How to become a production technician (plus job description)

Updated 13 November 2022

Manufacturing technicians are an important part of the manufacturing industry, as they assist in assembling products and inspecting them for flaws. They typically work in factories, but they may also work in office settings or research and development laboratories. Learning how to become a production technician and what the role involves can help you determine whether it's right for you. In this article, we discuss what a production technician is, how to become one, their job description and the required skills.

What is a production technician?

A production technician is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing processes. You may also refer to them as manufacturing technicians. Their job involves ensuring that all equipment, machines and processes are working properly and safely. They also ensure that employees properly document all manufacturing procedures and any changes to those procedures.

How to become a manufacturing technician

Consider taking the following steps to become a manufacturing technician:

1. Get an education

You can start your career as a product technician by earning a degree in manufacturing technology or taking an apprenticeship with an experienced technician. Manufacturing technicians require a strong background in maths, science, basic chemistry and physics, so consider taking classes in these subjects and any that introduce you to engineering. Learning how to read technical manuals and troubleshoot equipment may also be beneficial.

2. Gain experience

To gain experience as a manufacturing technician, you can volunteer at a company that makes products related to your field of study. This enables you to learn what it's like to be part of the production process and what the importance of testing products before distribution is. It also gives you an understanding of the steps taken in each production process and the production time frame.

3. Become certified

Certification is necessary because it shows employers that you qualify for a technician role within their company. A certificate shows employers that you possess the proper skills and experience working on projects related to the job description. You can earn different certifications through various industry organisations depending on your desired role.

4. Learn about the production stages

Skilled product technicians understand the purpose of their work. They typically require knowledge of all stages of the production process, from raw material acquisition to packaging and distribution. This allows them to identify potential issues during each step of production, such as contamination or excessive waste generation.

5. Find a job in the field

Once you earn your certification, look for work in your area of expertise. If you're looking for jobs in manufacturing, there are many positions available both inside and outside of factories. For example, if you enjoy working with plastics, a manufacturing technician role at a plastics factory or with an industrial manufacturer may be ideal.

Job description of a manufacturing technician

A manufacturing technician's job includes the following duties:

Testing equipment

Manufacturing technicians ensure that manufacturing processes run smoothly. They test equipment to ensure that it works correctly and meets production standards. Testing includes checking for leaks, damages and malfunctioning parts. They also check the calibration of all measuring devices and perform regular maintenance.

Quality control testing

Manufacturing technicians are responsible for quality control testing to ensure that manufactured goods are high in quality. They test products to identify safety concerns, product defects or low-quality materials. The methods that technicians use in quality control testing include visual inspection and chemical analysis. Quality control testing may also involve inspecting raw materials used in production and examining finished goods before distribution.

Quality control testing requires a technician to conduct tests properly at each production stage. This ensures that inspectors can identify areas where they can improve without significantly affecting production time or costs. Manufacturing technicians also ensure that employees follow all manufacturing processes properly and adhere to safety regulations and laws.

Inspecting finished products

Manufacturing technicians also inspect finished products for defects or other issues. They do this by testing finished products to ensure that they meet the standards set by the company and adhere to laws and regulations. They may also conduct product reliability studies and develop specifications for new products based on customer feedback.

Maintaining records

Manufacturing technicians maintain records of all production and manufacturing processes. This involves keeping a detailed record of receipts and specifying how the company uses purchased items. They help management track the overall health of a company's operations and protect the company from liability. At the end of the production process, technicians conduct all necessary tests and compile all information into reports so that management can identify which areas to improve.

Identifying problems and suggesting improvements

A manufacturing technician constantly looks for ways to improve manufacturing processes. This involves identifying problems and suggesting improvements regarding the company's workflow, quality control testing, inventory management and other areas of operation. They typically require an understanding of the production process and its goals to identify issues. They then apply their knowledge to solve those issues.

Maintaining an inventory of parts and supplies

Technicians also maintain an accurate inventory of the parts and supplies used in manufacturing operations. This ensures that the company can easily replace them if damaged or lost. It also helps prevent shortages and waste.

Manufacturing technician skills

The following are some skills that manufacturing technicians require to excel:

Analysis

Analysis in the manufacturing process involves inspecting something to determine its characteristics and predicting its behaviour based on those characteristics. As a technician, you may be responsible for analysing data and making decisions based on your findings. This means that your role requires you to understand and interpret complex information and identify trends and patterns in data sets.

Communication

Strong written and verbal communication skills are important for any manufacturing technician. These skills allow for effective collaboration between employees, clients and stakeholders. They comprise the ability to communicate clearly when speaking with clients or other stakeholders regarding ongoing projects. A manufacturing technician can also write clear and concise reports and give presentations.

Mathematics

Manufacturing technicians require strong maths skills. Your role may require you to calculate dimensions and tolerances. As a manufacturing technician, you may also be responsible for keeping records of inventory levels and production schedules.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving is an important skill for a manufacturing technician. It involves identifying an issue and determining how to solve it. Manufacturing technicians can troubleshoot equipment and identify process improvements to prevent further issues.

Teamwork

A manufacturing technician requires strong teamwork skills. They often work with other team members, supervisors and managers to perform their duties, so it's useful for them to be able to communicate effectively with these groups. This involves identifying problems, addressing them quickly and working with others to resolve conflicts between team members.

Technical skills

Manufacturing technician roles require strong technical skills and detailed knowledge of machinery and equipment. These skills include proficiency in using computers and software applications for collaboration. A manufacturing technician also requires the ability to read blueprints, take measurements, calculate formulas, understand how various machines function and use hand tools.

Attention to detail

A manufacturing technician is attentive to ensure that products are high in quality. They're typically able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously without making errors. For example, they may want to check several parts of a product assembly before other employees assemble them into a final product. A technician also ensures that each part fits properly in its proper place on the assembly line and that employees return any parts they remove from their original location.

Motor skills

Good motor skills are important for manufacturing technicians, as they work with machines that require precision to produce high-quality items. Motor skills also help them perform their tasks efficiently. For example, they often lift heavy objects and move them from one place to another.