Employers

There are about 186,500 industrial production managers employed in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with about 75 percent working in manufacturing. Assemblers and fabricators hold 1.9 million jobs. Quality inspectors, testers, weighers, and samplers hold about 574,000 jobs. There are about 43,900 commercial and industrial designers. Only a small percentage of these workers are employed in green manufacturing. 

Starting Out

One way to get a foot in the door at a manufacturing company is through an internship or apprenticeship. Search the Internet for green manufacturing companies near you and contact them to see if they need any part-time office help. Some manufacturing employees get started through on-the-job training. Find out if there are any openings for summer help and if they offer training programs.

Manufacturers who own their own plants can expand by developing and producing new products and growing their business. Those who work for manufacturing companies can advance by taking on more responsibilities, managing larger staffs, and moving up to supervisor and management positions. Another way to advance is to learn new skills or sharpen current ones by taking continuing education classes, pursuing an advanced degree, or getting certified in a specific area.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• http://asq.org/career
• http://www.idsa.org/opportunities/job-board#dev=true
• http://aspenational-jobs.careerwebsite.com
• http://careers.iceaaonline.org

Land an entry-level job with a green products manufacturer to learn about the field and make industry contacts.

Join professional associations to access industry publications, training and networking resources, and employment opportunities.

Become certified in order to show employers that you have met the highest standards established by your industry.