5 Reasons to Start a Career in Manufacturing

By TERRA Staffing Group

Posted on February 16, 2021

If you’re looking to start a profession, instead of taking just another job, consider a manufacturing career.

The manufacturing industry not only employs nearly 10 percent of the country, it’s a leader in technology and innovation. And it only continues to grow. Even in 2020, this sector recovered well while other sectors stagnated. 

Throughout the years, manufacturing has continued to fuel the economy, with almost 500,000 job openings in 2020.

With so many companies currently looking to hire new employees, now is an ideal time to become part of this booming industry.

Unsure if it’s the right move for you?

Here are 5 reasons to consider a career in manufacturing:

1. Manufacturing jobs offer a ton of entry-level opportunities.
2. You can actually see the result of your hard work.
3. There’s a lot of money to be made in manufacturing.
4. Working in manufacturing keeps you active. 
5. Manufacturing jobs offer several avenues for growth and development. 

Need more information? Keep reading and learn why manufacturing work may be a great career move for you.

5 reasons to consider a manufacturing career:

Manufacturing jobs offer tons of entry-level opportunities.

Most manufacturing companies are willing to do on-the-job training and require no previous work experience. This is a great way to build your resume and develop technical abilities. You will also have the opportunity to learn many valuable and transferable skills, such as time management, team work, and problem-solving.

Not only does the manufacturing industry provide many foot-in-the-door opportunities, it provides many different areas for you to work in. From aerospace, food production, textiles, to pharmaceuticals, manufacturing spans the spectrum. You can choose to work in a field you’re passionate or curious about. 

As you can see, the manufacturing sector doesn’t require a lot of previous experience, provides training, and offers many job options. It’s an ideal job choice for recent graduates, people looking to expand their work experience, or people who want to transition into a new industry. 

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You can actually see the results of your hard work.

In manufacturing, you know exactly how your work matters. The products you create are real. They’re tangible. You can look at them and know precisely what their impact is.

Plus, the manufacturing industry is so vast that you could be making anything – from wires and cables, to plastic toys, or even airplane parts. You can actually say “I made that!” 

You won’t experience the frustration of working on something that feels so abstract you can’t see why it’s important. It’s rewarding to know that the work you do will always have an effect on the lives of others, whether it’s in the things they do and or the things they purchase.

There’s a lot of money to be made in manufacturing.

A common misconception is that manufacturing jobs don’t pay as much as other jobs, but that’s simply not true. These jobs often pay better than entry-level jobs in different industries. For example, the average production worker makes $3 more per hour than the average cashier 

Manufacturing jobs also often offer plenty of overtime opportunities. It’s a great way to make some extra money on top of a steady income. Some companies also give monthly or quarterly competitive bonuses as well. 

Healthcare benefits and retirement plans are also common among manufacturing employers, making these jobs highly desirable. 91% of manufacturing workers get health benefits. That’s more than most industries, even the financial sector. 

Working in manufacturing keeps you active.

Compared to a desk job where you may spend the day sitting in one place, a manufacturing job can help keep you fit and stimulated. Many times, you’ll be performing a variety of job duties that may involve being on your feet, bending, stretching, lifting, etc. The physical aspect of manufacturing work not only helps keep you in shape, it can help keep the days from feeling boring.

That doesn’t mean every job in that sector requires you to be able to lift 60 or more pounds on a regular basis. Manufacturing is a large field with a wide range of positions. You might assemble items, move products, or even operate machinery. You can pick a job that has the level of physical activity you feel comfortable with. 

Manufacturing jobs offer several avenues for growth and development.

While a career in manufacturing may start out as an entry-level production role, there are other opportunities available in the industry. Remember, many companies prefer to promote from within. 

Once you have your foot in the door, you can potentially grow into leadership or management positions, in a wide variety of departments. You might get trained as a machine operator, a plant operator, or even a quality control inspector. 

Show interest in the business and work hard, and you’ll pave the way for opportunities in no time. This is your chance to grow your career, develop a more specialized skill set and transition into higher-paying jobs.

Try it on for size

If you’re currently unemployed or if you’re simply not happy with the job you’re in, why not give manufacturing a try? You might just find the right career! 

Remember, you don’t have to make a long-term commitment if you’re on the fence. You can always start with a temporary position. Read this article about why temporary work might be the right option for your next job.  

But don’t take our word for it. Check out these success stories and read about people who decided to try something different and wound up finding their perfect fit in manufacturing:

• Paul Lynskey was co-owner of a dog-walking business who was feeling dissatisfied with his job. He felt stuck in a position with no opportunity for upward mobility and decided to change careers. Paul took a chance on a manufacturing job and loved it!  (Check out Paul’s story.)
• Xavier McArthur was eager to gain experience and build his resume. He left customer service behind to explore a manufacturing career – and has had great success! (Check out Xavier’s story.)
• John Newman had no problem working hard and was accustomed to working long hours. But he was tired of taking jobs that were basic and easy. He wanted a fulfilling career and found one in manufacturing. (Check out John’s story.)
• Michael Ford worked for years as a fitness trainer, but needed more financial stability when he learned he was going to be a father. He found both stability and job satisfaction in manufacturing. (Check out Michael’s story.)

How TERRA can help you start a manufacturing career

TERRA is connected to many reputable manufacturing companies. We can help you find a manufacturing opportunity that is right for you.

Here’s a sampling of some of the manufacturing jobs available:  

• Assembly
• Clean Room Production
• Machine Operation
• Material Handling
• Print Production
• Welding

At TERRA, we want to help you find the right job. We will take the time to learn what you’re looking for and what you don’t want so we can place you in an environment that fits you and your career goals.

Want to learn more about manufacturing jobs available through TERRA? Contact us today to get started.

(Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2018 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy and comprehensiveness.)

Categories: Career Tips

Tags: career advice, career in manufacturing, how to find a manufacturing job, manufacturing career

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