Processing assistants are technicians who oversee the machinery that transforms raw materials like rubber, plastic, and paper into finished goods for manufacturers to sell. A high school diploma or equivalent certification is typically required for a processing assistant, though employers will often accept job candidates who have completed some high school. In addition, he or she must be able to lift a certain amount of weight and work quickly.
A processing assistant’s main responsibility is to set up machines and materials for use. This type of professional, for example, must ensure that the components of his or her equipment are set to the correct measurements to accommodate materials that must be joined together to produce finished products. As a result, he or she must be able to comprehend the work order’s requirements. Good manual dexterity is also required to place the materials in the proper places and positions for proper affixing. It is also a job requirement for him or her to properly load his or her unit with the necessary adhesives.
For a position in this industry, managing equipment during the processing phase is essential. This includes turning on the machine and operating the unit’s devices so that materials can pass through in a certain amount of time and at the right pressure and temperature. If a piece of material gets stuck in a machine, a processing assistant must remove it and make any necessary adjustments to the machine to ensure that the rest of the manufacturing process runs smoothly.
Following the creation of a product, a professional in this field must assess the quality of his or her work and strive to improve in this area on a regular basis. For example, he or she may be required to measure a finished product to ensure that it complies with the object’s written specifications. Before transporting final products to assigned storage areas at his or her organization, the processing assistant should keep documents on the types of goods produced and their measurements for future reference. This person’s responsibilities may also include inventory tracking.
Keeping up with maintenance activities is an important aspect of this job. A processing assistant must clean his or her machine on a regular basis to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other debris that could suffocate the machine’s long-term operation. In addition, if he or she is unable to fix any equipment defects, he or she must inform his or her supervisor.