Biofuels Production Managers

High School

Useful courses for future biofuels production managers include biology, chemistry, math, earth science, environmental science, physics, history, and English. Be sure to take computer science classes. Knowledge of a foreign language is helpful for working with people from different countries. Take electronics, mechanics, and shop classes, too.

Postsecondary Training

The educational backgrounds of biofuels production managers vary. Most companies prefer to hire production managers with a four-year degree. Some may have a bachelor's degree in industrial technology or engineering, management, or business administration. Others may have a liberal arts degree and prior work experience in biofuels or related manufacturing facilities. Biofuels production managers typically receive training while on the job and through vocational schools.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers information on clean energy educational programs and internships at https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/clean-energy-jobs-and-planning.

Certification

Professional associations, online learning platforms, and colleges and universities offer certificate programs in biofuels, biotechnology, and related topics that help students and current technicians build their skills. Contact these organizations for more information.

Other Education or Training

Biofuels production managers continue their education through workshops and conferences offered by professional associations such as the Renewable Fuels Association, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Biological Sciences, and the American Society for Engineering Education.