Skills! You’ll see them listed out on every job application. But sometimes it can be hard to tell exactly what skills you need to have (or develop) to ensure a successful career. And the manufacturing industry is no exception.
But here’s the good news: The skills you need to get started in the manufacturing industry come from only one place–you! We promise you already possess the means and the know-how to get your foot in the door and take on a manufacturing training course (or two!).
So today, let’s dive into the personal skill sets that you can leverage throughout your training and your career. And we’ll also dive into some of the technical skills you’ll learn along the way. Ready? Let’s go!
Lifestyle and Career Skills
Okay, first things first. There are certain skills (and attitudes) you’ll need to have from the start to make sure you’re getting the most out of your (free) training.
But don’t sweat it if any of the skills listed below need some work on your end–that’s okay! As long as you show up to training planning to put these skills to work, you’ll do just fine. And you’ll strengthen them along the way.
Communication
Think of you coworkers, colleagues, and fellow trainees as a big team. Without collaboration, the incredible production rate and level of accuracy needed for manufacturing can’t happen. You need to trust your coworkers and they need to trust you. Not only are communications skills important for completing your daily duties as a team, it’s essential for floor safety.
So make sure you’re talking to your peers and asking lots of questions. There’s no need to be shy or insecure–we live in a friendly industry that’s receptive, respectful, and appreciative of each other. So speak up!
Problem Solving
Like any other job, you’ll have to use your thinking cap on a regular basis. A huge aspect of the industry is problem solving. After all, manufacturers do create solutions to the world’s problems.
As a professional, you’ll be tasked with finding ways to create better processes and improve efficiency–including reducing waste. This not only results in more streamlined and peaceful day-to-day duties, it also creates an overall better product.
But look–let’s be real. Problem solving (or critical thinking) aren’t only skills for your career, it’s a huge part of living a successful and positive lifestyle. There will always be problems, but you need to focus on solutions to get things done and move on to the next exciting adventure.
Attention to Detail
This is a doozy! (Well, they all are, but this one is super important). You need to have a strict attention to detail when working in the manufacturing industry–whichever career path you choose to take. This is essential for creating amazing products and maintaining streamlined operations. Even tiny things out of place can have huge consequences.
But, when you pair your training with your communication and problem solving skills (see what we did there?) you’ll naturally develop a sharp eye for the finer details. And again, this isn’t just a skill used for your career, it’s a tool that you can use in your day-to-day life.
So be sure to keep developing and strengthening your attention to detail. And keep this in mind, those who pay the closest attention are people who usually end up in leadership positions. *Wink, wink, hint, hint.*
Leadership
At some point in your life, you’ll be tasked with taking the lead. It might not be all the time. Heck, it might not even be most of the time. But it will happen. So you’ll need to be ready when that day comes knocking.
Being a leader is about much more than being the boss. It’s about bringing a team together in a positive way to create productive and efficient solutions–which usually results in a great product.
A manufacturing career will present you with a bunch of opportunities to take on a leadership position. Like we said, it’s not if–it’s when. If you stay positive and trust your training, you can be a confident leader that gets the job done. So will you be ready to step up to the plate when the time comes? We think so! And you’ll knock it out of the park. You’ve got this.
(Just a Few) Technical Skills You Can Develop with AMTEP
Okay–so we’ve run through some personal and career skills you’ll want to acquire and develop during your training. But what about those technical skills? After all, manufacturing is a very hands-on, boots-on-the-ground, job, right? Of course! But don’t let that intimate you. Here are all the skills you can pick up during your free AMTEP training.
Keep in mind, the skills you learn are geared towards your chosen manufacturing pathway. But only you can decide when to stop!
CNC Machine Operating
Machine operations are one of the most used skills throughout the industry. Some could even argue that it’s the heart of manufacturing. And if you’re not sure where to start, this might be the path for you.
When you take on CNC Machine Operating, you’ll learn how to operate manual and CNC Mills and Lathes. Additionally, you’ll also learn to read blueprints, geometric dimensioning and tolerance, and you’ll get an introduction to G-Code. G-Code basically tells all parts of a system what they should be doing.
And, if you develop CNC Machine Operating skills with AMTEP, you’ll receive a NIMS CNC Milling and Lathe certification. Not too shabby, eh?
Electro Mechanical Assembly
Assembly is another key career in the manufacturing industry. After all, how else will all the parts come together to make a great product? AMTEP takes assembling a step further and teaches its students Electro Mechanical Assembly.
You’ll pick up a ton of skills–like learning how to use assembly tools and how to read prints. And you’ll develop a foundational knowledge of basic electrical theory through hands-on lab work. These are concepts like conductance of current and electrical circuits.
Best of all, we’re barely scratching the surface of Electro Mechanical Assembly. There’s so much more to learn during the course. Once you’re done, you’ll be on the path towards a new, exciting career.
Welding
Looking for a career path that’s always in demand? Becoming a welder! Everywhere in the world, throughout many (if not all) industries, welders are needed. It’s a great pathway that never seems to run out of opportunities. And you’ll learn some awesome skills along the way.
Plus, you can walk into an AMTEP course today not knowing a single thing about welding, and leave an American Welding Society certification. Pretty sweet!
Along the way, you’ll learn all the basics–including oxygen acetylene welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and a bunch of other techniques. You’ll also learn all about blueprint reading and metal fabrication. And all it takes is one course to get started.
Robotics
Whoa! Are we in the year 3000? Nope. The age of robotics is now! And you can play your part by taking AMTEP’s robotics training.
From the start, you’ll learn robotics concepts and technologies used in today’s manufacturing operations. This includes Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)–basically programs used to control automated equipment and industrial robots. You’ll also pick up skills in setup, programming, operating, and, of course, troubleshooting.
As more and more processes shift towards automation, right now is possibly the best time to learn robotics. And AMTEP can help!
And that’s not all… not even close!
There are so many career paths and technical skills used in manufacturing–we’ve lost count! As you progress in your career, you’ll have the freedom to pick up more skills or stay focused on something specific. The choice is yours! All you have to do is sign up and commit yourself.
Like the old saying goes: Sky’s the limit.
How Does AMTEP Help You Develop These Skills (For Free)?
Part of the Advanced Manufacturing Training and Expansion Program’s mission is to reach out, and empower individuals looking to upgrade their career. If you’re unemployed, underemployed, or just simply not happy with your current job path–AMTEP is for you.
Here, you’ll find the professional support needed to develop new skills and reach new heights and goals–maybe some that you never thought possible before. We do this through:
- Hundred of hours of hands-on technical training
- In-person and online courses
- Flexible schedules that fit into your daily life
- Nearby training facilities on the North Shore of Massachusetts
- Experienced manufacturing Instructors who are passionate about teaching
- Job placement services
- And much more
And best of all, we offer most of our training courses at no cost. Yup–you read that right. You can get everything you need to start a promising new career (and lifestyle) for free.
Why? We believe that we can both support career seekers and the local manufacturing industry by getting individuals (you!) trained and ready for the workforce. You get to level up your job skills and hireability and local companies get ready-to-work, passionate individuals to fill their staff. It’s a win-win for everyone!
So if you’re ready for a brand new adventure. Let’s get started!