The manufacturing industry offers many rewarding and lucrative job opportunities. In fact, according to reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be more than 4.6 million jobs open by 2030 in the industry. Now is therefore an ideal time to get your foot in the door with a manufacturing company and begin building your career. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
How Can You Advance Your Manufacturing Career?
Tip #1: Check out a local manufacturing facility.
If you’re not familiar with manufacturing and how shops run, find one near you and call or email to ask to visit. Let them know you are interested in breaking into the field and want to learn more about it. This will give you some exposure and information, so you can learn about the different departments and types of jobs, as well as where the biggest demand is.
Tip #2: Find someone to mentor you.
Another similar step is to find someone in your network who works in manufacturing and ask them to mentor you. They can serve as your guide and sounding board, so you take the right steps as you enter the field or try to take the next step in it. They can also answer your questions and give you insight that’s hard to get on your own. This will mean a shorter learning curve for you and also someone you can count on for answers and advice.
Tip #3: Learn the right technology.
Today’s manufacturing companies rely on a host of different technologies to produce goods. If there is a certain field you’re interested in, learn the associated technology. For instance, geometric dimension and tolerancing (GD&T) is one specific manufacturing language many companies rely on if you’d like a job on the production or programming side.
If you want to produce products, such as with machine tooling technology, then you’ll need to understand how to work on a CNC machine and the materials used. Many machine tool manufacturers offer free resources and technology to help you learn the basics and take your existing skills to the next level.
Tip #4: Take advantage of free resources on social media.
Social media can be a tool to launch your manufacturing career, or take the next step in it. There are plenty of channels, like YouTube, Reddit, and LinkedIn, with information, such as how-to videos and tips and advice. Look to industry forums too, where thought leaders congregate online and share their opinions and ideas.
Tip #5: Use career resources for manufacturing jobs.
Since the manufacturing industry is experiencing a worker shortage, there are many resources for candidates looking to break into the field. This includes organizations like the Manufacturing Institute, the National Association of Manufactures, SME, and many others. These not only offer educational resources, but career help so you can find the right-fit job in the field.
Get professional help finding a job in manufacturing.
As one of Orlando’s top temp agencies, Future Force fills a range of positions in manufacturing, whether you’re just starting out or are an industry veteran looking to make a move up. Let us help you take that next right step and land in a job you love. Search our manufacturing jobs now!
