Do I Need Years of Experience to Work in Manufacturing? Learn Here
Whether you’re just entering the workforce or are considering a career change, shifting into the world of manufacturing can be an excellent choice. Demand for skilled industrial professionals is high, and wages are incredibly competitive. Plus, you can get started without a college degree, which is beneficial for many job seekers.
However, if you’re new to the industry, you may be wondering, “Do I need years of experience to work in manufacturing?” If that’s a question you’re asking, here’s everything you need to know.
Entry-Level Positions That Don’t Require Experience Exist
First and foremost, it’s critical to note that there are entry-level manufacturing positions that don’t require experience or formal education and training. In many cases, these roles are support roles, ensuring those with experience have what they need to operate equipment, manage production, and otherwise meet their goals.
For example, some manufacturing environments hire general laborers without experience. In this case, you simply need to be comfortable with physical work and have a willingness to learn. Many assembly jobs require little more than familiarity with hand tools and manual dexterity.
You might also find suitable positions in shipping and receiving departments. With these, you’d review invoices and compare them to items received or shipments heading out, pick and pack orders, and move completed parts or products.
Ultimately, there are opportunities available where a lack of experience won’t work against you. As long as you’re willing to start in one of those roles and are open to training on the job, you could get your foot in the door at an outstanding company with relative ease.
Transferrable Skills Can Open Doorways
It isn’t uncommon for candidates to assume that they don’t have relevant experience when that actually isn’t the case. If you’ve worked in other roles, participated in a volunteer position, taken certain courses in high school or college, or even tackled specific personal projects, you may have more experience than you realize.
Many valuable transferrable skills can be acquired outside of a manufacturing environment. For instance, if you took shop classes in high school, you may have learned how to use various kinds of tools and equipment and read blueprints or schematics. That experience can help you land an entry-level manufacturing job.
Additionally, you likely possess soft skills that will allow you to excel in the position. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn are all traits manufacturing companies seek out. If you acquired those through your education or roles in another field, that doesn’t mean those capabilities aren’t relevant.
Consider which of your capabilities make you a strong manufacturing candidate. Then, make sure to highlight them in your application, ensuring the hiring manager can see that you’re the right job seeker for the position.
Looking for Entry-Level Manufacturing Jobs? Contact The Bradley Group
If you want to find an entry-level manufacturing job and you don’t have any prior experience, opportunities are available. The Bradley Group partner with a range of manufacturing companies that fill positions, no experience necessary. Browse our open jobs and apply today!