Manufacturing JobsManufacturing is responsible for the design and production of virtually every major product that we buy. Whether it is an automobile, a refrigerator, a cell phone, or a gallon of milk, they all went through a manufacturing process. Manufacturing, by definition, is the application of using machines, tools, and labor to transform raw materials into finished products for sale and distribution. We normally think of a high-tech industrial plant when we think of manufacturing but it can also include such things as hand assembly, research, and labor relations. Manufacturing jobs can be found in a wide assortment of areas. There is manufacturing in pharmaceuticals, engineering technologies such as biotech, energy industry, agriculture, food processing, steel production, plastics industry, clothing manufacturing, transportation, and many, many more. Job positions can range from managers to engineers to assembly workers. Labor is a very important part of manufacturing. Even if a plant is automated, it still requires workers to run the machinery. There are also several unions, such as the United Steelworkers Union, that play a part in the manufacturing industry. These unions protect the interests and wages of the workers. Manufacturing Job QualificationsDepending on the job position and type of manufacturing, job qualifications vary. A candidate seeking a job in manufacturing would do well to get a college degree in engineering. An engineering degree would allow a potential employee to cover all the basic requirements. Other forms of education might include associates degrees and certificates at vocational schools. However, some entry level jobs, particularly entry-leevl assembly jobs, require only a high school diploma. There are many manufacturing jobs that provide on-the-job training. This is usually because certain job duties are very specific and not likely to be taught in general courses. In cases like this, candidates should possess good mechanical skills as well as attention to detail. Joining a union is a good way to get your foot in the door. You will have to pay membership dues but unions can provide proper training and continuing education for all of their members. Manufacturing Job Descriptions
Pharmaceutical – Pharmaceutical companies manufacture everything from pill bottles and packaging to medicines. Regulations are very strict and most employees must work in a sterile environment to prevent contamination. Computer Manufacturing – Manufacturing jobs in this industry include assembly of computer parts and hardware. This is not just the manufacturing of components for PCs and laptops. This industry is also responsible for manufacturing computer components to be used in other products such as vehicles, aviation, military, and other fields. Food Processing – Ever wonder how that cheese got squeezed into a block? Its part of food processing. Food processing and manufacturing involves food preparation, packaging, bottling, and research. Regulations are very strict and all companies must constantly undergo inspection. Petroleum and Oil – This area of manufacturing involves the processing of petroleum into products such as gasoline, diesel, oil, plastics, and other items with a petroleum base. Petroleum manufacturing is probably the largest manufacturing field in the industry. Textiles – Textiles is the manufacture of anything using cloth such as clothing, curtains, furniture, and the like. Textiles is a huge manufacturing industry, right below petroleum and the automotive industry. Automotive Manufacturing – People love their cars and the automotive industry is one of the largest providers of manufacturing jobs. Anything to do with creating and building automobiles can be found in this field. Steel Manufacturing - This area involves the fabrication of steel products for use in everything from construction, automobiles, appliances, and other services. When you think of steel in the U.S., you normally think of Pittsburgh but steel manufacturing can be found all over the United States and the globe. |
There are far too many specific job titles to list in the manufacturing field. Instead, here is a list of some of the more common industry types where you will find manufacturing.