Machine operation is crucial to most manufacturing on a large scale. Whether it is knitting machines, cutting machines or shrink wrapping " there are many variations " the person who monitors machines progress, intervenes when something goes wrong, loads, unloads and labels the products produced is the machine operator.
Employment in this role does not always require qualifications and training from the outset, but this depends on the requirements of the employer and recruitment agencies. Often training can be provided on the job, and many manufacturing companies are happy to pay for vocational training " relevant NVQs and BTECs " of staff after a certain length of employment.
While wages can be relatively low to begin with, they can rise with training and learning about different types of machines, and a willingness to take on more responsibility such as in team leader roles. Hourly wages, therefore, rise from £6.50 to around £15.00.
Team players are valued highly within the manufacturing industry as a whole, and for machinists in particular. Machine operators should be fit, with plenty of stamina, as some roles may require them to be on their feet for most of the day. Enthusiasm and a desire to work are important because they aid efficiency which is a prized attribute within the manufacturing industry.