What is it like working in Manufacturing?

A career in manufacturing allows you to learn valuable, transferable skills within an industry that is currently at the forefront of innovation and change.  The tools and machines are used to make everything from cars and trucks to computers and televisions, manufacturing is the cornerstone of everyday life.

There are numerous roles and career opportunities within manufacturing, with one of the most integral being the role of a fitter.  Fitters assemble the parts that flow into the finished product, from the assembly line to the factory floor.  Being a fitter you have to adapt ...

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What is it like working in Manufacturing?

A career in manufacturing allows you to learn valuable, transferable skills within an industry that is currently at the forefront of innovation and change.  The tools and machines are used to make everything from cars and trucks to computers and televisions, manufacturing is the cornerstone of everyday life.

There are numerous roles and career opportunities within manufacturing, with one of the most integral being the role of a fitter.  Fitters assemble the parts that flow into the finished product, from the assembly line to the factory floor.  Being a fitter you have to adapt to technological advancements as these have affected not only the way goods are produced, but also the quality of the goods produced and the cost of their manufacture. 

Advanced fitters must be able to work with new technologies to produce goods and adapt to them as manufacturing techniques are moving away from traditional assembly lines to lean manufacturing systems where entire products and components are manufactured by work teams. Lean manufacturing has changed the nature of assembly duties, and it is becoming increasingly common for fitters and manufacturers to be involved in product development.

During the design phase, designers and engineers consult with production staff to improve product reliability and production efficiency. While most assemblers and processors are classified as an assembly team, others perform the same or similar tasks and specialize in the manufacture of one type of product. Experienced fitters work with designers or engineers to build prototypes and test products.

Other key professions within the manufacturing industry are as follows:

• An installer.  This role requires a range of knowledge and skills, from being able to read detailed circuit diagrams that show how the machine is assembled to assembling the whole machine itself.

• Engine mechanic.  They are involved in the huge tasks of designing, building and assembling huge engines and turbines that power plant and machinery.

• Electromechanical fitters. They assemble and modify electrical components and other components of the manufacturing process, from vending machines to power plants.

In manual production, workers must use devices such as soldering irons, which they use to assemble small electronic components, but automated systems have introduced many small electronic components that are too small and fragile for human assembly. Therefore the remaining electrical and electronic assembly work is carried out with electronic devices. 

• Metal Worker / Installer.  This individual welds or rivets parts together, cuts, straightens, joins or cuts structural metal parts.

• Fiberglass Laminators.  Manufacturers of fiberglass laminate fiberglass layers into molds to form the fiberglass.

• Quality control is important throughout the assembly process, and mechanics are responsible for the quality and safety of the parts. They help to solve problems before a faulty product is manufactured and help with repair.

 How to get a job in Manufacturing

There are a variety of roles within the manufacturing industry, and whilst a school leaving certificate is sufficient for most positions, an advanced assembly job requires experience and additional training.  However the good news is that employees usually receive technical training sponsored by the employer and you will often be sent on a variety of training programs. 

Formal certification is not required, but it can demonstrate competence and professionalism and help candidates to progress in their profession. For example, many employers who hire electrical and electronic fitters, particularly in the aerospace and defence industries, require a soldering certificate, as proof of competence.

If you are interested in learning more about the certifications you can receive, The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International offers a wide range of certifications, including Master's Degrees, Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering and Master in Engineering Management.

The skills required to have a successful career across manufacturing varies, but for example fitter processors need to have the ability to capture, manipulate and assemble very small parts and components.   Therefore fitters and manufacturers of electrical and electronic products often need to be able to distinguish between different colours, as their work is often colour-coded. They must have basic mathematical knowledge and be able to use computers as the manufacturing process progresses technologically.  In fact, across most sides of manufacturing, the modern production systems that many companies use require that employees are familiar with the computer systems they are used to in the factory.

Typically to work within manufacturing you must be physically fit.  Fitters, for example in the aerospace industry, have to climb and bend ladders, bend ladders and lift them off the ground when assembling parts.  This doesn't mean that all roles within manufacturing will require this type of physicality, but it is important to consider what may be required of the role before embarking on a career.

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