The manufacturing sector offers a huge range of job opportunities, and usually you can find the best manufacturing job based on your manufacturing interests, skills and training. Manufacturing workers follow strict guidelines, contributing to the creating of every day products, machines and other objects. A technical orientation is therefore very important for all types of manufacturing jobs. The majority of manufacturing jobs is hands-on and requires a fair level of physical ability. Handling equipment, tools and machinery is part of the job. Working in the manufacturing sector does offer opportunity for career development and depending on your tertiary education, progressing to manufacturing management or higher technical manufacturing is possible.
Whether you intend to work in the automotive, chemical, biotech or metal manufacturing sectors, the overarching responsibilities remain similar. Every day responsibilities include working according to the brief of the manufacturing manager, and using machinery and tools, as well as physical labour, to manufacture consumer goods. Skills required include ability to understand technical instructions, ability to handle machinery and equipment, as well as the ability to work as part of a team. Working in the manufacturing sector is hardly an isolated job and several manufacturers may need to work together to produce specific goods.