A Guide to the Manufacturing Production Technician Career Path
According to the Singapore Economic Development Board, the manufacturing sector has consistently contributed over a quarter of the country's annual GDP. Already the largest industry in Singapore, it is poised to grow 50 percent over the next 10 years. As manufacturing and production forge, now is the best time to pursue a manufacturing production technician career path.
What does a Manufacturing Production Technician do?
Before a product is marketed to the public, a Manufacturing Production Technician ensures that these items are working in the way they are intended. Though Manufacturing Production Technicians work independently, they collaborate a lot with the rest of the organisation, particularly the quality assurance team.
Here are some of the tasks that they perform:
- Checks if the products being produced are according to specifications
- Tests if equipment and devices are functioning well
- Troubleshoot faulty equipment promptly
- Keeps track and calibrates production equipment for productivity
- Works with engineers in developing and testing new products
- Manages the inventory of materials
- Conducts inspections to ensure standard protocols are implemented and sustained
- Provides other technicians with process or product training
- Records data that are related to equipment used for operations
- Follow rules and regulations related to environment, health and safety compliance
Salary Range
According to Jobstreet's 2020 Salary Report, the national average base salary for a Manufacturing Production Technician is S$30,000 per year in Singapore. They are also offered medical and dental benefits.
As per the report, fresh graduates who are hired for the role of a Manufacturing Production Technician may expect to have an average monthly salary of S$2,320. Just like with any other job, there will be subsequent and significant increases in the salary as they gain experience.
What is the career path of a Manufacturing Production Technician?
Junior Level (1-3 years experience)
Mid Level (4-8 years experience)
- Production Supervisor
- Senior/ Technician, Maintenance
- Production Planning Technical Specialist
- Senior Operations Technician
Senior Level (8 years or more)
Required Skills
Equipment Maintenance
A Manufacturing Production Technician must be able to determine the kind of maintenance procedure on the equipment to which they are assigned. In addition, they need to be able to perform routine maintenance checks on various kinds of machinery.
Knowledge of Safety Protocols
Conducting environment safety inspections is one of the main tasks of a Manufacturing Production Technician. To be able to perform this responsibility well, they need to be well-versed with the environmental regulations as well as health and safety standards.
Skills for Computer-Automated Technologies (CAT)
Modern manufacturing processes today are dominated by automated equipment. Being able to work with these complex computers and repair them when they break down will definitely be an advantage for a Manufacturing Production Technician.
STEM Skills
Companies today have manufacturing systems that rely heavily on automated programs. Science. Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills are helpful for a Manufacturing Production Technician since they can apply the proper techniques and procedures that equipment requires.
Other Skills
Critical Thinking Skills
A Manufacturing Production Technician will need to evaluate and analyse information that they were either provided or have gathered themselves. They need to look beyond the obvious, and then use their ability to reason to make informed decisions.
Active Listening Skills
This skill allows a Manufacturing Production Technician to give their full attention to whatever is being communicated to them. Through active listening, they can glean more information by asking appropriate questions that will clarify technical details. This skill will also help them focus on verbal and non-verbal cues, something that will be helpful in the production floor.
Communication Skills
In the manufacturing industry, the ability to communicate effectively with one's team is important for the delivery of good results. It can also improve team dynamics.
High Aptitude for Technology
Technology has long made an impact in the way manufacturing workplaces operate. And, since technology is constantly evolving, having an interest and aptitude for it will be helpful in this industry. Here are some software examples that might help you in the industry:
- Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Lean Manufacturing. For those who are in managerial roles, this acclaimed business software is used especially in manufacturing organisations. It helps tighten the supply chain, improves processes and planning, and organises logistics to maximise effectivity and limit waste.
- Hubstaff. This software uses data to improve productivity in the assembly line. Apart from its real-time monitoring tools, which use GPS to track lags in the process, it also has provisions for payroll and online invoicing.
- Oracle Netsuite. This all-in-one digital solution helps in production planning, tracking inventory, and managing the supply chain. It also has features to accommodate CRM (customer relationship management), centralise product data, and monitor orders.
Educational background
To become a Manufacturing Production Technician, one must at least have either a diploma in any field, though engineering is the most common field of study among current practitioners. If one does not have a diploma, having a National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) will be useful. Additional qualifications are required depending on the industry.
In April 2021, the Institute of Technical Education announced that they have revised the ITE curriculum. Students will now get a Higher NITEC in three years instead of four.
Opportunities for Continuous Education
Six Sigma
American engineer Bill Smith developed this process in the ‘80s. In a nutshell, this method is a way to assure that there is a 99.99966% chance that a product is not defective. Though it is now applied in other industries, Six Sigma is crucial in the manufacturing sector as it saves time and resources, improves productivity, and enhances customer satisfaction.
Numerous Six Sigma certification courses are available in Singapore. Top institutions such as National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University have intensive lean courses for every Six Sigma level (White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt). Online platforms such as Udemy and FutureLean also offer workshops on this methodology.
Specialist Diploma in Smart Facilities Management
Automation of facilities is becoming more and more common in various industries. Since knowledge of modern manufacturing processes is an advantage for Manufacturing Production Technicians, a specialist diploma course in Smart Facilities Management will enhance the skillsets of the practitioner. The course aims to familiarise the participants with how the systems and processes involved creating smart facilities can complement their duties.
Specialist Diploma in Workplace Safety and Health
One of the main tasks of a Manufacturing Production Technician is conducting safety inspections. Since this competency can be applied to varying fields, completing a diploma course in Workplace Safety and Health will equip the Manufacturing Production Technician with updated information on legal compliance issues, as well as efficient ways to identify, assess and address workplace hazards.
How to write a resume for a Manufacturing Production Technician
A job-specific resume could increase your chances of landing the job of a Manufacturing Production Technician. You can edit the example below to get you started, and then add more details as you deem fit.
Download this Manufacturing Production Technician resume HERE.
Since the manufacturing industry will get a lot of support from the Singapore government, make sure you update your Jobstreet profile to help you get job alerts that will be interesting for you. When you add the #WorkNow tag, you will help potential hirers know that you are available to work immediately.
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