Manufacturing is a diverse industry that offers opportunities to people with a wide range of backgrounds.
Whether you’re interested in production, installation, logistics or engineering, it’s important to understand that businesses seek a specific set of skills from potential employees.
We have put together a list of the essential skills that we believe manufacturers are looking for
- Attention to Detail
With speed and precision being a high priority in manufacturing, it’s essential for workers to be focused and detail-oriented. When operating heavy machinery, a lack of attention can spell danger for you or your co-workers.
Attention to detail is also critical when it comes to completing work to a high standard, small details can make the difference in measurement and fittings and if these are completed incorrectly it can cause faults and flaws in the end product or service.
- Critical Thinking
To succeed in the manufacturing industry the individual has to be able to think on their feet and troubleshoot and resolve problems as they arrive.
Workers must be able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions or approaches to difficult situations.
- Interest and Aptitude for Technology
Technology is constantly evolving and changing the way manufacturing workplaces operate and coordinate. Advances in technology have altered the way manufacturing is operated.
By demonstrating an interest in technology and a strong desire to learn it, you’re sending a message of your long-term potential to employers.
- Flexibility
Many manufacturing positions now require knowledge of a wide variety of processes and procedures, so an employee who has been, or has the ability to be cross-trained is hugely valuable to a company.
Today, companies look for candidates that have the ability to be cross-trained in numerous functions, as they will be greater assets to the business.
- STEM Skills
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills play huge roles in Manufacturing; being able to apply the right principles and techniques to the design and production of many goods is essential.
Many people are not fully aware of their math skills. All they know is that they think it’s not always fun. And admittedly, math and science can be acquired tastes. A career in manufacturing can lead you to discover the true value and potential of these skills.
- Working effectively on a diverse team
Manufacturers need their colleagues to work together towards a common goal.
Being a good teammate is a good step towards becoming a good leader. The type that can disagree without being disagreeable is the people who can succeed in a team environment.
You should also offer problem-solving skills and ideas and be conscious of others ideas.
- Adaptability
During a time of political and economic change, the ability to adapt to changing work conditions is essential.
Being able to work efficiently during times of increased workloads and pressure, or the ability switch to a different role when required is fundamental as unexpected situations may arise.
For a confidential discussion about how we can help your business source top manufacturing talent, or if you are eager to develop your career in manufacturing, please get in touch with one of our specialist recruitment consultants who will be happy to help.
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