There are various ways of entering the manufacturing world. However, it is important that you make sure you are aware of the final job role you want to achieve before you take just anything that is offered to you.
Many who start out in the manufacturing sector tend to have done so either by accident or without much planning. These are, of course, those that tend to get stuck in the role as an operative or assembler. Although there are routes that can be taken to increase earning potential or career prospects, without vital planning and vision it is easy to get lost and comfortable.
To progress to the role that you can see yourself in you are going to have to be focused and driven. More importantly, you are going to have to do your research.
#1 Work If You Would Like to Specialise
There are many different levels and roles under the manufacturing banner. Some require qualifications and have a career level attached, while others require fewer or no qualifications at the beginning. However, it should be noted that those roles that have the larger salaries do tend to follow specific training methods and qualifications gained from educational establishments.
You can work your way up gaining education as you go, then set out to start your own manufacturing business if you understand the industry well enough. There are plenty of sectors that you can integrate manufacturing into, so it would be worth it to see how you can combine two passions of yours. For instance, the medical field is always in need of new devices that can help patients live easier lives. You may want to step into the medical device industry as a manufacturer. If you do, don’t forget to look into medical device cybersecurity, for example, as this will be paramount in bringing safety and security to patients when they use the equipment you have made, helping your reputation to flourish.
#2 Obtain the Relevant Qualifications
There are various ways you can go about getting your qualifications, in fact some courses will require practical as well as theory-based learning. Although you may be able to get yourself an apprenticeship if you are looking to start in the workplace as soon as possible, you will also have the possibility of enrolling in a college course and ultimately to a university to get the necessary certification you need.
#3 Ensure Experience on the Shop Floor
Regardless of what area you are looking at specialising in, it is a good idea to have some experience of working on the shop floor. This will provide you with an insight into how a manufacturing business works from the shop floor up – as well as providing you with the added bonus of using the available machinery onsite.
This could be the difference between using oxy-fuel or plasma cutting machinery, which could give you valuable insight when it comes to designing or engineering a different project. Of course, each piece of machinery will have its quirks, and undoubtedly be far better at performing some jobs on certain materials than on others.
So, to wrap it all up
Choose the job title that you feel would inspire the most interest within you. Carry out your research into what qualifications you will need to attain, and how you will be able to go about obtaining them. If for instance, you choose a path where you need to attend college, then you could always gain experience working in a manufacturing environment during the holiday season. Alternatively, a university course may be available online so that you can continue to work while you study for the next step on your career ladder.
