Pulp and Paper Products Education and Training

Education in paper making can be a wise personal and business investment

Whether considering a career in the pulp and paper industry, wanting to create special paper products or just looking for a better understanding of pulp and paper products, training and education is essential to success.

As the recycling industry grows, investment and training in the works and processes of a paper mill can be valuable education. With different levels of commitment available, the small business owner or potential employee can learn a little or a lot about paper products. When considering pulp and paper products education and training:

1. Know that several levels of education and training exist for the paper product industry

2. Understand the practical processes behind paper manufacturers

3. Realize the scope of educational resources for paper making continue to grow and expand

 

Improve basic paper making knowledge by reviewing industry articles

Not everyone is considering a lifetime career in the paper pulp industry. A little education on the processes involved in paper and pulp making, the equipment and space involved as well as the size and growth potential of the industry can provide the small business owner or potential investor the foundational knowledge necessary to make a decision on expansion or investment. Whether it's packaging board or basic paper making, the Internet abounds with articles and educational information on the industry.
Try: EonEcon Foundation provides a simple introductory article into the paper industry that includes information on mechanical pulping as well as chemical pulping. PaperOnWeb provides a host of articles on the paper making industry from very detailed to very simple. The articles are more educational and informative than training orientated.

Watch videos about the pulp and paper industry if you are a visual learner

For the visual learner, videos, documentaries and tutorials on the paper making industry help solidify concepts and processes explained in articles or course lectures.
Try: YouTube hosts the West Linn Paper Mill video explaining the process of making paper. PaperMaking101 highlights and labels the different parts of the paper mill machinery. The Paper Mill Store offers several videos on the process involved in paper making.

Take workshops and college courses on paper making to get necessary training for paper careers

In recent years, with the emphasis on recycling and the engineering of the natural environment, college courses dealing with the paper industry and the process of cultivating wood pulp have grown in both frequency and status. Those considering a career in the paper pulp products industry require some formal education, certification or education credits to advance in their chosen field.
Try: The North Carolina State University offers a five day workshop on paper and pulp production that includes detailed descriptions of the process as well as the chance to work with many paper machines. Registration is online. The Pulp and Paper Education and Research Alliance (PPERA) includes ten universities that offer education and training in the pulp and paper industry. Their website has links to each university where you can find more information about their courses in paper and pulp. Georgia Institute of Technology offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in paper sciences through their Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST).

 

• Consider a trip to the local paper mill or paper recycling plant to give the videos, articles and coursework a complementary hands on visual.

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