Manufacturing Production Technicians

Take shop classes while in school to learn more about machines and machine processes and tools. Get a part-time job or apprenticeship in a manufacturing plant. Ask your school's career services offices for help with searching for employment opportunities. Keep up with the latest news and development in manufacturing by reading publications such as Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine (https://memuknews.com) and Industry Today (https://industrytoday.com). Attend industry-related conferences and events to meet people working in manufacturing and learn about career opportunities. Find event listings on Web sites such as https://manufacturingtomorrow.com/events.php.

Other ways to learn more about this career include participating in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with manufacturing production technicians; getting involved in summer exploration programs in STEM that are offered by colleges and universities; and participating in competitions that are offered by SkillsUSA, Technology Student Association, and other organizations.

The SME, a professional association for manufacturing workers in the U.S. and Canada, offers free membership for high school students (as well as a paid option for college students). Membership benefits include access to the “SME Connect” blog, scholarships, competitions, and a mentorship program, as well as a subscription to Manufacturing Engineering magazine. Learn more at https://www.sme.org/sme-membership/join-sme.