what is a production worker?
A production worker operates machines and equipment in a factory to produce a specific product. You help manufacture everything from medication and food products to large engine parts. You either have a common working area or perform a variety of tasks that are assigned daily. The job involves repeating the same physical tasks, and it is crucial to match the work pace to meet the equipment speed. Production staff also work in warehouses, preparing items for distribution.
what does a production worker do?
As a production worker, your primary role is to operate machines and production equipment to ensure they achieve the desired functions. You monitor the equipment and perform maintenance to ensure it produces high-quality products. The role involves using power tools to solder, drill or weld various parts. Your job differs based on the industry, but most production workers work in manufacturing. When you work in the mining sector, you maintain equipment and assist with processing minerals.
Some production workers specialise in specific production stages like assembly. Others take up general responsibilities and can work on all stages of production. The role requires manual and physical dexterity to use power tools.
production worker jobsaverage production worker salary
In Australia, your median salary as a production worker is $50,000 per year. Your remuneration package starts at $45,000 annually when you join the role. As you gain experience and skills, your salary increases gradually to $55,000 per year. Some employers provide additional benefits like paying higher overtime rates.
how to increase the salary of a production worker
As a production worker, your salary depends on your experience and skills. While most employers don't require specific certificate for production workers, having educational qualifications improves your remuneration prospects. For instance, if you complete a certification in operating particular equipment, it improves your salary prospects. Working in production or manufacturing settings for many years also increases your earnings. Most employers prefer experienced workers.
The industry sector and company size also impact your salary. When you work in small production plants, the duties may not warrant a high remuneration package. However, working in industries like mining and manufacturing with complex responsibilities improves your salary prospects.
Want to know what you will earn as a production worker? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of production workers
Production workers work in various industry sectors with different specialisms. Some types of production workers include:
- engineering production workers: as a production worker, you perform various production process tasks like refining and treating metals. You also operate production plants to create and manufacture equipment parts. Sometimes, the role involves using computer-controlled equipment and interpreting technical drawings.
- wood production workers: as a wood and timber production worker, you help with milling and processing timber and its products. You assist with producing wood products like plywood, veneered products and fibreboards.
- clothes production workers: you turn design ideas or sketches into finished products as a clothes production worker. You are involved in every stage of the clothes production process, from marking fabrics to attaching trimmings. You use specialised equipment to generate various designs and speed up production.
working as a production worker
Your role involves operating machinery and juggling various tasks to ensure efficient production. Here are the specific duties and work schedules of production workers.
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production worker job description
The duties of a production worker vary depending on the factory's products and processes. Some of the key responsibilities in this field are listed below:
- operating machines: the central role of a production worker is to use equipment within the production facility. Each day, you gather the raw materials required, assess their quality, and feed them into the production machine. It's your job to make machine adjustments, like setting the speed based on the production requirements. Production workers also inspect, lubricate and service equipment to ensure a smooth operation.
- sorting and packing products: as a production worker, you arrange items in a particular sequence, according to size or other categories. Then, you pack similar products using the right packaging materials and sort them based on the distribution centres, warehouses or orders for easier shipping.
- cleaning the workplace: production workers in all types and sizes of factories maintain a clean and organised workspace in compliance with health and safety regulations. It's your duty to clean all the equipment at the end of the production session.
- monitoring product quality: as a production worker, you perform product inspections daily to ensure that they meet specific standards. You also check the output to ensure that you manufacture consistent products and record all defective items.
- ensuring that you follow health and safety procedures: accidents like slips, strains, and falls often happen in a factory setting. You are responsible for ensuring that you're always equipped with the correct gear, such as gloves, goggles and safety shoes, to prevent injuries.
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work environment
Production workers spend most of their time indoors in a factory or warehouse. Some production staff monitor machinery and materials while others stand for an extended period and bend or lift moderate to heavy items. Expect to handle or transport hazardous or fragile items. You can either work in a noisy, fume-heavy mining environment or clean, sterile factories. The latter scenario is especially true for those dealing in food items and pharmaceuticals. The job is relatively demanding, and the environment is often competitive due to strict deadlines.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include machine operators, factory workers, operations managers and production managers. You might also be working close to project managers and maintenance technicians, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, warehouse workers, warehouse manager, mechanical fitter and inventory specialists.
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work schedule
At a minimum, production staff works a standard rate of 40 hours per week. However, when orders increase or deadlines approach, expect to work up to 10 hours daily. Since most factories function on a 24/7 basis, production staff work either day or night shifts to prepare shipments. Overtime work is typical in production plants. You should expect to work on weekends and holidays to fulfil large orders. Manufacturing companies hire production workers on a full-time and a part-time basis.
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job outlook
As the manufacturing industry faces massive changes due to digitalisation, it is wise for production workers to keep up with new technologies. Improving your knowledge and acquiring more skills is crucial to increase your job prospects. Most companies hire specialists to handle new technology and changing industry demands. As the world continues to industrialise, more factories will emerge, creating job opportunities for qualified and experienced production workers. With experience, you can move to higher positions like supervisor, quality control specialist or production manager.
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advantages of finding a production worker job through randstad
Finding your production worker job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a production worker is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Formal education isn't mandatory for production workers, but prior experience in production or manufacturing environments is important. To pursue formal qualifications, complete a forklift or machine operations course. The first step in joining the profession is choosing the industry to work in. As a production worker, you can work in construction, engineering, mining, clothing, transport and logistics. Applying for entry-level jobs helps you gain experience through on-the-job training.
production worker skills and competencies
Production workers with industrial-specific skills have a chance to bargain for a higher salary. To succeed in this career, build on the following attributes:
- strong communication skills: good communication skills are vital for any production worker. You should be able to pass the information on effectively to your team members. Employers need individuals who engage with their co-workers to troubleshoot production issues and work toward common goals.
- attention to detail: speed and precision are vital in manufacturing plants. Mistakes affect the entire production process leading to defects or delays. While operating machinery, mistakes also endanger you and your co-workers. Pay close attention to ensure you identify minor equipment problems and resolve them before they escalate into major issues.
- critical thinking: employers are looking for production workers who make sound decisions if unforeseen issues arise at work. Remember that supervisors will not always be present to resolve issues, so you should develop the best solutions for even the most complex problems.
- aptitude for technology: technology is constantly changing the operations in the manufacturing industry. Therefore, employers need production workers who are interested in technology to adapt to changing processes.
- good concentration span: production workers work in a fast-paced environment, so it is important to stay focused. The task is also highly repetitive, and a good concentration level will help maintain the quality of the products.
- physical stamina: production plants hire people who can work for long periods, lift items and sometimes stand throughout the shift. This requires a high level of stamina.
FAQs about working as a production worker
Here are the most asked questions about working as a production worker:
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what are the duties of a production worker?
As a production worker, you monitor equipment within a factory, fix any problems detected, and clean the workstation. The role extends to inspecting the products to ensure they meet the required standards and safety requirements.
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what is a factory worker's job description?
A factory worker processes, sorts and packages products in an industrial plant. They work at individual stations to put parts together or process them along a conveyor belt. In some factories, you'll work with robots to ensure precise and consistent production. Factory workers manufacture anything from cell phones to food, fabrics and mineral products.
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what skills do you need to work in production?
If you want to work in a production company, ensure that you gain knowledge in operating computer-aided technologies. You should also have good problem-solving skills and be efficient in communications, focused and trainable. A good understanding of lean manufacturing practices, machine maintenance, and repair skills also improve your chances of getting a job.
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what is an example of a production job?
A production job is usually available in factories, manufacturing plants or mills where products are created. Examples of production jobs include working in bakeries and candy stores or processing minerals from mining operations.
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how much does a production worker make?
A production worker earns a salary of $50,000 annually. As you gain experience, your earnings increase to $55,000 per year, depending on the industry and employer.
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how do I apply for a production worker vacancy?
Applying for a production worker job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our production worker job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
