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How Do I Become a Production Worker?

Nicole Long
Nicole Long

Production workers fill a wide variety of roles in several settings, including manufacturing and assembly. Requirements to become a production worker may include minimum education requirements, specialized training, and specific skills. Based on the position and type of work, the education and training necessary to become a production worker can vary.

A wide range of industries employ production workers. This includes the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. Retailers with warehousing needs and companies that provide specific components for larger products, such as engines and electronics, also hire production workers to help meet production requirements.

Production workers often work on assembly lines.
Production workers often work on assembly lines.

Production work typically involves a focus on labor and repetitive processes. This can include working on an assembly line and repeating a single process. Many support positions also provide an assembly line and production environment with the tools and equipment needed to complete work.

The minimum requirements to become a production worker typically include a high school diploma or its equivalent. Candidates should also be able to lift heavy objects, sometimes exceeding 50 pounds (22.68 kg), and remain on their feet for the majority of their shift. Depending on the position and the company, drug testing and background checks may also be required before a new-hire can start work.

A production worker must be able to handle a job that can include labor and repetition.
A production worker must be able to handle a job that can include labor and repetition.

Those interested in entering a production environment need to take into consideration any specialized training that will be necessary for each position. For instance, workers in a manufacturing environment may need to understand the mechanics of complex machinery. Production workers that help transport raw and finished products to and from the assembly line may need additional training and certification to operate machinery, such as a forklift.

Production line workers in factories that mass produce technical goods may be required to have some advanced knowledge of engineering.
Production line workers in factories that mass produce technical goods may be required to have some advanced knowledge of engineering.

Demonstrating manual dexterity, following instructions, and demonstrating consistency is a requirement for most production positions. Basic training can help those looking to become a production worker, and is typically provided by the company upon being hired. Training can include basic instructions related to how to pack or assemble a product as it moves down the assembly line. In addition, workers will most likely be trained on each segment of the assembly line to further expand their capabilities.

CNC machining is often used on production lines, and operators are well-compensated for their work.
CNC machining is often used on production lines, and operators are well-compensated for their work.

Job candidates looking for career opportunities should consider their future objectives when applying to production jobs. Production jobs related to machinery and the gas or chemical industry can provide an opportunity to work in entry-level positions while seeking continuing education opportunities. Advanced training and certification in specific production processes can provide candidates with an opportunity to advance to other production positions.

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    • Production workers often work on assembly lines.
      By: Nataliya Hora
      Production workers often work on assembly lines.
    • A production worker must be able to handle a job that can include labor and repetition.
      By: .shock
      A production worker must be able to handle a job that can include labor and repetition.
    • Production line workers in factories that mass produce technical goods may be required to have some advanced knowledge of engineering.
      By: zavgsg
      Production line workers in factories that mass produce technical goods may be required to have some advanced knowledge of engineering.
    • CNC machining is often used on production lines, and operators are well-compensated for their work.
      By: uwimages
      CNC machining is often used on production lines, and operators are well-compensated for their work.
    • In a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, production workers are employed to prepare and sort drugs for distribution.
      By: RGtimeline
      In a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, production workers are employed to prepare and sort drugs for distribution.
    • Production workers often work on assembly lines.
      By: gmg9130
      Production workers often work on assembly lines.
    • Education and training standards for production workers can vary by industry.
      By: lnzyx
      Education and training standards for production workers can vary by industry.