A woodworker or carpenter is someone who, as the name implies, creates things using wood. There are hundreds of different types of jobs and careers available to a skilled carpenter, but the basic techniques of woodworking are essential to anyone who wants to work in the carpentry industry.
Carpentry Fabrication
Fabrication is the process of building items from scratch. While production furniture is available commercially, it is almost always constructed with inferior joints and of inferior materials. Most commercially produced furniture is made of particle board and covered with veneer. This type of construction will literally disintegrate after being exposed to use and humidity for a few years. The particle board is so brittle that the joints can crumble just from being moved.
As a result of this, people are still willing to pay higher prices for custom wood furniture. In some cases a buyer’s needs are very specific and commercial furniture is not available to fit client’s need. Custom cabinets are an example of this. Cabinets have to be built to fit the kitchen, but building quality cabinets is far beyond the carpentry skill level of most general contractors.
Typically, a woodworker takes accurate measurements of the kitchen and builds the cabinets off-site in a wood fabrication shop. There is always a high demand for custom woodwork, but the demand is likely to soar once the housing market recovers. Kitchen tables are also often built to order. The possible exposure to spills makes a particle board table a very poor choice. Another item which is commonly custom-built is a wall unit or bookcase. Wall units also have to fit into a specific space and have shelves which fit the buyer’s TV, speakers, entertainment equipment, and display items. There are so many options available for a wall unit, that the only way to get one which suits your needs perfectly is to have it built to order.
Basic Techniques
Diverse techniques are used by woodworkers to achieve different results. A shop which primarily builds cabinets will use different tools and techniques than a shop which builds custom furniture, but there are a number of basic techniques which any woodworker must master. Measuring must be done perfectly. A single measuring mistake can mess up a project and cost thousands of dollars in materials and man hours. Cutting must also be performed perfectly whether making a strait cut or an angled cut.
Almost all basic woodwork is done with power tools, so most of the basic techniques consist of mastering these tools and using them accurately. Routers are used to round or shape edges. Routers can also be used with guides or jigs to make decorative cuts or texturing into the wood. Routers can also be used to inscribe letters into wood. Over the course of a woodworker’s career, they will spend more time sanding than doing any other task. Sanders are used to smooth the wood and prepare it for the finish. Last of all, finishing is an essential group of skills. Staining, painting, waxing, and clear-coating must all be mastered by woodworkers.
Production Woodwork
Many shops do mass produce woodwork. Products such as a desk may be put into production by a small shop. Enormous amounts of time and energy can be saved by mass production. A shop will set up to make one component and make a given number of the specific component. All jigs and measurements are saved for future productions. At the end of the production the components are assembled and the product is finished. This is a growing sector in the woodworking industry. In cabinet shops a commonly used type of drawer or door may be put into production to be used even on custom cabinets. Keeping components which are used often in stock can save energy during production, as well as give employees a productive task during a slow week.
Repairs And Maintenance
Wood is a relatively soft, natural material. As a result, it will suffer wear and tear over time. Changes in temperature and humidity cause small changes in the sizes of individual pieces of wood. This puts stress on the joints and finish. Since quality woodwork is often very expensive, there is always a demand for woodworkers who can repair and refinish custom woodwork.
Advanced Techniques
Showing posts with label Manufacturing Jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manufacturing Jobs. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Job Description & Career Opportunities
Welders may be employed in a number of different industries, including manufacturing and auto racing. The type of work as well as the equipment used in such industries can vary significantly. The most common type of welding that is used today is arc welding. This type of welding utilizes electrical currents in order to create heat. This bonds metals together. There are actually more than 100 different types of processes that can be used by a welder for bonding metal. The exact type of weld that is utilized is typically based on the types of metals that are to be joined together as well as the conditions under which the welder must work. For example, steel can be more easily welded than other types of metal such as titanium. Some welding process may involve the manual use of heat and rod for joining metals. Other processes are semi-automatic. Automated welding is performed by robots and is being used in an increasing manner within the manufacturing industry.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Job Responsibilities
Brazing and soldering workers, like welders, utilize molten metal in order to join two metal pieces. The metal that is added during the brazing and soldering process features a melting point that is under 840 degrees F. Brazing utilizes metals that usually have a higher melting point. Due to the fact that brazing and soldering do not actually melt the metal pieces that are to be joined, these types of processes do not typically create weaknesses or distortions within the pieces, which can sometimes happen with welding. Soldering is frequently used in order to make electronic and electrical circuit boards, including computer chips. Soldering workers usually work with pieces that are small and must be positioned precisely. Brazing is typically used for connecting thin metals and connecting copper plumbing pipes. Brazing may also be used for applying coats to parts in order to protect against the chance of corrosion and reduce wear.
Brazing, soldering and welding workers typically plan their work from drawings that are known as blueprints. They may also utilize their existing knowledge of welding and base metals in order to best determine how to join parts. The complexity of a weld may be determined by the position, such as vertical, horizontal or overhead. The types of metals that are to be joined together can also affect the complexity of the weld. Welders that are highly skilled may be trained to work with many different types of materials such as aluminum, plastics and titanium as well as steel. Welders then choose and set-up welding equipment, execute the welds that are planned and examine the final result to be sure it meets standards and specifications.
In many production processes there is an increasing trend toward using automated welding. In this case a robot or machine performs the actual welding task while a machine operator monitors the task.
Brazing, soldering and welding workers are frequently exposed to numerous hazards, including materials that are very hot as well as the intense light that is created by the welding arc. For protection, they wear goggles, safety shoes, masks, protective lenses and other safety gear. Welders are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to work in areas that are safety ventilated.
Many welders work outdoors and may work in inclement weather. They may also work in confined areas or on high platforms or scaffolding. Welders must be able to lift heavy items and work in awkward positions while stooping, bending or standing.
Most welders work a standard 40 hour work week; however, overtime is fairly common in this profession.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Training and Education Requirements
Training for soldering, brazing and welding workers can range from just a few weeks or may include training on the job. Formal training may be offered in high school as well as post-secondary institutions such as vocational-technical schools and community colleges. Soldering and welding schools are also operated by the U.S. Armed Forces. In some cases, employers may be willing to hire entry-level workers with no experience and train them while they are on the job, although most prefer to employer workers who have already attended a formal training program. Common courses include shop math, blueprint reading, chemistry, physics, mechanical drawing and metallurgy.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Salary and Wages
In 2008 the median wages for solderers, brazers, cutters and welders were $16.13 per hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Certifications
General certifications are required for some positions in the welding industry, particularly when robotic welding or inspection is required. At numerous welding schools certification courses are offered through the American Welding Society. In addition, an increasing number of employers have actually developed their own certification tests. Training and certifications are also offered in soldering through the Institute for Printed Circuits. In the defense and aerospace industries, an increasing number of employers now require certifications due to the high degree of skilled and accurate work that is required.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Professional Associations
Approximately 20% of welders are members of labor unions. Other options for professional membership include the American Welding Society.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Job Responsibilities
Brazing and soldering workers, like welders, utilize molten metal in order to join two metal pieces. The metal that is added during the brazing and soldering process features a melting point that is under 840 degrees F. Brazing utilizes metals that usually have a higher melting point. Due to the fact that brazing and soldering do not actually melt the metal pieces that are to be joined, these types of processes do not typically create weaknesses or distortions within the pieces, which can sometimes happen with welding. Soldering is frequently used in order to make electronic and electrical circuit boards, including computer chips. Soldering workers usually work with pieces that are small and must be positioned precisely. Brazing is typically used for connecting thin metals and connecting copper plumbing pipes. Brazing may also be used for applying coats to parts in order to protect against the chance of corrosion and reduce wear.
Brazing, soldering and welding workers typically plan their work from drawings that are known as blueprints. They may also utilize their existing knowledge of welding and base metals in order to best determine how to join parts. The complexity of a weld may be determined by the position, such as vertical, horizontal or overhead. The types of metals that are to be joined together can also affect the complexity of the weld. Welders that are highly skilled may be trained to work with many different types of materials such as aluminum, plastics and titanium as well as steel. Welders then choose and set-up welding equipment, execute the welds that are planned and examine the final result to be sure it meets standards and specifications.
In many production processes there is an increasing trend toward using automated welding. In this case a robot or machine performs the actual welding task while a machine operator monitors the task.
Brazing, soldering and welding workers are frequently exposed to numerous hazards, including materials that are very hot as well as the intense light that is created by the welding arc. For protection, they wear goggles, safety shoes, masks, protective lenses and other safety gear. Welders are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to work in areas that are safety ventilated.
Many welders work outdoors and may work in inclement weather. They may also work in confined areas or on high platforms or scaffolding. Welders must be able to lift heavy items and work in awkward positions while stooping, bending or standing.
Most welders work a standard 40 hour work week; however, overtime is fairly common in this profession.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Training and Education Requirements
Training for soldering, brazing and welding workers can range from just a few weeks or may include training on the job. Formal training may be offered in high school as well as post-secondary institutions such as vocational-technical schools and community colleges. Soldering and welding schools are also operated by the U.S. Armed Forces. In some cases, employers may be willing to hire entry-level workers with no experience and train them while they are on the job, although most prefer to employer workers who have already attended a formal training program. Common courses include shop math, blueprint reading, chemistry, physics, mechanical drawing and metallurgy.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Salary and Wages
In 2008 the median wages for solderers, brazers, cutters and welders were $16.13 per hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Certifications
General certifications are required for some positions in the welding industry, particularly when robotic welding or inspection is required. At numerous welding schools certification courses are offered through the American Welding Society. In addition, an increasing number of employers have actually developed their own certification tests. Training and certifications are also offered in soldering through the Institute for Printed Circuits. In the defense and aerospace industries, an increasing number of employers now require certifications due to the high degree of skilled and accurate work that is required.
Welding, Soldering and Brazing Professional Associations
Approximately 20% of welders are members of labor unions. Other options for professional membership include the American Welding Society.
Tool and Dye Maker Job Description & Career Opportunities
These workers stand at the pyramid of experience and skill within the manufacturing industry. As a tool and dye maker, this individual is responsible to construct and make repairs to the following items: dyes, tools, holding and guiding devices for machinery. In their job, tool and dye makers may work for a company that needs tools produced for the business itself or makes tools that other manufacturers need. Toolmakers create highly precise tools and machinery that shape, form or metal and various other materials. They’re also responsible for making gauges, devices to measure with, gigs and fixtures. As a dye maker, the individual makes molds and dyes that are used for shaping and stamping metal.
Another aspect of this job is working as a part of a team. The team may be made up of this individual, engineers and other workers who make a mockup of a particular part and then determine the most efficient method to construct it. Additional duties may include maintenance and repair of the various tools, jigs, gauges and other items they wear down over time or have become damaged. This worker uses a number of various machine tools along with instruments for measuring and high level of precision.
Having knowledge of the properties of machining and how various materials tolerate heat is required, along with skills in math and reading blueprints. They also make use of computer technology, such as computer aided design, CAD, or computer aided manufacturing, CAM, to design and create instructions for the manufacture of tools. They also test and inspect the tools that are created to make sure that they are true to the original design and function properly. Having excellent communication skills and the ability to problem solve are essential.
Tool and Dye Maker Training and Education Requirements
The training and/or apprenticeship program required to become a tool and dye maker takes approximately 4 to 5 years. This training can be done through a technology school or community college program, which do provide a mix of hands-on training with academic instruction. To prepare to enter a program for this field, a high school student needs to take classes in math and physics. Apprenticeship programs often involve the individuals taking night classes while working full time. The trainee will learn such skills as how to use lathes, cutting machines, grinders and how to use hand tools to assemble the item being manufactured. A class or more goes into subjects such as specific computer programs, algebra, blueprint reading and more advanced mathematics. After training, it can take several years of experience to reach a highly skilled level. As they advance through a program, the individual must pass a series of skill tests in order to go to each new level.
Apprentices, to enter the program, have to be a minimum of 18 years old and have a high school diploma along with the appropriate math related classes. The individual must also keep current on new technology, have a keen ability to concentrate, be precise and intelligent. They must also have a desire to continually learn throughout their career. This is a necessity as improvements in machinery and computer software are made on a constant basis.
Tool and Dye Maker Salary and Wages
According to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field has an anticipated decline in job growth by 8% by 2018. The beginning hourly wage for a tool and dye worker is approximately $22.32. The highest paid workers earn at or below $34.76, with the lowest earnings per hour at or below $14.69. Apprentices are paid according to the level of skill that they have achieved in their program. Many of these workers can improve their pay by belonging to a union. With many older workers retiring, new positions will come open. Also, as the techniques of production processes are changed, these workers will still be in high demand in order to retool equipment. They are also very essential for tasks related to the maintenance and construction of manufacturing equipment that is automated and complex.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Tool and Dye Maker Certifications
Those entering this field through an apprenticeship are certified as a journey worker by the state apprenticeship board once they have completed their program. This is not a required license, but can make a worker much more employable. Workers can also pursue advanced degrees in further training to enhance their skill level and move up in the field.
Tool and Dye Maker Professional Associations
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, located in Rockford, Illinois, was started in 1970. It provides councils on technology for members, events where members can meet in educational programs improve skill levels and knowledge. The current membership includes workers in the US, Canada and 40 different countries overseas.
Another aspect of this job is working as a part of a team. The team may be made up of this individual, engineers and other workers who make a mockup of a particular part and then determine the most efficient method to construct it. Additional duties may include maintenance and repair of the various tools, jigs, gauges and other items they wear down over time or have become damaged. This worker uses a number of various machine tools along with instruments for measuring and high level of precision.
Having knowledge of the properties of machining and how various materials tolerate heat is required, along with skills in math and reading blueprints. They also make use of computer technology, such as computer aided design, CAD, or computer aided manufacturing, CAM, to design and create instructions for the manufacture of tools. They also test and inspect the tools that are created to make sure that they are true to the original design and function properly. Having excellent communication skills and the ability to problem solve are essential.
Tool and Dye Maker Training and Education Requirements
The training and/or apprenticeship program required to become a tool and dye maker takes approximately 4 to 5 years. This training can be done through a technology school or community college program, which do provide a mix of hands-on training with academic instruction. To prepare to enter a program for this field, a high school student needs to take classes in math and physics. Apprenticeship programs often involve the individuals taking night classes while working full time. The trainee will learn such skills as how to use lathes, cutting machines, grinders and how to use hand tools to assemble the item being manufactured. A class or more goes into subjects such as specific computer programs, algebra, blueprint reading and more advanced mathematics. After training, it can take several years of experience to reach a highly skilled level. As they advance through a program, the individual must pass a series of skill tests in order to go to each new level.
Apprentices, to enter the program, have to be a minimum of 18 years old and have a high school diploma along with the appropriate math related classes. The individual must also keep current on new technology, have a keen ability to concentrate, be precise and intelligent. They must also have a desire to continually learn throughout their career. This is a necessity as improvements in machinery and computer software are made on a constant basis.
Tool and Dye Maker Salary and Wages
According to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field has an anticipated decline in job growth by 8% by 2018. The beginning hourly wage for a tool and dye worker is approximately $22.32. The highest paid workers earn at or below $34.76, with the lowest earnings per hour at or below $14.69. Apprentices are paid according to the level of skill that they have achieved in their program. Many of these workers can improve their pay by belonging to a union. With many older workers retiring, new positions will come open. Also, as the techniques of production processes are changed, these workers will still be in high demand in order to retool equipment. They are also very essential for tasks related to the maintenance and construction of manufacturing equipment that is automated and complex.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Tool and Dye Maker Certifications
Those entering this field through an apprenticeship are certified as a journey worker by the state apprenticeship board once they have completed their program. This is not a required license, but can make a worker much more employable. Workers can also pursue advanced degrees in further training to enhance their skill level and move up in the field.
Tool and Dye Maker Professional Associations
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, located in Rockford, Illinois, was started in 1970. It provides councils on technology for members, events where members can meet in educational programs improve skill levels and knowledge. The current membership includes workers in the US, Canada and 40 different countries overseas.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishings Job Description & Career Opportunities
The people that produce fiber, upholstery, and cloth are called textile workers. These professionals take these items and make them into products we use everyday. Sheets, clothes, towels, and all other cloth products are made from textiles.
There are many occupations that are involved in textile process. Those that work the heavy machines, and those workers that work with the fibers and cloth are all a part of the process. During the textile process, some workers must clean the fibers and fabrics. Other workers must press the fabrics to make sure that the material is ready for processing. Each step is critical to the success of the next. Many companies cross train employees to make the team more effective and productive. This also helps with motivation and morale of the employees.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishings Job Responsibilities
Moreover, those that work in apparel jobs primarily are found in manufacturing. They perform highly specialized jobs that contribute to the production of large numbers of garments. Pattern makers are a part of the apparel occupation. They take a designers original creation and converts it into a pattern. They create individual pieces that can be laid out on fabric, and the worker then uses a computer to draw in designs and details. They then adjust the fabric for different sizes. They are careful to determine the best positioning of the pattern to minimize the waste of fabric. When the pattern is completed, the garment can then be produced in large quantities.
Before the garment can be produced, the fibers must be prepared for processing. The process of producing textiles involves taking liquid materials and feeding them through a machine. The machine presses out the finished product. Next, the textile must be dyed or bleached before proceeding to the next step. When the material has been turned into yarn, the next step is producing fabric. Textile knitting and weaving machines take the fiber and produce the fabric from this material. There are many different types of machines that perform these tasks. Workers must repair breaks in the fiber or yarn, or sometimes the workers will have to feed more material into the machine. Sewing machine operators sew the fabric together and add zippers, buttons, and other items to the garment. Specialty work may have to be hand sewn on the garment.
The work environment for a textile and apparel factory involves lots of machinery and noise. Workers should be prepared to stand for long periods of time. The work week for them is anywhere from 35 to 40 hours per week. They normally work five days a week. Sewing areas are noisy. Pattern making areas are quieter than other areas. Upholstery involves making materials for furnishings. The fiber is prepared and then the fabric is made. Workers then go on to produce furnishings with the materials.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishings Training and Education Requirements
The majority of workers in the textile industry may have less than a high school diploma. Those that do have some vocational or technical training can advance more quickly in this industry. Many advance into supervisory roles in the textile industry. New workers are trained by more experienced workers. The tasks start out simple and then become more difficult as the worker gains more experience.
Tailors, dressmakers, and sewers often have experience in the industry. Community colleges offer vocational programs that teach these skills. It is important for those who work in this industry to have good hand to eye coordination. The tasks are repetitive and involve standing or sitting for long periods of time. Cross training is a popular trend in textile and apparel professions. Workers take longer to learn, but the end result is a more thoroughly trained worker.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishings Salary and Wages
The salaries for workers in the textile, apparel, and furnishings industries vary according to the specific occupation. The fabric and pattern makers average around $18.00 per hour. The machine setters average around $14.00 per hour. The hourly salary ranges from as low as $9.00 per hour to $18.00 or more per hour. There are so many different jobs within the industry.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Textile, Apparel and Furnishing Certifications
Certification is not usually needed for a career in textiles, apparel, and furnishings. Workers just learn the skills on the job. Experienced workers train the new hires. They do not require any certification to become promoted. Advanced education can contribute to being promoted more quickly.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishing Professional Associations
The International Textile and Apparel Association is an organization that brings together textile and apparel workers from around the world. Members have the ability to join with others to network and continue learning. Also, this organization sets standards for the industry. There are many professional associations throughout the world. This organization is made up of workers, scholars, and students. This group can come together to share ideas about the textile and apparel industry. Advancements and new developments are shared in seminars and training classes. There is constantly new things being introduced into the profession, and it is important for professionals to keep up with the new technologies.
There are many occupations that are involved in textile process. Those that work the heavy machines, and those workers that work with the fibers and cloth are all a part of the process. During the textile process, some workers must clean the fibers and fabrics. Other workers must press the fabrics to make sure that the material is ready for processing. Each step is critical to the success of the next. Many companies cross train employees to make the team more effective and productive. This also helps with motivation and morale of the employees.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishings Job Responsibilities
Moreover, those that work in apparel jobs primarily are found in manufacturing. They perform highly specialized jobs that contribute to the production of large numbers of garments. Pattern makers are a part of the apparel occupation. They take a designers original creation and converts it into a pattern. They create individual pieces that can be laid out on fabric, and the worker then uses a computer to draw in designs and details. They then adjust the fabric for different sizes. They are careful to determine the best positioning of the pattern to minimize the waste of fabric. When the pattern is completed, the garment can then be produced in large quantities.
Before the garment can be produced, the fibers must be prepared for processing. The process of producing textiles involves taking liquid materials and feeding them through a machine. The machine presses out the finished product. Next, the textile must be dyed or bleached before proceeding to the next step. When the material has been turned into yarn, the next step is producing fabric. Textile knitting and weaving machines take the fiber and produce the fabric from this material. There are many different types of machines that perform these tasks. Workers must repair breaks in the fiber or yarn, or sometimes the workers will have to feed more material into the machine. Sewing machine operators sew the fabric together and add zippers, buttons, and other items to the garment. Specialty work may have to be hand sewn on the garment.
The work environment for a textile and apparel factory involves lots of machinery and noise. Workers should be prepared to stand for long periods of time. The work week for them is anywhere from 35 to 40 hours per week. They normally work five days a week. Sewing areas are noisy. Pattern making areas are quieter than other areas. Upholstery involves making materials for furnishings. The fiber is prepared and then the fabric is made. Workers then go on to produce furnishings with the materials.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishings Training and Education Requirements
The majority of workers in the textile industry may have less than a high school diploma. Those that do have some vocational or technical training can advance more quickly in this industry. Many advance into supervisory roles in the textile industry. New workers are trained by more experienced workers. The tasks start out simple and then become more difficult as the worker gains more experience.
Tailors, dressmakers, and sewers often have experience in the industry. Community colleges offer vocational programs that teach these skills. It is important for those who work in this industry to have good hand to eye coordination. The tasks are repetitive and involve standing or sitting for long periods of time. Cross training is a popular trend in textile and apparel professions. Workers take longer to learn, but the end result is a more thoroughly trained worker.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishings Salary and Wages
The salaries for workers in the textile, apparel, and furnishings industries vary according to the specific occupation. The fabric and pattern makers average around $18.00 per hour. The machine setters average around $14.00 per hour. The hourly salary ranges from as low as $9.00 per hour to $18.00 or more per hour. There are so many different jobs within the industry.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Textile, Apparel and Furnishing Certifications
Certification is not usually needed for a career in textiles, apparel, and furnishings. Workers just learn the skills on the job. Experienced workers train the new hires. They do not require any certification to become promoted. Advanced education can contribute to being promoted more quickly.
Textile, Apparel and Furnishing Professional Associations
The International Textile and Apparel Association is an organization that brings together textile and apparel workers from around the world. Members have the ability to join with others to network and continue learning. Also, this organization sets standards for the industry. There are many professional associations throughout the world. This organization is made up of workers, scholars, and students. This group can come together to share ideas about the textile and apparel industry. Advancements and new developments are shared in seminars and training classes. There is constantly new things being introduced into the profession, and it is important for professionals to keep up with the new technologies.
Quality Assurance (QA) Job Description & Career Opportunities
Quality Assurance is an important part of every company’s production, whether goods or services are produced. Workers who specialize in this area are a valuable part of the company, ensuring that their continued success through monitoring the quality of goods or services given. This is done through several different methods, depending on the field of work. Quality Assurance workers must have a strong work ethic, be dependable, honest and responsible. The work environment varies between different companies and fields. Some workers may be exposed to harmful chemicals or vapors; others may be subject to work in extreme heat or cold for prolonged periods. Stooping, standing, bending and sitting for long and intermittent time periods is also common in Quality Assurance jobs.
Quality Assurance Job Responsibilities
The titles of workers in Quality Assurance positions usually include inspectors, testers, samplers, sorters and weighing specialists. In factory settings, Quality Assurance is simply referred to as “Q.A.” or “Quality Control.” Inspectors are responsible for examining the merchandise visually and sometimes with the use of special equipment to ensure it is functional. Testers use special methods to test products to be sure they are not faulty. In food-based industries, they may test the taste of the food to be sure the correct ingredients and measurements were used. Chemical tests are also performed to be sure the food is safe to eat and won’t harm consumers. Those who are responsible for weighing must be certain that the weight of products is correct.
Overall, each of these employees work individually or as a team to uphold the quality standards of the company they are employed by. It is their responsibility to be sure that other workers are producing quality goods and services; if they are not, the Q.A. worker has the responsibility to report the defects or insufficient service to employers. They work in a variety of fields, including automotive, food, toys, music and any other field that produces anything in mass quantity. Not all Quality Assurance departments are limited to safety and taste. This aspect also includes things such as sight, sound and smell. Depending on the product or service, these all must come into consideration when they are a vital part of that product’s purpose.
Quality Assurance Training and Education Requirements
Depending on the company and what they produce, the requirements for training will differ. For example, those who work in Quality Assurance for airplane parts must have more thorough education than those who work to ensure that a scented toy smells correct. When safety is an issue, the training is generally more advanced. Workers on a pass/fail line with mass-produced products usually need to have a high school diploma. For specific fields such as aviation, special training is required beyond high school credentials. Special classes are usually taken at specific schools or provided on-the-job by the employer, depending on the nature of the business.
Those who have a background in or have studied various industrial trades stand a much higher chance of obtaining a job as a Quality Assurance worker. For fields that are heavily reliant on science or chemistry, a good background in science and laboratory work will enhance chances of obtaining quick entrance in Quality Assurance. In today’s advanced world, one of the most valuable skills to take into this field is knowledge of electronics or especially robotics. The future of production industries will be heavily reliant on robotics. Mechanical aptitude is also useful to have.
Quality Assurance Salary and Wages
Workers in Q.A. are paid decently. In a 2008 report from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average hourly wages of inspectors, sorters, testers, samplers and weighers was $15.02. Of this sample, the 50th percentile earned between $11.58 and $19.52. The 10th percentile earned less than $9.28 hourly, while the 90th percentile earned above $25.47 per hour. The highest-paying wages were in aerospace production, followed by vehicle part production, semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing, plastic products and employment services.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Quality Assurance Certifications
Actual certification is not required in every company, but the American Society for Quality does offer 15 types of certification for Q.A. workers. These certifications are given upon proof of a certain number of years in the field, along with passing a mandatory exam. Requirements may vary by state, so the best place to begin the search for requirements is within the state of residence, usually the department of licensing, sometimes called the “licensing division” in some states.
Quality Assurance Professional Associations
The American Society For Quality is a world-wide professional organization for Q.A. workers. Membership is paid annually and is available in three different options, based on access and information given. The least expensive is less than $50 and the most expensive is more than $100. Their site should be viewed for up-to-date rates. Members enjoy access to helpful links featuring educational tools and tools for connecting with other professionals in the field to share valuable information. Members are also given access to helpful new information, including new laws, technologies and various other news related to their field. Jobs can also be found through this network.
Quality Assurance Job Responsibilities
The titles of workers in Quality Assurance positions usually include inspectors, testers, samplers, sorters and weighing specialists. In factory settings, Quality Assurance is simply referred to as “Q.A.” or “Quality Control.” Inspectors are responsible for examining the merchandise visually and sometimes with the use of special equipment to ensure it is functional. Testers use special methods to test products to be sure they are not faulty. In food-based industries, they may test the taste of the food to be sure the correct ingredients and measurements were used. Chemical tests are also performed to be sure the food is safe to eat and won’t harm consumers. Those who are responsible for weighing must be certain that the weight of products is correct.
Overall, each of these employees work individually or as a team to uphold the quality standards of the company they are employed by. It is their responsibility to be sure that other workers are producing quality goods and services; if they are not, the Q.A. worker has the responsibility to report the defects or insufficient service to employers. They work in a variety of fields, including automotive, food, toys, music and any other field that produces anything in mass quantity. Not all Quality Assurance departments are limited to safety and taste. This aspect also includes things such as sight, sound and smell. Depending on the product or service, these all must come into consideration when they are a vital part of that product’s purpose.
Quality Assurance Training and Education Requirements
Depending on the company and what they produce, the requirements for training will differ. For example, those who work in Quality Assurance for airplane parts must have more thorough education than those who work to ensure that a scented toy smells correct. When safety is an issue, the training is generally more advanced. Workers on a pass/fail line with mass-produced products usually need to have a high school diploma. For specific fields such as aviation, special training is required beyond high school credentials. Special classes are usually taken at specific schools or provided on-the-job by the employer, depending on the nature of the business.
Those who have a background in or have studied various industrial trades stand a much higher chance of obtaining a job as a Quality Assurance worker. For fields that are heavily reliant on science or chemistry, a good background in science and laboratory work will enhance chances of obtaining quick entrance in Quality Assurance. In today’s advanced world, one of the most valuable skills to take into this field is knowledge of electronics or especially robotics. The future of production industries will be heavily reliant on robotics. Mechanical aptitude is also useful to have.
Quality Assurance Salary and Wages
Workers in Q.A. are paid decently. In a 2008 report from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average hourly wages of inspectors, sorters, testers, samplers and weighers was $15.02. Of this sample, the 50th percentile earned between $11.58 and $19.52. The 10th percentile earned less than $9.28 hourly, while the 90th percentile earned above $25.47 per hour. The highest-paying wages were in aerospace production, followed by vehicle part production, semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing, plastic products and employment services.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Quality Assurance Certifications
Actual certification is not required in every company, but the American Society for Quality does offer 15 types of certification for Q.A. workers. These certifications are given upon proof of a certain number of years in the field, along with passing a mandatory exam. Requirements may vary by state, so the best place to begin the search for requirements is within the state of residence, usually the department of licensing, sometimes called the “licensing division” in some states.
Quality Assurance Professional Associations
The American Society For Quality is a world-wide professional organization for Q.A. workers. Membership is paid annually and is available in three different options, based on access and information given. The least expensive is less than $50 and the most expensive is more than $100. Their site should be viewed for up-to-date rates. Members enjoy access to helpful links featuring educational tools and tools for connecting with other professionals in the field to share valuable information. Members are also given access to helpful new information, including new laws, technologies and various other news related to their field. Jobs can also be found through this network.
Purchasing Agent Job Description & Career Opportunities
A purchasing agent’s work performance can significantly influence how much revenue a business generates in a given year. Also called a buyer, a purchasing agent’s job is generally to make sure that the business expends as little as possible for the materials and equipment that the business utilizes to generate as large a profit as possible. Moreover, a purchasing agent also has to take into consideration the quality of the supplies and equipment that are to be bought as low-quality materials can lead to inferior products.
Schools, government facilities, hospitals, and other big companies utilize purchasing agents. A purchasing agent should get in touch with all company departments to maintain the supplies needed.
Education Requirements
An aspiring purchasing agent must have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Generally, a purchasing agent goes through a training prior to employment. Bigger corporations choose individuals who have a master’s degree. Some companies require a purchasing agent to acquire technical familiarity with the materials regularly purchased by the business. In this connection, an extra education in other aspects like science and medicine may be necessary. Certifications are also obtainable.
Duties and Responsibilities
Basically, a purchasing agent is responsible for coordinating all activities associated to procurement of materials and supplies for a company. Part of his responsibility is to supervise and manage the work of those individuals involved in the storage, transport, and maintenance of the procured supplies or materials; organize the processing and re-selling of the material; and prepare the process of bids and procurement of the supplies.
A purchasing agent is also responsible for giving instructions or advice to the producer on methods to improve and augment their produce, both in quantity and quality. This would require the purchasing agent additional knowledge about the produce and how it is processed. A purchasing agent needs to make payment invoices. He must keep track of all the records of every business deal and provide precise and correct reports to the management as often as needed.
Part of his responsibility is to provide the estimate value and transport of the supplies. He has to confer and bargain with the sellers; observe and supervise the transport and safety of the procured products. A purchasing agent has to be updated and well-informed about all aspects concerning the supplies procured by the company.
Salary and Compensation
With modern technology like the internet, purchasing agents can now search for products and compare prices easily and quickly. This efficiency has then lessened the number of hours required to accomplish their work responsibilities, which eventually led to a drop in the need for purchasing agents. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be little to no growth at all in this job position all the way to 2016. The salary of a purchasing agent is dependent on the level of work experience of the agent and the size of the business he is working for. The typical yearly salary for purchasing agents not engaged in farm, wholesale or retail products is around $39,000 to $66,000 as reported in May 2011.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Schools, government facilities, hospitals, and other big companies utilize purchasing agents. A purchasing agent should get in touch with all company departments to maintain the supplies needed.
Education Requirements
An aspiring purchasing agent must have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Generally, a purchasing agent goes through a training prior to employment. Bigger corporations choose individuals who have a master’s degree. Some companies require a purchasing agent to acquire technical familiarity with the materials regularly purchased by the business. In this connection, an extra education in other aspects like science and medicine may be necessary. Certifications are also obtainable.
Duties and Responsibilities
Basically, a purchasing agent is responsible for coordinating all activities associated to procurement of materials and supplies for a company. Part of his responsibility is to supervise and manage the work of those individuals involved in the storage, transport, and maintenance of the procured supplies or materials; organize the processing and re-selling of the material; and prepare the process of bids and procurement of the supplies.
A purchasing agent is also responsible for giving instructions or advice to the producer on methods to improve and augment their produce, both in quantity and quality. This would require the purchasing agent additional knowledge about the produce and how it is processed. A purchasing agent needs to make payment invoices. He must keep track of all the records of every business deal and provide precise and correct reports to the management as often as needed.
Part of his responsibility is to provide the estimate value and transport of the supplies. He has to confer and bargain with the sellers; observe and supervise the transport and safety of the procured products. A purchasing agent has to be updated and well-informed about all aspects concerning the supplies procured by the company.
Salary and Compensation
With modern technology like the internet, purchasing agents can now search for products and compare prices easily and quickly. This efficiency has then lessened the number of hours required to accomplish their work responsibilities, which eventually led to a drop in the need for purchasing agents. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be little to no growth at all in this job position all the way to 2016. The salary of a purchasing agent is dependent on the level of work experience of the agent and the size of the business he is working for. The typical yearly salary for purchasing agents not engaged in farm, wholesale or retail products is around $39,000 to $66,000 as reported in May 2011.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Production Manager Job Description & Career Opportunities
Production Manager is one of the most important roles in manufacturing plant or factory. It has so many vital roles that are necessary for the success of the business. The production manager is in charge of coordinating, planning, and most importantly, controlling the manufacturing process.
A production manager also sees to it that the workers or employees are efficiently producing quality goods and services for the clients. He also ensures that quality is always the top priority of the company.
Being a production manager is a complex job. Aside from taking care of the human resources, he is also responsible for the material resources. The production system determines the nature of job of the production manager. This will include: mass production, batch production, jobbing production, or process production.
Educational Requirements
In order to be qualified for this position, one needs to go through not just an interdisciplinary degree, but also a joint degree like an MBA. These courses will definitely prepare the students to become successful production managers in the future.
Qualifications
There is no required standard preparation for this particular job. Yet, a college degree is mandatory especially in business administration, industrial engineering, industrial technology, or management. There are also companies who hire employees from different backgrounds such as engineering or liberal arts graduates.
Skills Needed
The following are the skills needed by a Production Manager:
Leadership
English languages skills
Management
Planning
Computer skills
A production manager should anticipate that he will be working more with his team. He is also included in the pre-production (planning) stage and also the production (control and supervision) stage.
Job Outlook and Salary Guide
As a production manager, he is to expect the median salary of $73,000 per annum. Although there are companies which pay lower, around $62,000, as well as companies who are willing to exceed that amount. For beginners, they should expect much less compensation which will eventually be increased. This job will also require the candidate to be excellent in terms of communication. Also, the person who is a potential production manager should be someone who has a very pleasing personality. He or she must be able to carry himself in a very well-educated manner. He must be able to carry not just himself but the relationships with those he is working with.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Conclusion
In summary, a production manager should always keep track of what is happening in his area of responsibility. He should be able to dseal with his staff so that the flow of the work will be perfectly fine. His responsibilities will depend on the company’s scope of work.
Lastly, a production manager is hired so that he will be able to look after the products that are being produced under his supervision. He needs to be on his toes all the time to monitor how the workers do their jobs.
A production manager also sees to it that the workers or employees are efficiently producing quality goods and services for the clients. He also ensures that quality is always the top priority of the company.
Being a production manager is a complex job. Aside from taking care of the human resources, he is also responsible for the material resources. The production system determines the nature of job of the production manager. This will include: mass production, batch production, jobbing production, or process production.
Educational Requirements
In order to be qualified for this position, one needs to go through not just an interdisciplinary degree, but also a joint degree like an MBA. These courses will definitely prepare the students to become successful production managers in the future.
Qualifications
There is no required standard preparation for this particular job. Yet, a college degree is mandatory especially in business administration, industrial engineering, industrial technology, or management. There are also companies who hire employees from different backgrounds such as engineering or liberal arts graduates.
Skills Needed
The following are the skills needed by a Production Manager:
Leadership
English languages skills
Management
Planning
Computer skills
A production manager should anticipate that he will be working more with his team. He is also included in the pre-production (planning) stage and also the production (control and supervision) stage.
Job Outlook and Salary Guide
As a production manager, he is to expect the median salary of $73,000 per annum. Although there are companies which pay lower, around $62,000, as well as companies who are willing to exceed that amount. For beginners, they should expect much less compensation which will eventually be increased. This job will also require the candidate to be excellent in terms of communication. Also, the person who is a potential production manager should be someone who has a very pleasing personality. He or she must be able to carry himself in a very well-educated manner. He must be able to carry not just himself but the relationships with those he is working with.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Conclusion
In summary, a production manager should always keep track of what is happening in his area of responsibility. He should be able to dseal with his staff so that the flow of the work will be perfectly fine. His responsibilities will depend on the company’s scope of work.
Lastly, a production manager is hired so that he will be able to look after the products that are being produced under his supervision. He needs to be on his toes all the time to monitor how the workers do their jobs.
Printing Machine Operator Job Description & Career Opportunities
Working as a printing machine operator involves the preparation, operation and maintenance work involved with a printing press. The operator might work on a traditionally based press, or use more advanced technology that does not require the use of plates. The preparation for a traditional press starts with the installation of the plate with the image to be printed in the machine. The individual also changes the pressure level for printing. The press is then coated with ink and loads the paper, making any necessary changes to ensure that the process runs correctly. Currently technology has made this process more efficient by making many of these steps automatically handled by the machine itself. This makes it important for the worker to be well-versed in new technology and software programs.
Printing Machine Operator Job Responsibilities
Throughout the printing process, the machine operator ensures that things run smoothly and fills the printer with paper as needed. They also take a sample sheet out periodically to check that color and other details are printing correctly. Keeping the machines working and maintenanced is part of the operator’s job. This involves repairing any worn out or broken parts, cleaning the machine and oiling it as necessary. This job requires that an individual is able to work well under pressure and to be very efficient in doing the job. There is a lot of standing and moving around, especially when reloading machine and doing repairs. Being mentally alert and quick on your feet are also important attributes, as the process has to be carefully monitored and quick changes to the machine have to be made to avoid mistakes and waste of materials. The average work week for a printing machine operator is around 40 hours. The job can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring someone who is in good physical condition and can keep focused under stress.
Printing Machine Operator Training and Education Requirements
When first entering this job, new employees are involved primarily in a support role. They work at loading and unloading machine is necessary while also helping to keep the presses clean. On-the-job training is provided as the machine operator advances in skill and experience until they are deemed fit to do the job on their own. They may also gain training on a variety of printing machines while in the field, which can make them a more diverse employee. Employers are more likely to hire an individual who has training and experience on a variety of machinery. This is an important consideration that new printing machine operators need to keep in mind as they began their career.
Even experienced print operators will receive continual education and will need to have their skills updated with the advances in new technology. If the company buys a new printing machine that has a completely different operational layout than the previous one, everyone will have to be retrained in how to use it. This field is not using apprenticeships to train new machine operators as much as in the past. More often, interested individuals go through a formal program of study at a technical school or local community college. These programs are often offered at the university level as well. These individuals can receive an associate’s degree in these cases.
Printing Machine Operator Salary and Wages
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2018 this job field will show a medium level of decline in available positions. Newer technology is making it easier for a machine to run without as many operators monitoring it. New positions may often, though, as older workers retire and others choose to leave this profession. Positions are most likely to be open with smaller businesses that run smaller presses in order to do their business. The average hourly wage for printing machine operator is approximately $15.46, with the highest pay at or above $24.98 and the lowest at or below $9.13. Hourly wages for printing machine operators can vary according to the skill level of the individual, the diversity of training, the size and complex nature of the printing machine the area in which the worker is employed.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Printing Machine Operator Certifications
Gaining a certificate or an associate’s degree are the most common methods of entering the field. As the worker gains experience, is trained on various machines and attains the right skill level they can advance to higher positions of authority in the company. They can also receive training from their employer or the manufacturer that certifies them to work on various equipment types.
Printing Machine Operator Professional Associations
The National Association of Printing Leadership gives members the opportunity to find valuable advice on the business, management practices and educational opportunities. They also give members access to key research that shows trends and new advances in the industry.
Printing Machine Operator Job Responsibilities
Throughout the printing process, the machine operator ensures that things run smoothly and fills the printer with paper as needed. They also take a sample sheet out periodically to check that color and other details are printing correctly. Keeping the machines working and maintenanced is part of the operator’s job. This involves repairing any worn out or broken parts, cleaning the machine and oiling it as necessary. This job requires that an individual is able to work well under pressure and to be very efficient in doing the job. There is a lot of standing and moving around, especially when reloading machine and doing repairs. Being mentally alert and quick on your feet are also important attributes, as the process has to be carefully monitored and quick changes to the machine have to be made to avoid mistakes and waste of materials. The average work week for a printing machine operator is around 40 hours. The job can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring someone who is in good physical condition and can keep focused under stress.
Printing Machine Operator Training and Education Requirements
When first entering this job, new employees are involved primarily in a support role. They work at loading and unloading machine is necessary while also helping to keep the presses clean. On-the-job training is provided as the machine operator advances in skill and experience until they are deemed fit to do the job on their own. They may also gain training on a variety of printing machines while in the field, which can make them a more diverse employee. Employers are more likely to hire an individual who has training and experience on a variety of machinery. This is an important consideration that new printing machine operators need to keep in mind as they began their career.
Even experienced print operators will receive continual education and will need to have their skills updated with the advances in new technology. If the company buys a new printing machine that has a completely different operational layout than the previous one, everyone will have to be retrained in how to use it. This field is not using apprenticeships to train new machine operators as much as in the past. More often, interested individuals go through a formal program of study at a technical school or local community college. These programs are often offered at the university level as well. These individuals can receive an associate’s degree in these cases.
Printing Machine Operator Salary and Wages
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2018 this job field will show a medium level of decline in available positions. Newer technology is making it easier for a machine to run without as many operators monitoring it. New positions may often, though, as older workers retire and others choose to leave this profession. Positions are most likely to be open with smaller businesses that run smaller presses in order to do their business. The average hourly wage for printing machine operator is approximately $15.46, with the highest pay at or above $24.98 and the lowest at or below $9.13. Hourly wages for printing machine operators can vary according to the skill level of the individual, the diversity of training, the size and complex nature of the printing machine the area in which the worker is employed.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Printing Machine Operator Certifications
Gaining a certificate or an associate’s degree are the most common methods of entering the field. As the worker gains experience, is trained on various machines and attains the right skill level they can advance to higher positions of authority in the company. They can also receive training from their employer or the manufacturer that certifies them to work on various equipment types.
Printing Machine Operator Professional Associations
The National Association of Printing Leadership gives members the opportunity to find valuable advice on the business, management practices and educational opportunities. They also give members access to key research that shows trends and new advances in the industry.
Plant / Factory Manager Job Description & Career Opportunities
A plant manager, also known as a factory or operations manager, has the general responsibility of maintaining a manufacturing plant’s operations including storage and shipping of products. It involves full operational control of the overall system activities such as engineering, output, marketing, and other commercial activities.
The position requires leadership, which is needed to ensure that the financial plan and production target date are met. Community relations should be established and maintained in order to supervise and manage the staff well. Since the job involves an extensive knowledge of production mechanics, qualifications include knowledge of industrial principles, manufacturing, and employment policies. Prior experience in administering production operations and mechanics is greatly advantageous.
Responsibilities in Managing a Plant
The plant manager is the over-all supervisor of the operational system of the plant. He is responsible for planning, organizing, and regulating the production and maintenance operations to guarantee effective return on capital. He implements manufacturing strategies and actions for the accomplishment of plant production goals. Furthermore, he should encourage the use of new techniques and concentrate on fact based problem solving.
The manager is responsible for training, selecting, and motivating plant supervisory and administrative staff achieve an effective use of manpower and enhance human resource utilization within every department. The manager must have good social connections within the plant community. He also administers assessment of employee performance and ensures that complaints of employees are addressed in time.
Moreover, he utilizes manpower, facilities, equipment, materials and assets to ensure minimal manufacturing errors. This also includes initiative plans and assurance of attaining business objectives and production schedules while maintaining quality product standards. The manager is also involved with negotiating collective bargaining agreements. He coordinates and directs operations aside from establishing and directing plant policies and procedures. To accomplish this he must confer with the department heads to ensure coordination of purchasing, production, and shipping.
Educational Attainment, Training and Salary
The job typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic reading, writing, arithmetic skills, and social skills are useful for someone managing and supervising people as well as operating machinery. But preferably, one must attain at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, particularly in high standard industries where the career requires higher skills and intensive knowledge of production mechanics. Other qualifications includes prior experience in managing production operations and knowledge regarding manufacturing and employment regulations, policies, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of industry principles such as lean manufacturing and six sigma methodologies are also required.
Plant managers usually start at the bottom starting as a general manager and work through various departments before sitting in a manager position. Working in each department is beneficial in order for them to understand how each department works and its connection to each other. At that point, plant owners and operators will select manager trainees through a training course before allowing them to administer the plant. The chosen ones undergo an observation period wherein the potential skills are being observed intensely.
The average salary of a plant manager ranges from $71000 to $88000 per year. The salary depends on the manufacturing company the plant is involved and the number of years experience as manager. Proving one as capable and trustworthy in handling the plant, the more chance he will get a significant amount of salary overtime.
Other benefits include a full health insurance plan. The manager also receives vacation time and sick leave.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Challenges for a Plant Manager
Being a plant manager has a crucial role in maintaining the standard and competitiveness of the plant. Having a sense of commitment, leadership and social skills is beneficial in aiming the position. The manager should be aware and conscious of the things and issues currently happening in the system. He should be logical and alert in case of emergency decisions. Gaining knowledge about every department is important in order to supervise and manage the whole system smoothly. Building social relationships and understanding within the community is helpful for effective and progressive plant management. The manager should prove and maintain his work ethics and professionalism in everything that he does.
The position requires leadership, which is needed to ensure that the financial plan and production target date are met. Community relations should be established and maintained in order to supervise and manage the staff well. Since the job involves an extensive knowledge of production mechanics, qualifications include knowledge of industrial principles, manufacturing, and employment policies. Prior experience in administering production operations and mechanics is greatly advantageous.
Responsibilities in Managing a Plant
The plant manager is the over-all supervisor of the operational system of the plant. He is responsible for planning, organizing, and regulating the production and maintenance operations to guarantee effective return on capital. He implements manufacturing strategies and actions for the accomplishment of plant production goals. Furthermore, he should encourage the use of new techniques and concentrate on fact based problem solving.
The manager is responsible for training, selecting, and motivating plant supervisory and administrative staff achieve an effective use of manpower and enhance human resource utilization within every department. The manager must have good social connections within the plant community. He also administers assessment of employee performance and ensures that complaints of employees are addressed in time.
Moreover, he utilizes manpower, facilities, equipment, materials and assets to ensure minimal manufacturing errors. This also includes initiative plans and assurance of attaining business objectives and production schedules while maintaining quality product standards. The manager is also involved with negotiating collective bargaining agreements. He coordinates and directs operations aside from establishing and directing plant policies and procedures. To accomplish this he must confer with the department heads to ensure coordination of purchasing, production, and shipping.
Educational Attainment, Training and Salary
The job typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic reading, writing, arithmetic skills, and social skills are useful for someone managing and supervising people as well as operating machinery. But preferably, one must attain at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, particularly in high standard industries where the career requires higher skills and intensive knowledge of production mechanics. Other qualifications includes prior experience in managing production operations and knowledge regarding manufacturing and employment regulations, policies, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of industry principles such as lean manufacturing and six sigma methodologies are also required.
Plant managers usually start at the bottom starting as a general manager and work through various departments before sitting in a manager position. Working in each department is beneficial in order for them to understand how each department works and its connection to each other. At that point, plant owners and operators will select manager trainees through a training course before allowing them to administer the plant. The chosen ones undergo an observation period wherein the potential skills are being observed intensely.
The average salary of a plant manager ranges from $71000 to $88000 per year. The salary depends on the manufacturing company the plant is involved and the number of years experience as manager. Proving one as capable and trustworthy in handling the plant, the more chance he will get a significant amount of salary overtime.
Other benefits include a full health insurance plan. The manager also receives vacation time and sick leave.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Challenges for a Plant Manager
Being a plant manager has a crucial role in maintaining the standard and competitiveness of the plant. Having a sense of commitment, leadership and social skills is beneficial in aiming the position. The manager should be aware and conscious of the things and issues currently happening in the system. He should be logical and alert in case of emergency decisions. Gaining knowledge about every department is important in order to supervise and manage the whole system smoothly. Building social relationships and understanding within the community is helpful for effective and progressive plant management. The manager should prove and maintain his work ethics and professionalism in everything that he does.
Picker and Packer Job Description & Career Opportunities
A high school graduate or a candidate with GED diploma can be a picker and packer worker. At first impression, the work entails physical stamina and endurance. It is more than that when the picker and packer worker also pays attention to detail and order instructions. For this line of work, the picker and packer can be found in the industry of food processing, packaging, pharmaceutical, fruit and vegetables, and beverage. The picker and packer worker seems to do menial duties. In reality, the candidate needs to follow the order instructions very well. Depending on what the order instructions say, the picker and packer worker sorts out the needed items. Counting the item per instructions is done efficiently.
Alternatives For The Background
Certainly, the picker and packer worker has to know all the products of the company. The candidate picks out the right items and sees to it that the condition of the items is good. When the candidate is experienced with shipping or order fulfillment environment, this can make up for the high school diploma or its GED equivalent. Another option is to be an intern for the company and know the procedures and operations for doing the work. Previous work with a wholesaler, receiving department of a company or shipping company will also be advantageous for the picker and packer candidate.
Standard Operating Procedure
Per picker and packer worker, there is a standard operating procedure that is followed. When the items mentioned in the order instructions are gotten and sorted out correctly, they undergo quality control. Afterwards, the packing container is prepared for the items. The container may also be labeled and addressed to the recipient when the policy includes it. When everything has been checked and approved for delivery, the shipment is prepared for the staging area. When a package is prepared, all of these steps are normally followed to have smooth operations. It depends on the company of the picker and packer worker for any additional policies and procedures.
Medical Line of Work
For a pharmaceutical picker and packer worker, the duties are more challenging. Since medicines are being picked and packed, the worker needs to verify the manufacturing and expiration date. The names of the medicines have to be double-checked so that the right stocks are put into the container for sending. Besides these important information, the rotation cycles and lot numbers are also verified. It is a must that the medical shipment picked and packed can be used for a long time. The nature of the work can be tedious for the candidate. The eyesight has to be clear to see the tiniest dates on the medical supplies.
Physical Fitness
The work is repetitive and routine that includes moving and carrying heavy objects. The candidate must be physically fit to work forty hours a week and experience tired hands and feet daily. The profit from being a picker and packer worker is certainly on the lower end. This can be made up for by the bonuses, profit sharing, and insurance that the company provides. It is important for the picker and packer worker to take care of the health especially when the items being handled are hazardous. Being accurate in picking and packing can be improved as the candidate stays longer with the work.
Meat and Technical Line
For meat packers, it is a lot more different since they deal with the slaughterhouse environment. The smell of the slaughterhouse sticks to their work clothes. They have to clean the meat and pack them efficiently for the deliveries to look good. The head of the animal is removed and the meat undergoes processing. The animal parts are cut off and prepared for packaging. Standard operating procedures are also followed for the meat picking and packing. Legal requirements are also observed when it comes to meat packaging. For the technical line of picker and packer workers, assembly workers may be needed to get the necessary parts per package. In this case, the candidate must wear protective equipment while on duty. Safety regulations are also observed to prevent any unpleasant accidents.
Repetitive and Routine Work
As for food packers, this line of picking and packing work is on the decline since automation of work can be done already. There remain plenty of tasks for picking and packing that do not need automation. When the tasks given to the picker and packer worker are increased, the process becomes slower. Steady and repetitive work, on the other hand, yields efficiency and output. In doing the picking and packing, the output per hour depends on the volume of items per package. Being skilled with the hands is very important for this work.
Alternatives For The Background
Certainly, the picker and packer worker has to know all the products of the company. The candidate picks out the right items and sees to it that the condition of the items is good. When the candidate is experienced with shipping or order fulfillment environment, this can make up for the high school diploma or its GED equivalent. Another option is to be an intern for the company and know the procedures and operations for doing the work. Previous work with a wholesaler, receiving department of a company or shipping company will also be advantageous for the picker and packer candidate.
Standard Operating Procedure
Per picker and packer worker, there is a standard operating procedure that is followed. When the items mentioned in the order instructions are gotten and sorted out correctly, they undergo quality control. Afterwards, the packing container is prepared for the items. The container may also be labeled and addressed to the recipient when the policy includes it. When everything has been checked and approved for delivery, the shipment is prepared for the staging area. When a package is prepared, all of these steps are normally followed to have smooth operations. It depends on the company of the picker and packer worker for any additional policies and procedures.
Medical Line of Work
For a pharmaceutical picker and packer worker, the duties are more challenging. Since medicines are being picked and packed, the worker needs to verify the manufacturing and expiration date. The names of the medicines have to be double-checked so that the right stocks are put into the container for sending. Besides these important information, the rotation cycles and lot numbers are also verified. It is a must that the medical shipment picked and packed can be used for a long time. The nature of the work can be tedious for the candidate. The eyesight has to be clear to see the tiniest dates on the medical supplies.
Physical Fitness
The work is repetitive and routine that includes moving and carrying heavy objects. The candidate must be physically fit to work forty hours a week and experience tired hands and feet daily. The profit from being a picker and packer worker is certainly on the lower end. This can be made up for by the bonuses, profit sharing, and insurance that the company provides. It is important for the picker and packer worker to take care of the health especially when the items being handled are hazardous. Being accurate in picking and packing can be improved as the candidate stays longer with the work.
Meat and Technical Line
For meat packers, it is a lot more different since they deal with the slaughterhouse environment. The smell of the slaughterhouse sticks to their work clothes. They have to clean the meat and pack them efficiently for the deliveries to look good. The head of the animal is removed and the meat undergoes processing. The animal parts are cut off and prepared for packaging. Standard operating procedures are also followed for the meat picking and packing. Legal requirements are also observed when it comes to meat packaging. For the technical line of picker and packer workers, assembly workers may be needed to get the necessary parts per package. In this case, the candidate must wear protective equipment while on duty. Safety regulations are also observed to prevent any unpleasant accidents.
Repetitive and Routine Work
As for food packers, this line of picking and packing work is on the decline since automation of work can be done already. There remain plenty of tasks for picking and packing that do not need automation. When the tasks given to the picker and packer worker are increased, the process becomes slower. Steady and repetitive work, on the other hand, yields efficiency and output. In doing the picking and packing, the output per hour depends on the volume of items per package. Being skilled with the hands is very important for this work.
Millwright Job Description & Career Opportunities
Many of the world’s largest auto manufacturers require factories in order to construct their goods on an industrial scale. Moreover, many power plants need incredible machines in order to supply adequate utilities to their communities. As such, many of these locations need to have enormous machines in order to put out these services at an incredible pace to keep up with what the current demands of the market are. Millwrights are primarily responsible with setting up and maintaining these machines.
Millwright Job Responsibilities
These men and women need to know everything there is to know about the machines in factories and power plants—this includes the assembly, maintenance, and disassembling procedures of large machines and equipment. They talk to the factory manager to ascertain the best location for the desired machine, then bring in all of the parts using fork lifts, cranes, and other large-scale moving equipment. Then, using a mixture of complicated instructions and knowledge of machinery, computer systems, and grand-scale construction, they piece together the machine and install it to fit the factory’s needs. They also need to be well versed in taking precise measurements to ensure that each installed machine functions at its maximum capacity. As well as assembling such large machines, millwrights need to be able to disassemble or preform maintenance on the machines they make for power plants. If a company or factory manages sees no need for the machines they’ve installed, millwrights will often help in the removal or selling of the equipment.
Millwright Training and Education Requirements
All millwrights, or anyone who is handling heavy machinery in an industrial environment, is required to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. While most employers are more willing to take individuals who have studied at a trade school with specific courses in industrial technology, a background in mechanical drawing and mathematics will often suffice.
However, many millwrights-to-be will take part in an apprenticeship to learn more about the technical aspects and general nature of the work. These apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete and consist of a combination of on-site and classroom-based training. These opportunities are usually sponsored by the larger manufacturing company, involved unions, or even the local state government.
Millwright Salary and Wages
On average, millwrights earn between $14.37 and $37.02 per hour, the median wage being around $22. These wages can vary based on geographical location, industry, and whether or not the employees are unionized. On average, the best paying industry for millwrights is motor vehicle parts manufacturing, while animal slaughtering and processing pays the least. Machinery, supplies, and equipment merchant wholesale and plastics product manufacturing pay close to the median wage, while commercial and industrial machinery and equipment pays a little more than animal processing.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Millwright Certification
Certification is usually required to become a professional millwright, and training for this test is thus a large part of the four year millwright apprenticeship. As stated previously, prerequisites for the certification exam requires graduating from high school or obtaining a GED, as well as completing a four year apprenticeship or accumulating 7200 hours of working time. It is also required for candidates to be well-versed in all of the responsibilities of being a millwright: these include machine construction, maintenance, and deconstruction, the basic functioning of any of the machines they build, and the precise interpretation of blueprints. It should be noted, however, that every state has different requirements for completing the prerequisites and obtaining millwright certification. As a result of this, apprenticeships will offer extra classes and work time in order to assist their students to successfully pass the certification exam.
Millwright Professional Associations
Though there is no nationwide millwrights’ professional association, most millwrights are a part of a union, whether it is associated with their particular company or industry of choice. Unions come with the benefit of more support from colleagues and a commitment to professionalism for their craft—meaning that union members will push for newer entrants to receive their certification faster and perform up to certain standards. Furthermore, unions generally try to facilitate better communication between the workers and the factories in which they are working in, as to be able to get better equipment, benefits, and wages in general. However, some employers feel too pressured by union demands and may not look favorably upon new employees who may join a union. They might feel that the employees are trying to gather larger numbers as if to challenge the employer’s authority for the sake of higher wages and more vacation time. Once again, much like millwrights’ wages, it should be noted that all union activities and by-laws vary by state and industry—to this point, interested parties should definitely research the union’s presence in their area, as well as the employer’s relationship with their unions, before becoming a part of one.
Millwright Job Responsibilities
These men and women need to know everything there is to know about the machines in factories and power plants—this includes the assembly, maintenance, and disassembling procedures of large machines and equipment. They talk to the factory manager to ascertain the best location for the desired machine, then bring in all of the parts using fork lifts, cranes, and other large-scale moving equipment. Then, using a mixture of complicated instructions and knowledge of machinery, computer systems, and grand-scale construction, they piece together the machine and install it to fit the factory’s needs. They also need to be well versed in taking precise measurements to ensure that each installed machine functions at its maximum capacity. As well as assembling such large machines, millwrights need to be able to disassemble or preform maintenance on the machines they make for power plants. If a company or factory manages sees no need for the machines they’ve installed, millwrights will often help in the removal or selling of the equipment.
Millwright Training and Education Requirements
All millwrights, or anyone who is handling heavy machinery in an industrial environment, is required to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. While most employers are more willing to take individuals who have studied at a trade school with specific courses in industrial technology, a background in mechanical drawing and mathematics will often suffice.
However, many millwrights-to-be will take part in an apprenticeship to learn more about the technical aspects and general nature of the work. These apprenticeships can take up to four years to complete and consist of a combination of on-site and classroom-based training. These opportunities are usually sponsored by the larger manufacturing company, involved unions, or even the local state government.
Millwright Salary and Wages
On average, millwrights earn between $14.37 and $37.02 per hour, the median wage being around $22. These wages can vary based on geographical location, industry, and whether or not the employees are unionized. On average, the best paying industry for millwrights is motor vehicle parts manufacturing, while animal slaughtering and processing pays the least. Machinery, supplies, and equipment merchant wholesale and plastics product manufacturing pay close to the median wage, while commercial and industrial machinery and equipment pays a little more than animal processing.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Millwright Certification
Certification is usually required to become a professional millwright, and training for this test is thus a large part of the four year millwright apprenticeship. As stated previously, prerequisites for the certification exam requires graduating from high school or obtaining a GED, as well as completing a four year apprenticeship or accumulating 7200 hours of working time. It is also required for candidates to be well-versed in all of the responsibilities of being a millwright: these include machine construction, maintenance, and deconstruction, the basic functioning of any of the machines they build, and the precise interpretation of blueprints. It should be noted, however, that every state has different requirements for completing the prerequisites and obtaining millwright certification. As a result of this, apprenticeships will offer extra classes and work time in order to assist their students to successfully pass the certification exam.
Millwright Professional Associations
Though there is no nationwide millwrights’ professional association, most millwrights are a part of a union, whether it is associated with their particular company or industry of choice. Unions come with the benefit of more support from colleagues and a commitment to professionalism for their craft—meaning that union members will push for newer entrants to receive their certification faster and perform up to certain standards. Furthermore, unions generally try to facilitate better communication between the workers and the factories in which they are working in, as to be able to get better equipment, benefits, and wages in general. However, some employers feel too pressured by union demands and may not look favorably upon new employees who may join a union. They might feel that the employees are trying to gather larger numbers as if to challenge the employer’s authority for the sake of higher wages and more vacation time. Once again, much like millwrights’ wages, it should be noted that all union activities and by-laws vary by state and industry—to this point, interested parties should definitely research the union’s presence in their area, as well as the employer’s relationship with their unions, before becoming a part of one.
Material Handler Job Description & Career Opportunities
The duties of a material handler are centered on manual and clerical work related to shopping, receiving, inspecting, storing, issuing, and delivering a variety of materials, equipment and supplies. The material handler assists in the distribution as well as in the processing of parts within an organization.
The major duty of a material handler is handling and managing all stock items, receiving deliveries into the warehouse, filling orders given to him by the different departments, and handling highly confidential information or items such as money. It is the material handler’s responsibility to ensure the stable flow of materials in the supply chain.
Duties and Responsibilities
Material handlers are frequently employed by manufacturing companies, warehouses, retail stores, and wholesalers to move merchandise and materials from shipment to production floor. They load and unload materials in warehouses and storage facilities. Some materials are moved by transport equipment like trucks and trains. Material handlers are the ones who load and unload these shipments. When materials are delivered, it is the handler’s task to ensure accuracy of the delivery through comparing the invoice and the actual items.
Material handlers also prepare the materials for shipping. They weigh, pack, and stamp them and choose the shipment method as according to shipping procedures, routes, and rates. Material handlers participate in routing, counting, and inspecting items while loading and unloading trucks. They also prepare necessary shipping forms such as bills of lading.
Other duties may include providing on the job training to lower level employees and resolving problems regarding shipping, receiving, and stock operations. Material handlers also transport high technology, high dollar cost equipment, laboratory supplies, office supplies, furniture, and hazardous materials to customers.
Education and Skills
This position does not require an elaborate educational background. It is often considered an entry-level position. Most employers only require a high school diploma.
Candidates for this position should have concrete knowledge of automated or computerized system operation. He should also be familiar with safety practices and record keeping. He should have the physical ability to lift heavy packages and objects. He should be able to operate a forklift and other materials handling equipment or any large vehicles in tight and congested areas. Basic knowledge of math and computers is certainly an advantage. He must have knowledge on basic computer programs since the job requires creating reports and record keeping. Communication skills are also a must.
The position of material handler requires candidates who have high integrity, honesty, and capable of handling situations discreetly and calmly. He should have a keen eye for details and must be able to accomplish work on a set deadline. He should be able to work in a physically demanding environment.
Work Conditions and Salary
Material handlers are generally stationed at the company’s warehouse. Their salary / compensation depends on the company, size of production, location, and amount of duty. Hence, the average salary for a material handler is $26,975 per year. Work experience can also affect a material handler’s salary rate.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
The major duty of a material handler is handling and managing all stock items, receiving deliveries into the warehouse, filling orders given to him by the different departments, and handling highly confidential information or items such as money. It is the material handler’s responsibility to ensure the stable flow of materials in the supply chain.
Duties and Responsibilities
Material handlers are frequently employed by manufacturing companies, warehouses, retail stores, and wholesalers to move merchandise and materials from shipment to production floor. They load and unload materials in warehouses and storage facilities. Some materials are moved by transport equipment like trucks and trains. Material handlers are the ones who load and unload these shipments. When materials are delivered, it is the handler’s task to ensure accuracy of the delivery through comparing the invoice and the actual items.
Material handlers also prepare the materials for shipping. They weigh, pack, and stamp them and choose the shipment method as according to shipping procedures, routes, and rates. Material handlers participate in routing, counting, and inspecting items while loading and unloading trucks. They also prepare necessary shipping forms such as bills of lading.
Other duties may include providing on the job training to lower level employees and resolving problems regarding shipping, receiving, and stock operations. Material handlers also transport high technology, high dollar cost equipment, laboratory supplies, office supplies, furniture, and hazardous materials to customers.
Education and Skills
This position does not require an elaborate educational background. It is often considered an entry-level position. Most employers only require a high school diploma.
Candidates for this position should have concrete knowledge of automated or computerized system operation. He should also be familiar with safety practices and record keeping. He should have the physical ability to lift heavy packages and objects. He should be able to operate a forklift and other materials handling equipment or any large vehicles in tight and congested areas. Basic knowledge of math and computers is certainly an advantage. He must have knowledge on basic computer programs since the job requires creating reports and record keeping. Communication skills are also a must.
The position of material handler requires candidates who have high integrity, honesty, and capable of handling situations discreetly and calmly. He should have a keen eye for details and must be able to accomplish work on a set deadline. He should be able to work in a physically demanding environment.
Work Conditions and Salary
Material handlers are generally stationed at the company’s warehouse. Their salary / compensation depends on the company, size of production, location, and amount of duty. Hence, the average salary for a material handler is $26,975 per year. Work experience can also affect a material handler’s salary rate.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Machinist Job Description & Career Opportunities
Being a machinist is precise work that calls for a precise mind. There is an abundance of measuring, cutting, calculating, and use of machines. It’s not a job that is for everyone, but it may be just the right fit for you.
Machinist Job Responsibilities
Machinist utilize machine tools like milling machines, grinders, and lathes to create metal parts. Precision machinists usually make small orders or unique items even though they may make substantial amounts of an individual part. They put their knowledge of the working components of metal and their ability with machine tools to good use to fulfill the operations necessary to make machined products to satisfy certain specifications. The parts machinists produce vary from automobile pistons to bolts.
Production machinists may make make large numbers of one part, more specifically parts needing the use of intricate operations and substantial precision. Several current machine tools are “computer numerically controlled (CNC).” CNC machines carry out the instructions of a computer program to maintain proper cutting tool speed, exchange worn tools, and carry out all necessary cuts to make a part. Machinist usually work with computer-controlled programmers to find out how the programmed equipment will slice a part. It’s the machinist’s job to determine the slicing path, feed rate, and the speed of the slice. The programmer changes the path, feed information, and speed into a list of instructions for the CNC machine tool. Machinists have to be able to use computer-controlled machinery as well as manual machinery in their job.
Maintenance machinists make new or fix existing parts for machinery. After a maintenance laborer or industrial machinery mechanic finds the broken part of a machine, they then inform and give the broken piece to the machinist. Machinists look to blueprints in order to fix broken parts and carry out the same machining operations that were required to produce the original piece. Maintenance machinists operate in several manufacturing industries where production machinists are focused on limited industries.
The technology of machining is quickly advancing and for that reason machinists have to be able to successfully navigate a wide range of machines. Some of the machines out today use water jets, electrified wires, or lasers to cut the part. While a few of the computer controls are the same as other machine tools, machinists have to comprehend the special slicing properties of these different machines. Engineers are constantly producing new kinds of machine tools as well as new materials to machine; for that reason machinists have to always be up-to-date on new machining techniques and properties.
Machinist Training and Education Requirements
There are many paths that lead to becoming a skilled machinist. Several have previously worked as operators, machine setters, or tenders. High school students should have advanced math courses under their belts, especially geometry and trigonometry. Classes in blueprint reading, drafting, and metalworking are useful as well. Advanced positions call for the use of advanced applied physics and calculus. Because of the growing utilization of computer-controlled machinery, fundamental computer skills are required before embarking on a training program. Some machinists complete their learning in the field after high school, but a great deal gather their skills in a combination of on-the-job and classroom training. Formal apprenticeship programs are usually sponsored by a manufacturer or a union and are a great for aspiring machinists, but keep in mind that they can be challenging to get into. More often than not apprentices are required to have a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent; and also have trigonometry and algebra classes.
Machinist Salary and Wages
The median hourly wages of machinists were $17.41 in May of 2008. The middle fifty percent made between $13.66 and $21.85. The lowest ten percent made less than $10.79, and the top ten percent made more than $26.60. Apprentices make substantially less than well-versed machinists, but wages increase rapidly as their skills develop. Most employers are even willing to pay for apprentices’ training courses.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Machinist Certification
In order to advance their level of skills and degree of competency, several State apprenticeship boards, training facilities, and colleges offer certification programs. Successful completion of certification programs awards a machinist with more and better career chances and assists employers in deciding the level of abilities of new hires. Journeyworker certification may be awarded from State apprenticeship boards after finishing an apprenticeship. This kind of certification is regarded by several employers and paves the way to better career chances.
Machinist Professional Associations
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) was founded in 1888 by 19 machinists that called themselves The Order of United Machinist and Mechanical Engineers. The association remained clandestine for a number of years because of employer hostility directed at organized labor. In 1889 the first Machinist Union convention convened with 34 locals represented, hosted in the chambers of the Georgia State Senate. Tom Talbot was declared “Grand Master Machinist” and the IAM monthly journal began. At the gathering the union’s name was switched to ‘National Association of Machinists.’ Since The spread of NAM across North America forced the union once again to change their name, this time to ‘The International Association of Machinists.’
Machinist Job Responsibilities
Machinist utilize machine tools like milling machines, grinders, and lathes to create metal parts. Precision machinists usually make small orders or unique items even though they may make substantial amounts of an individual part. They put their knowledge of the working components of metal and their ability with machine tools to good use to fulfill the operations necessary to make machined products to satisfy certain specifications. The parts machinists produce vary from automobile pistons to bolts.
Production machinists may make make large numbers of one part, more specifically parts needing the use of intricate operations and substantial precision. Several current machine tools are “computer numerically controlled (CNC).” CNC machines carry out the instructions of a computer program to maintain proper cutting tool speed, exchange worn tools, and carry out all necessary cuts to make a part. Machinist usually work with computer-controlled programmers to find out how the programmed equipment will slice a part. It’s the machinist’s job to determine the slicing path, feed rate, and the speed of the slice. The programmer changes the path, feed information, and speed into a list of instructions for the CNC machine tool. Machinists have to be able to use computer-controlled machinery as well as manual machinery in their job.
Maintenance machinists make new or fix existing parts for machinery. After a maintenance laborer or industrial machinery mechanic finds the broken part of a machine, they then inform and give the broken piece to the machinist. Machinists look to blueprints in order to fix broken parts and carry out the same machining operations that were required to produce the original piece. Maintenance machinists operate in several manufacturing industries where production machinists are focused on limited industries.
The technology of machining is quickly advancing and for that reason machinists have to be able to successfully navigate a wide range of machines. Some of the machines out today use water jets, electrified wires, or lasers to cut the part. While a few of the computer controls are the same as other machine tools, machinists have to comprehend the special slicing properties of these different machines. Engineers are constantly producing new kinds of machine tools as well as new materials to machine; for that reason machinists have to always be up-to-date on new machining techniques and properties.
Machinist Training and Education Requirements
There are many paths that lead to becoming a skilled machinist. Several have previously worked as operators, machine setters, or tenders. High school students should have advanced math courses under their belts, especially geometry and trigonometry. Classes in blueprint reading, drafting, and metalworking are useful as well. Advanced positions call for the use of advanced applied physics and calculus. Because of the growing utilization of computer-controlled machinery, fundamental computer skills are required before embarking on a training program. Some machinists complete their learning in the field after high school, but a great deal gather their skills in a combination of on-the-job and classroom training. Formal apprenticeship programs are usually sponsored by a manufacturer or a union and are a great for aspiring machinists, but keep in mind that they can be challenging to get into. More often than not apprentices are required to have a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent; and also have trigonometry and algebra classes.
Machinist Salary and Wages
The median hourly wages of machinists were $17.41 in May of 2008. The middle fifty percent made between $13.66 and $21.85. The lowest ten percent made less than $10.79, and the top ten percent made more than $26.60. Apprentices make substantially less than well-versed machinists, but wages increase rapidly as their skills develop. Most employers are even willing to pay for apprentices’ training courses.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Machinist Certification
In order to advance their level of skills and degree of competency, several State apprenticeship boards, training facilities, and colleges offer certification programs. Successful completion of certification programs awards a machinist with more and better career chances and assists employers in deciding the level of abilities of new hires. Journeyworker certification may be awarded from State apprenticeship boards after finishing an apprenticeship. This kind of certification is regarded by several employers and paves the way to better career chances.
Machinist Professional Associations
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) was founded in 1888 by 19 machinists that called themselves The Order of United Machinist and Mechanical Engineers. The association remained clandestine for a number of years because of employer hostility directed at organized labor. In 1889 the first Machinist Union convention convened with 34 locals represented, hosted in the chambers of the Georgia State Senate. Tom Talbot was declared “Grand Master Machinist” and the IAM monthly journal began. At the gathering the union’s name was switched to ‘National Association of Machinists.’ Since The spread of NAM across North America forced the union once again to change their name, this time to ‘The International Association of Machinists.’
Ironworker Job Description & Career Opportunities
Skyscrapers and other infrastructures from years back would not have lasted very long without the help of skilled engineering, exceptional design, and durable ironwork. Construction moved several levels higher because industrialization paved the way for metal to be used as one of the staple materials.
History
The metal iron has long been used for construction since Roman times. Even though iron is really susceptible to rust, it still is one of the most durable materials ever discovered and heavily incorporated into industrial activities. In the 1880s, ordinary bridges maker or carpenters became ironworkers.
Eventually, ironworking became a separate industry and ironworking a specialized profession. They were usually seen working atop very high construction sites, making sure that the iron framework is built properly and strongly. Back then, because ironworkers always worked in dangerous work sites despite low safety precautions, their mortality rate was very high. The IUI or International Union of Ironworkers made sure that the widows and families of the ironworkers who either died or became gravely injured at work were well taken care of financially. Since then the number of ironworkers increased again. This profession’s demand rose and so did the wages. From a mere $2 a day, nowadays, an ironworker earns $24.15 per hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Scope of the Job
An ironworker is an individual who constructs or erects complex, pre-designed structural frameworks that serve as the foundations for functional or ornamental infrastructures such as hospitals, bridges, arenas, stadiums, buildings, and towers. These people work with equally skilled architects and engineers in order to build with tough durability that will last for decades.
They are also responsible for rebarring or reinforcing bars of steel and installing post-tensioning apparatus. This extra work gives an even stronger framework for the structure concerned.
Ironworkers also load up, set, place, and unload construction machineries such as hoists and lifts to enable more efficient construction.
These construction professionals are also responsible for building window walls, curtain walls, pre-casting stone and concrete, and making metal doors, elevator facades, metal stairs and metal handrails.
If you see workers that secure themselves on top or below huge bridges and buildings, they are the ironworkers who are performing maintenance checks and re-constructions for these structures.
Originally, ironworkers only had iron as their material to work with. Nowadays, they could already work with composites, glass, concrete, non-ferrous metals, plastic, ferrous metals, and glass.
Types of Ironworkers
There are several founded types of ironworkers these days:
An ornamental ironworker works with metal with the aim of producing ornamental add-ons to infrastructures. They make all types of doors, entranceways, cat walks, elevator fronts, railings, gates, gratings, metal screens, platforms, fencing, and ladders. They also install the needed curtain walls, metal windows, and window wall systems.
A reinforcing ironworker makes reinforcing bars according to the design made. They connect these bars together with tie wire. These are then placed inside the forms already made so that concrete can be poured over them. The result is an extra strong and solid foundation for the structure.
A structural ironworker prepares the cranes that will help them hoist the metal beams onto the erected metal columns. Once these columns and beams are on top of each other, these professionals manually bolt them together with their special tools.
If you want to become one of the specialized professionals in the field of metal construction, then being an ironworker is for you.
History
The metal iron has long been used for construction since Roman times. Even though iron is really susceptible to rust, it still is one of the most durable materials ever discovered and heavily incorporated into industrial activities. In the 1880s, ordinary bridges maker or carpenters became ironworkers.
Eventually, ironworking became a separate industry and ironworking a specialized profession. They were usually seen working atop very high construction sites, making sure that the iron framework is built properly and strongly. Back then, because ironworkers always worked in dangerous work sites despite low safety precautions, their mortality rate was very high. The IUI or International Union of Ironworkers made sure that the widows and families of the ironworkers who either died or became gravely injured at work were well taken care of financially. Since then the number of ironworkers increased again. This profession’s demand rose and so did the wages. From a mere $2 a day, nowadays, an ironworker earns $24.15 per hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Scope of the Job
An ironworker is an individual who constructs or erects complex, pre-designed structural frameworks that serve as the foundations for functional or ornamental infrastructures such as hospitals, bridges, arenas, stadiums, buildings, and towers. These people work with equally skilled architects and engineers in order to build with tough durability that will last for decades.
They are also responsible for rebarring or reinforcing bars of steel and installing post-tensioning apparatus. This extra work gives an even stronger framework for the structure concerned.
Ironworkers also load up, set, place, and unload construction machineries such as hoists and lifts to enable more efficient construction.
These construction professionals are also responsible for building window walls, curtain walls, pre-casting stone and concrete, and making metal doors, elevator facades, metal stairs and metal handrails.
If you see workers that secure themselves on top or below huge bridges and buildings, they are the ironworkers who are performing maintenance checks and re-constructions for these structures.
Originally, ironworkers only had iron as their material to work with. Nowadays, they could already work with composites, glass, concrete, non-ferrous metals, plastic, ferrous metals, and glass.
Types of Ironworkers
There are several founded types of ironworkers these days:
An ornamental ironworker works with metal with the aim of producing ornamental add-ons to infrastructures. They make all types of doors, entranceways, cat walks, elevator fronts, railings, gates, gratings, metal screens, platforms, fencing, and ladders. They also install the needed curtain walls, metal windows, and window wall systems.
A reinforcing ironworker makes reinforcing bars according to the design made. They connect these bars together with tie wire. These are then placed inside the forms already made so that concrete can be poured over them. The result is an extra strong and solid foundation for the structure.
A structural ironworker prepares the cranes that will help them hoist the metal beams onto the erected metal columns. Once these columns and beams are on top of each other, these professionals manually bolt them together with their special tools.
If you want to become one of the specialized professionals in the field of metal construction, then being an ironworker is for you.
Food-Processing Job Description & Career Opportunities
There’s a wide variety of workers that are classified under the food processing category, work that involves processing raw food products into the finished goods sold by restaurants, grocers, institutional food services, and wholesalers. Processors carry out several tasks and bear the responsibility of producing several of the food products that can be found in the cabinets, pantries, and refrigerators of every household. Some might slaughter or process meat, others are bakers, and others still work with food processing equipment.
Food-Processing Job Responsibilities
Bakers combine and bake ingredients, adhering to recipes to create the requested number and kinds of pastries, breads, and other baked goods. Usually bakers work in commercial bakeries that sell pastries and breads through established retail and wholesale outlets, manufacturers’ outlets, or mail order. In such manufacturing facilities, bakers bake the usual baked goods in substantial amounts, with the utilization of ovens, high-volume mixing machines, and other equipment. Specialty shops and grocers churn out lesser amounts of pastries, breads, and various other baked goods to sell on their premises or as specialty baked goods. Even though the quantities sold in these kinds of stores are small, they come in a variety of sizes and flavors.
Other workers process animal carcasses into cuts of meat fit for consumption, known as either case-ready or boxed meat. The nature of their jobs is dependent on the the level of process in which they are included. In animal slaughtering and processing plants, meat packers and slaughterers slaughter sheep, cows, and hogs before slicing carcasses into wholesale cuts like ribs, tenders, and loins as well as chunks to assist with the marketing, handling, distributing, and sale of meat. A few meat packer and slaughterers in a number of plants further process the larger parts into case-ready cuts that have been made ready for the retail stores. Grocers and retailers have begun to prefer such readily packaged meat products because a butcher is no longer required to further divide the cuts for sale. Meat packers and slaughterers also prepare sausages, luncheon meats, and synthesized meat products, and produce meat trimmings and hamburger meat. Normally they operate on assembly lines with each worker being responsible for just a small number of the several cuts required to process a carcass. Equipment used includes, meat saws, cleavers, knives, and other potentially dangerous equipment.
Food-Processing Training and Education Requirements
Bakers need to be proficient in decorating, icing, and of course baking. Usually they begin their careers as apprentices or trainees. Apprentice bakers normally start out in craft bakeries and trainees will normally start in store bakeries. Several apprentice bakers become active in correspondence study and might work towards a certificate in baking.
The skills required to become a baker are often undervalued. Bakers need to know how to mix ingredients and learn the affects that heat can have on ingredients. They must learn how to work and maintain a variety of equipment used in the production process. Nutrition classes are useful for those selling baked goods or creating new recipes.
On-the-job training is normal in regards to food machine operators and tenders. They learn how to operate different types of equipment by observing and assisting other workers. Training can span a month to an entire year, depending on the difficulty of the jobs and the amount of products involved.
Food-Processing Salary and Wages
Salary and wages are dependent on education, skill, and location. In May 2008 the median annual wages of bakers were $23,290. The middle 50 percent made between $18,760 and $29,720. The lowest ten percent made less than $16,420, and the highest ten percent made more than $37,250. In May 200 the median annual wages of meat cutters and butchers were $28,290. The middle 50 percent made between $21,700 and $36,670. The lowest ten percent made less than $17,600 and the highest ten percent made more than $45,060.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Food-Processing Certifications
The Retail Bakers of America offers certification for four levels of comprehension with a concentration on multiple areas, including management, staff training, baking sanitation, and retail sales. Those desiring to be certified have to meet a combination of experience and education requirements before taking an exam. The experience and education requirements are dependent on the level of certification an applicant desires. For instance, a certified journey baker doesn’t need a formal education, but instead needs at least one year of work experience. On the other hand, a certified master baker has to have the certified baker designation, and has to have finished 30 hours of sanitation coursework approved by a culinary school of government agency, 30 hours of advanced development workshops or classes, and at least eight years of retail or commercial baking experience.
Food-Processing Professional Associations
The Midwest Food Processors Association, Inc. is an organization that was created for food processing companies and associated industries in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The group was founded in 1905 as the Wisconsin Canners Association and now represents a varied society of food processors on a number of food issues. The association’s overall activities can be characterized in four words; educate, advocate communicate, and facilitate.
Food-Processing Job Responsibilities
Bakers combine and bake ingredients, adhering to recipes to create the requested number and kinds of pastries, breads, and other baked goods. Usually bakers work in commercial bakeries that sell pastries and breads through established retail and wholesale outlets, manufacturers’ outlets, or mail order. In such manufacturing facilities, bakers bake the usual baked goods in substantial amounts, with the utilization of ovens, high-volume mixing machines, and other equipment. Specialty shops and grocers churn out lesser amounts of pastries, breads, and various other baked goods to sell on their premises or as specialty baked goods. Even though the quantities sold in these kinds of stores are small, they come in a variety of sizes and flavors.
Other workers process animal carcasses into cuts of meat fit for consumption, known as either case-ready or boxed meat. The nature of their jobs is dependent on the the level of process in which they are included. In animal slaughtering and processing plants, meat packers and slaughterers slaughter sheep, cows, and hogs before slicing carcasses into wholesale cuts like ribs, tenders, and loins as well as chunks to assist with the marketing, handling, distributing, and sale of meat. A few meat packer and slaughterers in a number of plants further process the larger parts into case-ready cuts that have been made ready for the retail stores. Grocers and retailers have begun to prefer such readily packaged meat products because a butcher is no longer required to further divide the cuts for sale. Meat packers and slaughterers also prepare sausages, luncheon meats, and synthesized meat products, and produce meat trimmings and hamburger meat. Normally they operate on assembly lines with each worker being responsible for just a small number of the several cuts required to process a carcass. Equipment used includes, meat saws, cleavers, knives, and other potentially dangerous equipment.
Food-Processing Training and Education Requirements
Bakers need to be proficient in decorating, icing, and of course baking. Usually they begin their careers as apprentices or trainees. Apprentice bakers normally start out in craft bakeries and trainees will normally start in store bakeries. Several apprentice bakers become active in correspondence study and might work towards a certificate in baking.
The skills required to become a baker are often undervalued. Bakers need to know how to mix ingredients and learn the affects that heat can have on ingredients. They must learn how to work and maintain a variety of equipment used in the production process. Nutrition classes are useful for those selling baked goods or creating new recipes.
On-the-job training is normal in regards to food machine operators and tenders. They learn how to operate different types of equipment by observing and assisting other workers. Training can span a month to an entire year, depending on the difficulty of the jobs and the amount of products involved.
Food-Processing Salary and Wages
Salary and wages are dependent on education, skill, and location. In May 2008 the median annual wages of bakers were $23,290. The middle 50 percent made between $18,760 and $29,720. The lowest ten percent made less than $16,420, and the highest ten percent made more than $37,250. In May 200 the median annual wages of meat cutters and butchers were $28,290. The middle 50 percent made between $21,700 and $36,670. The lowest ten percent made less than $17,600 and the highest ten percent made more than $45,060.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Food-Processing Certifications
The Retail Bakers of America offers certification for four levels of comprehension with a concentration on multiple areas, including management, staff training, baking sanitation, and retail sales. Those desiring to be certified have to meet a combination of experience and education requirements before taking an exam. The experience and education requirements are dependent on the level of certification an applicant desires. For instance, a certified journey baker doesn’t need a formal education, but instead needs at least one year of work experience. On the other hand, a certified master baker has to have the certified baker designation, and has to have finished 30 hours of sanitation coursework approved by a culinary school of government agency, 30 hours of advanced development workshops or classes, and at least eight years of retail or commercial baking experience.
Food-Processing Professional Associations
The Midwest Food Processors Association, Inc. is an organization that was created for food processing companies and associated industries in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The group was founded in 1905 as the Wisconsin Canners Association and now represents a varied society of food processors on a number of food issues. The association’s overall activities can be characterized in four words; educate, advocate communicate, and facilitate.
Enologist Job Description & Career Opportunities
Enologists are wine experts, widely knowledgeable abut wines and are often in charge of wine production in a given winery. They oversee every step of wine production, from start to finish. They are charged with ensuring that each specific wine is produced to the highest quality level and often work in close liaison with lab technicians. They also work closely with all departments in a wine production outfit to ascertain that all regulations and standards are met.
Enologist Job Responsibilities
The enologist is responsible for inspecting the grapes before they can be used. This applies to both grapes in the field if the company grows its own grapes and grapes delivered to the winery. They also determine when grapes are ready for harvest and production; and which harvests are used for specific types of wines. Most importantly, they determine when the wine production starts, based on several factors.
It is the responsibility of the enologist to ensure that grapes are transported safely to the production area. Throughout this movement, they should be handled in a way that retains their value and quality.
The enologist ensures that the proper grape crushing techniques are used in order to produce wine of the highest quality. They are responsible for maintaining quality control of all wines produced in the winery and for this work with the laboratory technician to ensure that all testing protocols are followed. They oversee the fermentation, blending and bottling processes as well.
Enologists are also responsible for developing new wines and depending on the size of the winery where they are working, may even specialize in a specific type of wine.
Enologist Training and Education Requirements
To become an enologist, one requires an undergraduate degree, preferably a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in enology. To qualify for an enology degree course, you must undertake the relevant courses in high school, which include mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. This increases your chances of admission to university.
However, one can still enter the enology job market if they have a degree in a related field, considering the fact that the number of universities offering enology degrees has reduced. These are degrees in chemistry, crop and soil science and microbiology.
In addition, one must have experience and thorough knowledge about wines. Employers require between one and three years of experience to consider one knowledgeable enough for the job. Students hoping to become enologists can meet this requirement by taking up internships and summer jobs throughout their training program.
Enologist Salary and Wages
There are fewer job openings for enologists than for many other professionals. However, when one is competent enough, they can easily get a job. The number of graduates in enology is thankfully not so huge, and this makes it easier for fresh graduates to find jobs.
Demand for enologists in the next five years is expected to increase, largely because a large percentage of the current enologists are nearing their retirement age. This will leave a considerable number of openings for fresh enology graduates.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
As the number of small wineries continues to thrive in the country, enologists will have reliable jobs. Another way for enologists to earn is by starting their own wineries. This presents better prospects for earning, especially if one has specialist knowledge and experience producing specific wines.
On average, enologists earn an average of $60,000 a year. The starting salary is around $40,000. Enologists can also work on contractual basis. The wages for this are approximately $25 an hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Enologist Certification
Enologists intending to start their own wineries or export wine must be certified by the National Laboratory Center Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. To qualify for certification, one must be an enology graduate or a graduate chemist. This must be supported by educational and professional documentation to prove one’s qualification and abilities.
In addition, one must submit to the bureau director an analysis report of a sample of any red wine and another one of white wine. Alongside with this report, they must also provide 750 ml of each of the analyzed wines for analysis by the bureau chemists.
Most employers though do not require one to be certified before they can give them a job.
Enologist Professional Associations
The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) is the main professional association for enologists. The association was established in 1950 and was originally made up of California winemakers and researchers from the University of California. Over the years, the association has expanded to establish nationwide membership. It currently has 2400 members and 100 industrial affiliates. It has three chapters: the Northwest Chapter, Eastern US Chapter and ASEV Japan Chapter.
It addresses and promotes the interests of wine growing, research and production. Under the association, enologists enjoy annual industry seminars, wine and grape symposiums, technical updates, research forums, online access to the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (including archives), ASEV e-newsletters and other publications.
Enologist Job Responsibilities
The enologist is responsible for inspecting the grapes before they can be used. This applies to both grapes in the field if the company grows its own grapes and grapes delivered to the winery. They also determine when grapes are ready for harvest and production; and which harvests are used for specific types of wines. Most importantly, they determine when the wine production starts, based on several factors.
It is the responsibility of the enologist to ensure that grapes are transported safely to the production area. Throughout this movement, they should be handled in a way that retains their value and quality.
The enologist ensures that the proper grape crushing techniques are used in order to produce wine of the highest quality. They are responsible for maintaining quality control of all wines produced in the winery and for this work with the laboratory technician to ensure that all testing protocols are followed. They oversee the fermentation, blending and bottling processes as well.
Enologists are also responsible for developing new wines and depending on the size of the winery where they are working, may even specialize in a specific type of wine.
Enologist Training and Education Requirements
To become an enologist, one requires an undergraduate degree, preferably a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in enology. To qualify for an enology degree course, you must undertake the relevant courses in high school, which include mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. This increases your chances of admission to university.
However, one can still enter the enology job market if they have a degree in a related field, considering the fact that the number of universities offering enology degrees has reduced. These are degrees in chemistry, crop and soil science and microbiology.
In addition, one must have experience and thorough knowledge about wines. Employers require between one and three years of experience to consider one knowledgeable enough for the job. Students hoping to become enologists can meet this requirement by taking up internships and summer jobs throughout their training program.
Enologist Salary and Wages
There are fewer job openings for enologists than for many other professionals. However, when one is competent enough, they can easily get a job. The number of graduates in enology is thankfully not so huge, and this makes it easier for fresh graduates to find jobs.
Demand for enologists in the next five years is expected to increase, largely because a large percentage of the current enologists are nearing their retirement age. This will leave a considerable number of openings for fresh enology graduates.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
As the number of small wineries continues to thrive in the country, enologists will have reliable jobs. Another way for enologists to earn is by starting their own wineries. This presents better prospects for earning, especially if one has specialist knowledge and experience producing specific wines.
On average, enologists earn an average of $60,000 a year. The starting salary is around $40,000. Enologists can also work on contractual basis. The wages for this are approximately $25 an hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Enologist Certification
Enologists intending to start their own wineries or export wine must be certified by the National Laboratory Center Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. To qualify for certification, one must be an enology graduate or a graduate chemist. This must be supported by educational and professional documentation to prove one’s qualification and abilities.
In addition, one must submit to the bureau director an analysis report of a sample of any red wine and another one of white wine. Alongside with this report, they must also provide 750 ml of each of the analyzed wines for analysis by the bureau chemists.
Most employers though do not require one to be certified before they can give them a job.
Enologist Professional Associations
The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) is the main professional association for enologists. The association was established in 1950 and was originally made up of California winemakers and researchers from the University of California. Over the years, the association has expanded to establish nationwide membership. It currently has 2400 members and 100 industrial affiliates. It has three chapters: the Northwest Chapter, Eastern US Chapter and ASEV Japan Chapter.
It addresses and promotes the interests of wine growing, research and production. Under the association, enologists enjoy annual industry seminars, wine and grape symposiums, technical updates, research forums, online access to the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (including archives), ASEV e-newsletters and other publications.
Assembly Line Job Description & Career Opportunities
An assembly line is a division of a construction procedure that involves parts or components being supplemented to products like mechanical assemblies, resilient goods, or cars. It can comprise connecting particular components of a product, or the complete construction of an item and prepared for distribution. Individuals who take care of this job are called assembly workers or assembly line workers. Assemblers are mainly working in a team setting, guided by instructions and linking pieces of components to create a certain consumer product.
Education and Qualifications
The educational requirements for an assembly line position are normally low, and most of the time it depends on their specific designation. There are designations for assemblers, which gives them specific duties in the field. Weighers, Samplers, and Sorters on usually need to have a high school diploma to get the job.
One significant prerequisite for assemblers is they need to have undergone training or have a certificate to operate machinery. Assembly line workers frequently work in rotating shifts. Lofty excellence and high level work is expected of them and quotas are habitually put in place to persuade high production. Assembly line workers who are successful are hardworking and patient employees that are focused, pay attention to details, and execute recurring responsibilities over extensive phases of time. They are bodily fit, security cognizant, and able to work soundly with others.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assembly line jobs have different positions ranging from assemblers to production line managers, so duties and responsibilities differ for specific positions. However, in general, they are the ones who bring together and manufacture splices, shims, and gussets. They also manufacture plastic frames, wires, and metal pieces. They are the ones in charge of supporting and assisting structure installation and assemblage. Assembly line workers are also the ones who carry out structural assembly tasks like fittings, reworking, and bulkhead assemblies. Their duties and responsibilities also cover understanding illustrated designs, blueprints, and layouts relating to assembly functions.
Compensation
Assemblers are prone to hazardous incidents and accidents which are technically part of their daily job responsibilities. Assembly line workers work in deafening shops and industrial units surrounded by hazardous and large equipments. Precarious machinery exposes assembly line workers to the hazard of back, hand and arm injuries, as well as the danger of internal injuries, buns and even probable death. Considering the danger that assemblers have to face they are compensated well, but most of the time it depends on the company they are working with.
The average assembly line worker’s annual salary is $20,000 – $40,000 per year which includes overtime pas, profit sharing, and bonuses. Some assemblers from other companies receive $40,000 – $50,000 per year. In BMW’s assembly line, the average salary they get in a year is around 40,000 euros. They have been the world’s first blue-chip company to develop a new pay structure that links the bonuses of its top executives to the wages of regular workers. The assembly line workers, or the blue-collar men, will be the last to feel the pain if sales slumps.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Education and Qualifications
The educational requirements for an assembly line position are normally low, and most of the time it depends on their specific designation. There are designations for assemblers, which gives them specific duties in the field. Weighers, Samplers, and Sorters on usually need to have a high school diploma to get the job.
One significant prerequisite for assemblers is they need to have undergone training or have a certificate to operate machinery. Assembly line workers frequently work in rotating shifts. Lofty excellence and high level work is expected of them and quotas are habitually put in place to persuade high production. Assembly line workers who are successful are hardworking and patient employees that are focused, pay attention to details, and execute recurring responsibilities over extensive phases of time. They are bodily fit, security cognizant, and able to work soundly with others.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assembly line jobs have different positions ranging from assemblers to production line managers, so duties and responsibilities differ for specific positions. However, in general, they are the ones who bring together and manufacture splices, shims, and gussets. They also manufacture plastic frames, wires, and metal pieces. They are the ones in charge of supporting and assisting structure installation and assemblage. Assembly line workers are also the ones who carry out structural assembly tasks like fittings, reworking, and bulkhead assemblies. Their duties and responsibilities also cover understanding illustrated designs, blueprints, and layouts relating to assembly functions.
Compensation
Assemblers are prone to hazardous incidents and accidents which are technically part of their daily job responsibilities. Assembly line workers work in deafening shops and industrial units surrounded by hazardous and large equipments. Precarious machinery exposes assembly line workers to the hazard of back, hand and arm injuries, as well as the danger of internal injuries, buns and even probable death. Considering the danger that assemblers have to face they are compensated well, but most of the time it depends on the company they are working with.
The average assembly line worker’s annual salary is $20,000 – $40,000 per year which includes overtime pas, profit sharing, and bonuses. Some assemblers from other companies receive $40,000 – $50,000 per year. In BMW’s assembly line, the average salary they get in a year is around 40,000 euros. They have been the world’s first blue-chip company to develop a new pay structure that links the bonuses of its top executives to the wages of regular workers. The assembly line workers, or the blue-collar men, will be the last to feel the pain if sales slumps.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Assembly and Fabrication Job Description & Career Opportunities
Several different kinds of products are made by fabricators and assemblers with the utilization of a variety of manufactured parts of subassemblies. Workers participate in producing parts for computers, aircrafts, electrical and electronic systems, and automobile engines.
Job Description
Tasks for fabricators or assemblers vary from simple to complicated, necessitating a wide range of skills and knowledge. Experienced assemblers assembling complex machines, start by reading detailed blueprints or schematics that instruct them on how to put together the machine. After discovering how the parts should connect, they use power or hand tools to cut, shim, and make other modifications to fit pieces together and align correctly. Once the components are correctly aligned, they then connect them with screws and bolts or by soldering or welding parts together.
Team assemblers might still be on an assembly line, but they carry out a multitude of tasks instead of doing only a single task. The team might also discuss work assignments and how multiple tasks are done. Team assemblers’ flexibility assists companies to cover absent workers, enhances productivity, and increases companies’ skill to answer shifts in demand by changing from one product line to another. For instance, if demand for a product decreases, companies might decide to reduce the amount of workers making it, asking the left over employees to perform more stages of the assembly process.
Work by assemblers is either accomplished by a subassembly line or the final assembly line where an assortment of finished parts or goods are made. For example, electronic and electrical equipment assemblers put together radio or test equipment, missile control systems, machine-tool numerical controls, computers, radar/sonar, and prototypes of these or other goods. Electromechanical equipment assemblers check and make products such as appliances, ejection-seat mechanisms, or dynamometers. Finishers, coil winders, and tapers wrap the wire coil that is used in several different components like resistors, generators, transformers, and electric motors. Machine and engine assemblers construct of rebuild turbines and engines as well as construction, office, rolling mill, woodworking, agriculture, oilfield, paper, textile, woodmaking, food-wrapping, and paper equipment. Aircraft rigging, structure, surface, and system assemblers put together and perform installations of small parts in missiles, airplanes, or space vehicles, such as landing gear. Structural metal fitters and fabricators have to cut out, place, and put together structural metal pieces, adhering to precise instructions before welding or riveting.
Assembly and Fabrication Training and Education Requirements
Aspiring fabricators and assemblers usually being as novices. It is vital that one works swiftly with precision as they follow specific directions in order to get a job. Several employers like hiring applicants that at least are high school graduates. Acute reading ability is also necessary to comprehend assembly manuals and directions, but plenty of writings also use diagrams and sketches.
There are certain assembly positions that call for more training. For example, a number of potential employees in electronic or electrical assembly have to have formal training through military training or technical schools. Applicants only have to have informal job training which might include class instruction sponsored by the employee for most other jobs.
As experience is gained, workers have the chance to be promoted to jobs that require more ability and skill. Experienced assemblers might be promoted to repairer if they understand the producing of the product and have adequately learned how to put the product together. Repairers repair products that are regarded as defective by inspection workers. It’s also possible for assembly workers to move on to become quality control officers or supervisors. Other employees might be promoted to the research and development division, aiding product engineers and designers in the development and design process as they labor to test new products and create prototypes. Workers might start training to become a machinist or any other area of skill. Workers with a solid knowledge in math, computers, and science might be trained in programming or to become an operator of sophisticated automatic fabrication machinery.
Assembly and Fabrication Salary and Wages
Wages for fabricators and assemblers are dependent of factors such as location, skill level, industry, complexity of operated equipment, and level of education. Team assemblers made a median hourly earning of $11.42 in 2004. Electronic and electric assemblers made a median of $11.68 per hour, engine and other machine assemblers made a median of $16.73 an hour, $17.79 for aircraft assemblers, $12.71 was earned by electromechanical equipment assemblers, and fiberglass fabricators and laminators earned a median of $12.18 and hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Assembly and Fabrication Certifications
Certifications are not routine for several types of assemblers and fabricators. Several employers that hire electronic and electrical assembly workers, mainly those in the defense and aerospace industries, call for certifications in soldering, such as those offered by the IPC.
Assembly and Fabrication Professional Associations
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) is a professional association with over 2,00 company and individual members working with the goat of improving the metal fabrication and forming industry. Formed in 1970, FMA gathers manufacturers and fabricators through technology boards, networking events, educational programs, and FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show.
Job Description
Tasks for fabricators or assemblers vary from simple to complicated, necessitating a wide range of skills and knowledge. Experienced assemblers assembling complex machines, start by reading detailed blueprints or schematics that instruct them on how to put together the machine. After discovering how the parts should connect, they use power or hand tools to cut, shim, and make other modifications to fit pieces together and align correctly. Once the components are correctly aligned, they then connect them with screws and bolts or by soldering or welding parts together.
Team assemblers might still be on an assembly line, but they carry out a multitude of tasks instead of doing only a single task. The team might also discuss work assignments and how multiple tasks are done. Team assemblers’ flexibility assists companies to cover absent workers, enhances productivity, and increases companies’ skill to answer shifts in demand by changing from one product line to another. For instance, if demand for a product decreases, companies might decide to reduce the amount of workers making it, asking the left over employees to perform more stages of the assembly process.
Work by assemblers is either accomplished by a subassembly line or the final assembly line where an assortment of finished parts or goods are made. For example, electronic and electrical equipment assemblers put together radio or test equipment, missile control systems, machine-tool numerical controls, computers, radar/sonar, and prototypes of these or other goods. Electromechanical equipment assemblers check and make products such as appliances, ejection-seat mechanisms, or dynamometers. Finishers, coil winders, and tapers wrap the wire coil that is used in several different components like resistors, generators, transformers, and electric motors. Machine and engine assemblers construct of rebuild turbines and engines as well as construction, office, rolling mill, woodworking, agriculture, oilfield, paper, textile, woodmaking, food-wrapping, and paper equipment. Aircraft rigging, structure, surface, and system assemblers put together and perform installations of small parts in missiles, airplanes, or space vehicles, such as landing gear. Structural metal fitters and fabricators have to cut out, place, and put together structural metal pieces, adhering to precise instructions before welding or riveting.
Assembly and Fabrication Training and Education Requirements
Aspiring fabricators and assemblers usually being as novices. It is vital that one works swiftly with precision as they follow specific directions in order to get a job. Several employers like hiring applicants that at least are high school graduates. Acute reading ability is also necessary to comprehend assembly manuals and directions, but plenty of writings also use diagrams and sketches.
There are certain assembly positions that call for more training. For example, a number of potential employees in electronic or electrical assembly have to have formal training through military training or technical schools. Applicants only have to have informal job training which might include class instruction sponsored by the employee for most other jobs.
As experience is gained, workers have the chance to be promoted to jobs that require more ability and skill. Experienced assemblers might be promoted to repairer if they understand the producing of the product and have adequately learned how to put the product together. Repairers repair products that are regarded as defective by inspection workers. It’s also possible for assembly workers to move on to become quality control officers or supervisors. Other employees might be promoted to the research and development division, aiding product engineers and designers in the development and design process as they labor to test new products and create prototypes. Workers might start training to become a machinist or any other area of skill. Workers with a solid knowledge in math, computers, and science might be trained in programming or to become an operator of sophisticated automatic fabrication machinery.
Assembly and Fabrication Salary and Wages
Wages for fabricators and assemblers are dependent of factors such as location, skill level, industry, complexity of operated equipment, and level of education. Team assemblers made a median hourly earning of $11.42 in 2004. Electronic and electric assemblers made a median of $11.68 per hour, engine and other machine assemblers made a median of $16.73 an hour, $17.79 for aircraft assemblers, $12.71 was earned by electromechanical equipment assemblers, and fiberglass fabricators and laminators earned a median of $12.18 and hour.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Assembly and Fabrication Certifications
Certifications are not routine for several types of assemblers and fabricators. Several employers that hire electronic and electrical assembly workers, mainly those in the defense and aerospace industries, call for certifications in soldering, such as those offered by the IPC.
Assembly and Fabrication Professional Associations
The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) is a professional association with over 2,00 company and individual members working with the goat of improving the metal fabrication and forming industry. Formed in 1970, FMA gathers manufacturers and fabricators through technology boards, networking events, educational programs, and FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show.
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