the long term. Nonetheless, opportunities for employment remain significant, especially since many leave the profession and recruitment difficulties persist. Applicants should be prepared for a fast-paced work environment and continuous changes in technology and work processes. Staying updated on new machines and processes is crucial to remain attractive on the job market. The work environment can be challenging with noise, shift work, and high demands for accuracy.

Tips for those wanting to become a Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry

To succeed as a Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry, having a technical aptitude and interest in working with machines is beneficial. Precision is important, as small errors can have major consequences in production, so always double-check settings and quality parameters. Flexibility and the ability to handle shift work are advantages, as production often runs around the clock. Good teamwork skills are necessary since communication is key for safety and efficiency. A willingness to continuously learn and stay updated on technological developments makes it easier to adapt to changes and advance in your career. Problem-solving skills are valuable for troubleshooting, and perseverance helps handle physically demanding tasks. Demonstrating responsibility and engagement also leaves a positive impression on employers.

Key facts about Kalanderskötare in plastics

• Education level: High school diploma, technical or industrial program
• Work environment: Industrial setting, often shift work
• Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the share of women is increasing
• Demand: Great job opportunities, but forecasted to decline over five years
• Number of job openings: 1,437 positions in 2024

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry, opportunities may exist to advance to senior machine operator, supervisor, or production planner. Further education in automation or process technology can also lead to roles such as technician or operations manager. The Employment Service’s forecast indicates that job opportunities for plastic machine operators are strong in the short term but are expected to decrease within five years due to increased automation and technological progress. Nonetheless, there are still good opportunities for those willing to retrain and adapt to new requirements. Broader roles within the process industry or other types of machine operator jobs may also be relevant.

Common questions about Kalanderskötare in plastics

• What does a Kalanderskötare in plastics earn?
  - The average salary is 33 200 SEK per month, with variations between 31,500 and 35,700 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a Kalanderskötare in the plastics industry?
  - High school education in technology or industry is usually required, often supplemented with internal training at the workplace.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 33 900 SEK, while women earn 31 800 SEK, which corresponds to 94% of men's salary.
• What are the future prospects for a Kalanderskötare?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful today, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to automation and technological development.
• What employee benefits are common for a Kalanderskötare?
  - Common benefits include shift allowances, wellness contributions, collective pension schemes, and opportunities for further training.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs in the occupation of plastic machine operators (2024).
• What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
  - With experience, you can advance to roles such as supervisor, technician, or production planner, or switch to related operator roles.