SOC 2020 unit group 8114

8114 Plastics process operatives

Unit group 8114 in the ONS Standard Occupational Classification 2020, with the line the Appendix Skilled Occupations gives it. Not immigration advice.

ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: file dated 27 August 2026, version V13 · Appendix Skilled Occupations: figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked against the 8 October 2026 page on 26 October 2026 (unchanged)

In short

  • ONS unit group 8114, in minor group 811 (Process operatives) and major group 8 (Process, plant and machine operatives).
  • Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
  • Going rate as the tables print it:

    What the ONS says

    Description

    Plastics process operatives attend and operate moulding, extruding, thermoforming, calendering, covering, cutting and other process equipment to make and repair plastic products.

    Typical entry routes

    There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job, supplemented by specialised courses. NVQs/SVQs in Performing Manufacturing Operations at levels 1 and 2 and apprenticeships are available.

    Tasks

    • prepares machine for operation by affixing any necessary attachments
    • weighs and mixes ingredients, loads machine with plastic to be worked or regulates flow from feed conveyor or hopper
    • monitors controls regulating temperature, pressure, etc. and operates moulding, extruding, calendering, thermoforming and covering machines
    • inspects plastic products for defects, takes measurements and repairs plastic belting and sheathing
    • trims, cuts and performs other finishing operations on plastic using hand and machine tools
    • makes artificial eyes and contact lens discs, and makes and repairs spectacle frames and plastic parts of artificial limbs and other orthopaedic appliances

    Related job titles

    • Extrusion operator (plastics mfr)
    • Fabricator (plastics mfr)
    • Injection moulder
    • Laminator (fibreglass)
    • Process worker (plastic goods mfr)

    What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

    The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

    Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes

    SOC 2020 occupation code
    8114 Plastics process operatives
    Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)
    • Extrusion operator (plastics mfr)
    • Fabricator (plastics mfr)
    • Injection moulder
    • Laminator (fibreglass)
    • Process worker (plastic goods mfr)

    Other unit groups in minor group 811

    Sources

    Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

    All 412 occupation codes

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