Manufacturing Production Technicians

High School

Take courses in general mathematics, algebra, geometry, science, and mechanical drawing. Other classes that will help prepare you for work as a manufacturing production technician work are physics, computer science, and electronics. Any class that gives you experience in blueprint reading boosts your qualifications.

Postsecondary Training

For many technician jobs, an associate's degree or certificate from a vocational-technical school is required. As machinery and manufacturing processes have become more complex, production technicians must also have more formal training. Many production technicians participate in trade union-sponsored apprenticeship programs, which can last four years and include on-the-job and related classroom training. They learn how to set up and maintain machines as well as how to use various tools. Classroom topics cover mathematics, blueprint reading, safety, electrics, electronics, hydraulics, welding, and other subjects related to the trade. Classes also include computer programming and technologies, such as computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing software programs, and numerical control machine tools.

The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) offers the FAME Program in which students participate in a work-study opportunity to earn an associate degree and certification as an advanced manufacturing technician. Students attend classes at a local community college twice a week (8 hours or more each day) and work at least 24 hours a week for a local, sponsoring employer, while earning a competitive wage. Visit https://fame-usa.com/fame-program-for-students to learn more.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, industrial production, and emerging fields such as advanced artificial intelligence. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Manufacturing production technicians keep up with the latest technologies and industry practices by taking classes and attending workshops throughout their careers. They take courses offered by professional associations such as the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals, which offers webinars such as Gathering the Right Information for Predictive Maintenance and Best Practices for Condition Monitoring with Ultrasound. Contact the society for more information.