A wide range of rubber components are designed and manufactured for many industries including mining, energy, marine, construction, rail, chemical, steel, general engineering and defence.

The biggest volume of rubber products is found in the manufacture of tyres and in tyre retreading. However, the greatest variety is found in 'mechanical goods' - everything from door seals for refrigerators, ovens and washing machines to 'O' rings for taps, conveyor belts, and acoustic bearings to help insulate buildings and rooms from undesirable sounds.

Many products today are made using styrene butadiene although some still use natural rubber. A range of specialised synthetic rubbers including viton, neoprene, EPDM, butyl, silicone and nitrile are used to make items such as tubes, seals, gaskets and heat sink insulators.

There are great opportunities for Rubber Technicians. You can learn to operate rubber extruders, injection moulding machines, roll builders and roller grinders.