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 schools 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.

Manufacturing production technicians set up, monitor, and maintain manufacturing machinery and equipment. They work in manufacturing facilities in various industries, such as in metal stamping plants, printing plants, chemical and plastics plants, and almost any type of large-scale industrial operation. They may adjust and repair automobile assembly line conveyor belts, robotic welding arms, and hydraulic lifts.

Manufacturing production technicians also help install equipment and machinery. As manufacturing companies improve their operations by investing in new equipment, they rely on technicians to properly situate and install the machinery. They also set up and test the operations of safety equipment.

Routine inspections and tests are part of a manufacturing production technicians job. They regularly test equipment and machinery to make sure its operating correctly and make adjustments as needed, using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other tools. This scheduled maintenance work is important for preventing equipment malfunctions and breakdowns, which can cause production delays and financial losses for manufacturing companies. They keep detailed records on the equipment operations. They often follow blueprints and engineering specifications to set up and maintain equipment.

Manufacturing production technicians may have to make adjustments to the operational settings of manufacturing machinery. They work with the machines regular operator to test it. When maintaining electronically controlled machinery, technicians may work closely with electronic repairers or electricians who maintain the machines electronic parts.

Production technicians can often identify potential breakdowns and fix problems before any real damage or delays occur. For example, they may notice that a machine is vibrating, rattling, or squeaking, or they may see that the items produced by the machine are flawed. Many machines are built with programmed internal evaluation systems that check the accuracy and condition of equipment. This helps technicians in their jobs and can also add to their responsibilities for maintaining the check-up systems.

Technicians use a wide range of tools for preventive maintenance or repairs, which may be simple tools such as a screwdriver and wrench to repair an engine or a hoist to lift a printing press off the ground. They may also use power and hand tools and precision measuring instruments. They utilize any combination of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies in their work. The computer software programs they use during the workday can include analytical or scientific; computer-aided design, development environment, enterprise resource planning, and computer numerical control software. Much of this software is powered by advanced artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing).