Working in the factory or the manufacturing industry has been a popular career option since very long. You might have seen glimpses of how factories function through TV shows and films. But what is it really like to work in a factory? Find out below.

What are the jobs really about?

Raw Material to Finished Goods

The basic essence of any job in the manufacturing industry is to help in the process of production, i.e. converting raw material into finished goods by using technology, equipment and human expertise. This applies to all manufacturing industry jobs in the world regardless of what is being produced, a Software or a T – shirt. Manufacturing Jobs include posts like Production Managers, Supply Chain Managers, certain types of Engineers etc.

The process of converting raw material into a finished good comprises of several different steps which are generally divided into separate jobs. Your job can involve activities like purchasing raw material, operating equipment, performing quality checks on produced goods, conducting research to identify cheaper production methods, storing goods, managerial roles, supply chain management etc.  You will generally be contributing towards only one of these activities on a daily basis within a factory or manufacturing unit.

The manufacturing industry also includes jobs which are common to all industries like Finance, Marketing etc. However, this article will focus on the jobs that are specific to the manufacturing industry, as that is where the maximum job opportunities are available.

Why do people work for a Manufacturing Unit?

Fixed Schedule

Manufacturing Units or Factories normally work for a fixed number of hours on a daily basis with a fixed number of holidays every week (unless there are deadlines to meet). This allows people who work in factories or manufacturing units to lead structured lifestyles without too many changes or variations. This is one of the major reasons behind people choosing to work for a manufacturing unit or a factory as the fixed work hours allow them to plan their free time in advance and utilize it to pursue other passions and interests.

Additionally, as the work of a manufacturing unit can only take place inside a factory due to the heavy duty equipment required, you would generally not need to take work home and would be free to do whatever you wish to with your free time.

Find out about the Top 7 Fixed Hours Jobs.

Growth Opportunities

Working for a manufacturing unit or a factory offers tremendous growth opportunities. You can start of from right at the bottom of the ladder and move on to become the manager of the factory or manufacturing unit in due time, provided you have the right skills and attitude.

Find out about the Top 7 Careers for Managers.

The manufacturing industry is one such industry where starting at the lower level can actually be helpful in your growth as you gain an insight into the ground realities of the business. As you keep gaining skills and experience, your chances of rising in the hierarchy at the manufacturing unit keep increasing.

What is it like to work for a Manufacturing Unit?

Monotony

Working in a manufacturing unit or a factory involves performing the same of set of tasks on daily basis. You would generally be responsible for one particular part of the production process such as purchasing raw material or performing quality checks on the finished goods. In most likelihood, you will be required to perform the same duty throughout the duration of your job until you get transferred or promoted into a different role. This leads to monotony at the workplace.

Even though all jobs can tend to monotonous to an extent, it is more so in the case of factories or manufacturing units as your work environment remains the same and you are generally working on the production of the same or very similar goods throughout your job/career. This monotony leads to a loss of creativity and innovation amongst the people working in a factory or manufacturing unit.

Find out about the Top 7 Creative Careers.

Health Hazards

A manufacturing unit or a factory cannot be considered to be a safe workplace when compared with other professions where you spend your day working in air – conditioned offices. It is a difficult work environment that normally involves the use of heavy machines or equipment, which make the work very noisy and unsafe. It is not uncommon for people to be required to wear hard hats, masks, gloves or other precautionary equipment while working in a factory/manufacturing unit. Working in a factory for very long might even lead to long term damages to your health, such as reduced hearing, eyesight problems etc.

Find out about the Top 7 Physical Careers.

Deadlines

In most circumstances, the production process in a factory or a manufacturing unit is based on specific orders or tenders which are required to be completed within a specific time frame. These deadlines are often unrealistic and difficult to meet, which leads to added pressure at the workplace.

As a professional working in a factory or a manufacturing unit, you will always need to conscious about the amount of time that you are talking to complete the work. In case the pace of the work is too slow, you might be required to work extra hours in order to meet the deadline or risk spoiling relations with the client forever.

Problem Solving

Working in a factory or a manufacturing unit often requires a person to deal with unforeseen circumstances and obstacles that threaten to derail the production process. For example, the raw material might not reach the factory on time, machines might get spoilt etc. As there is a constant need to meet a deadline, people working in a factory have to find ways through which these problems can be avoided or solved as soon as possible so as to minimize the loss of time and resources.

The people who rise in a factory or a manufacturing unit and become successful are the ones who learn to deal with such problems on the spot and always have a backup plan to implement in case there is a need.

Teamwork

The process of producing a good or a commodity is due to the contribution of each and every employee in the manufacturing unit or factory.  A manufacturing unit only becomes successful when all departments involved in the production process work in cohesion with each other.

While working in a factory, you would normally be a part of a team responsible for one particular part of the production process. You would need to adjust and coordinate with the needs and methods of your team members so as to ensure that the work gets completed on time. This is not as easy as it sounds as you would often have to follow a method or a practice that you might not agree with.

People who succeed in the manufacturing industry are the ones who are always willing to prioritize the goals of the factory above their personal goals and appreciate the efforts of each and every person working in the factory. If you cannot function in a team and see yourself as a solo player then working in a factory can prove to be very difficult for you.