Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a plastics process operative?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a plastics process operative (SOC 8114).
You might be able to work in the UK on a different visa. Compare UK work visas.
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 8114 (Plastics process operatives) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT6 · 29 Oct 26.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Plastics process operatives |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 81 Process, plant, machine and construction operatives › 811 Process operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8114
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Plastic fabricators
- Plastics process operatives not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Extrusion operator (plastics mfr)
- Fabricator (plastics mfr)
- Injection moulder
- Laminator (fibreglass)
- Process worker (plastic goods mfr)
What the job involves
Plastics process operatives attend and operate moulding, extruding, thermoforming, calendering, covering, cutting and other process equipment to make and repair plastic products.
Typical 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
Typical entry routes and qualifications
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.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8114
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a plastics process operative?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a plastics process operative (SOC 8114). SOC 2020 code 8114 (Plastics process operatives) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
What is SOC code 8114?
8114 is the SOC 2020 code for Plastics process operatives. Plastics process operatives attend and operate moulding, extruding, thermoforming, calendering, covering, cutting and other process equipment to make and repair plastic products.
What job titles use SOC code 8114?
GOV.UK lists: Plastic fabricators, Plastics process operatives not elsewhere classified.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.