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Plastics is a field based on science. According to Lake Michigan College Plastics program coordinator and instructor Stephen Bubanovich, good plastics production employees understand the fundamentals of how polymers react when they are introduced to the forces of the processing machinery.

"There is more to plastics production than simply pushing buttons on a machine," states Bubanovich. "Just as knowing how to turn on a stove doesn't make someone a chef, knowing how to simply operate plastics production machinery doesn't mean a person knows how to maximize the quality of product that comes out. Education is the key to success."

The precision of the parts made in the plastics industry must meet strict quality and tolerance standards. To achieve these high standards, plastics workers must have:

• ability to detect substandard product
• problem-solving abilities
• cause and effect analysis ability
• mechanical aptitude
• verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with co-workers and vendors
• an ability to be detail-oriented
• ability to work and contribute in a team environment
• a desire to be a life-long learner
• ability to follow standard operating procedures