Description

In an assembly plant or manufacturing facility those who handle the products to prepare them for subsequent assembly or production are called production technicians. Production technicians typically hold an entry-level position in an organization. However manufacturing companies require production workers to ensure control of quality, operate machinery effectively and safely and have basic mathematical and manual manufacturing skills.

A typical production technician is responsible for fabricating or assembling components in a production line or an assembly. This could require the use of heavy equipment hand tools or a combination of both. Production technicians must follow the correct procedures in all instances and make sure that the products they work on meet requirements for quality before transferring those products to the next stage of the manufacturing process. In a lot of manufacturing firms, the preparation process involves chemical solvent baths or cleaning. When production personnel are involved during these procedures, they need to adhere to the proper procedures for handling of equipment and materials during this phase.

Production technicians must be prepared to be in a seated position for shifts that last as long up to eight or longer within an assembly or manufacturing plant. In addition, technicians may require lifting small weights easily. The majority of jobs require an high school degree or equivalent. In many firms production facilities, they are open round all hours of the day, which means that technicians working in production may be employed during the evening hours or even during the night.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Production Technician with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs on production equipment to ensure its optimal functioning and prevent downtime.
  • Monitoring production processes and ensuring adherence to quality standards and safety protocols.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot technical issues and implement efficiency improvements.
  • Documenting production data, including equipment performance, downtime, and maintenance records, to support decision making and process optimization.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Production Technician job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Technical expertise in operating and troubleshooting production equipment to ensure smooth and efficient manufacturing processes.
  • Strong attention to detail to perform quality checks and inspections on finished products, ensuring they meet the required specifications and standards.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures and protocols to maintain a safe working environment and prevent accidents or injuries.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborating with colleagues and supervisors to meet production targets and deadlines.

Essential Skills For Production Technician

1

Troubleshooting

2

Safety Program

3

Food Safety

4

Quality Control

5

Production Management

6

Manufacturing Systems & Operations

Skills That Affect Production Technician Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Operational Support

11%

Quality Assurance

7%

Production Management

2%

Career Prospects

For a production technician job role with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options:

  • Senior Production Technician: A role that involves overseeing the production process, coordinating with team members, and ensuring quality control.
  • Quality Assurance Specialist: A position focused on inspecting and testing products to ensure they meet quality standards, implementing quality control measures, and resolving any issues that may arise.
  • Lean Manufacturing Coordinator: A role that involves implementing lean manufacturing principles to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
  • Production Supervisor: A position responsible for leading a team of production technicians, managing production schedules, and ensuring productivity targets are met.

How to Learn

The role of a production technician in the United Kingdom is expected to witness significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there is a projected increase in employment opportunities for this position. The job's demand is set to rise as various industries continue to expand and invest in manufacturing. With advancements in technology and automation, production technicians will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and maintaining equipment. Considering all these factors, the job prospects for production technicians in the UK are promising.