A career in manufacturing may not seem glamorous, but the truth is that for many it’s the best career choice they could possibly make. With the unemployment rate in the UK soaring to an all time high and the government suggesting that many people retrain, a future in manufacturing could be the perfect choice.
So, what makes manufacturing such a great career move for anyone from seasoned professionals to new members of the workforce? Here are RNA automation’s top 5 reasons for choosing a career in manufacturing.
1. Job security
With a great sense of uncertainty hanging over many industries, there are many people looking for greater job security (like people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic or people looking to enter the workforce for the first time). In the latest lockdown, the manufacturing sector (and the many industries it represents), was designated as being essential and able to carry on as normal during the restrictions. Manufacturing can offer this sense of security that so many are looking for. Even in the most uncertain times, manufacturing must go on, and manufacturing jobs are always being created.
2. Manufacturing needs you
Whilst it’s true that manufacturing workers are essential, they’re also unfortunately a little thin on the ground. Like so many STEM industries, manufacturing struggles to attract new young employment prospects, which means there’s a big skill gap. With the baby boomers retiring and Gen Z entering the workforce, there are huge gaps within the industry.
The inability to attract young people is partly due to a lack of awareness of the sheer amount of job roles out there, and partly due to young people being unaware of the advantages of careers within manufacturing.
Whilst manufacturing may not seem like the most enticing area of work, many companies offer very attractive apprenticeships in order to bring in new talent and help them get to grip with all aspects of the job, from working on delicate tasks with the help of some loctite 242 to operating big machinery that is responsible for a big part within the production line. With many companies offering degree apprenticeships where the cost of education is covered and a very competitive salary is paid, there are many options out there for those who are worried about university debt or unsure what to do about further education.
3. The manufacturing industry is constantly innovating
Manufacturing is often seen as an outdated industry left over from the industrial revolution but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Innovation and imagination is what drives manufacturing and what ensures constant improvement.
Manufacturing touches every industry, from aerospace, defence, pharmaceutical production, and automotive engineering to healthcare, hospitality, animal handling and food processing. There are always exciting developments within every industry. One day you may be making stainless steel square tubing for use in construction, the next you could be using it to create a new machining production line. You could be developing a collaborative robot that can perform intricate surgeries completely solo, or develops the next spaceship, or maybe even future vaccines.
Whenever new technology enters the market, it’s already passed through manufacturing.
4. Manufacturing has a strong focus on training
With constant innovation comes endless opportunities for learning. If you love to constantly learn and stay ahead of the curve, manufacturing could be the perfect career path for you. The industry is perpetually changing, innovating, adapting and evolving, and with this comes the ability to be always learning and always intellectually stimulated.
As mentioned, many companies offer high quality apprenticeship programs, but the focus on training is more than that. There is a big emphasis on internal and external training in the manufacturing industry – whether you want to work in sales, HR, within factories… the opportunities are endless.
Manufacturing is also an industry with a very long and proud history of always trying to promote internally alongside bringing in new talent, so you can be sure that if you work hard you’ll always be rewarded.
5. You’ll stay healthy
Along with keeping your brain working hard, a career in manufacturing is likely to help you keep your body healthy too. Many of the health risks facing us in our modern lives come from our sedentary lifestyles, but a job in manufacturing will rarely result in you sitting behind a desk all day. Being active within your 9-5 reduces your risk of obesity, poor posture, eye and wrist strain, as well as increasing overall fitness and stamina.
There are also mental health benefits associated with being mentally stimulated and engaged, as well as feeling satisfied in a career with long term progression prospects.
If you’re looking for a career that allows you constant learning and training opportunities, great chances for progression, and job security, it’s time to start looking into a career in manufacturing.
