What is Manufacturing?
Manufacturing is the creation of new products, either from raw materials or parts of a larger product, by hand or by machine. The manufacturing of these products usually happens on a large-scale production line of machinery and skilled labour.
Automotive companies, shoemakers and tailors, and even bakeries are all examples of manufacturers as they create a product that is sold to customers upon completion rather than provides a service.
What courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Engineering Manufacturing – The study of the technologies and processes involved in the manufacturing industry.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing – The study of modern manufacturing practice and computer-based technologies.
- Certificate In Manufacturing Business – The study of manufacturing processes and practices and how they relate to business and business management in the manufacturing industry.
- Manufacturing Engineering – The study of manufacturing planning and control and the analysis of manufacturing processes.
- Food Safety for Food Manufacturing – The study of the regulations of the food processing and manufacturing within food establishments and manufacturers.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Process Technology – The study of the manufacturing procedures related to the pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and device industries.
- Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology – The study of good manufacturing practices and an in-depth look at manufacturing technologies.
Studying Manufacturing in college
Courses in Manufacturing are available full-time or part-time to suit your schedule. There are classroom-based courses that take place over 1 year or there are blended learning mode classes that combine online learning with classroom sessions.
There are courses available that are self-paced, letting you complete the course in stages and allowing you to revisit the lectures at any time. Evaluations may take place at the end of module examinations which will provide a professional qualification if taken successfully.
Manufacturing courses are largely theoretical with an element of Health & Safety learning depending on the type of course you choose.
Career options
After completing a course in Manufacturing you will have the knowledge and skillset to start an exciting career in Manufacturing. Due to the nature of Manufacturing, there is a vast array of fields you can choose to go into because Manufacturing creates products for nearly every industry – from healthcare and construction to textiles or technology. There may even be opportunities in government or military.
While many aspects of manufacturing are automated, there are still many positions available in different fields. Manufacturing can exist on a large scale for items such as phones, cars, computers, and food and beverages. It can also be a smaller operation for products like customer tailoring, wig making, and other custom items.
Starting a career in manufacturing leaves many options open for career growth. It is possible to begin on the production floor and move up to quality assurance or control and then earn further promotions to management or logistics.
Related jobs include:
- Machinists
- Tool and Die makers
- Painters
- Machine Operator
- Machine Setter
- Machine Programmer
- Engine Assembler
- Machine Assembler
- Industrial Mechanic
- Machine Mechanic
- Welder
- Cutter
- Millwright
- Laminator
- Fabricator
- Warehouse worker
- Woodworker
- Quality control inspector
- Tailor
- Manufacturing technician
- Caterers
- Food business operators
- Food factory worker
- Meat cutting plants
- Dairies
- Vegetable packing
- Breweries
Further study
After completing a course in Manufacturing you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field or in further research to go into a related field.
Within the Manufacturing industry, there are several career pathways available to choose from such as Health & Safety and Environmental Assurance, Logistics and Inventory Control, Maintenance and Repair, Manufacturing production process development, production and quality control, and assurance. It may be helpful to take courses in more specialized areas of Manufacturer if you find that you enjoy one pathway over another and would like to specialize going forward.
FAQ
How do I get manufacturing experience?
Experience will always set you above your peers when it comes to applying for jobs so do what you can to get as much experience as possible under your belt. There is often seasonal work available in manufacturing depending on the industry and manufacturers may be looking for temporary staff in junior positions.
Volunteering is a great way to gain relevant skills and improve your skillset in a real-world environment. Get in touch with local non-profit organizations and enquire if they require student volunteers within their manufacturing projects.
Skills you need to be successful in a Manufacturing job
Attention to detail is a job skill that is just as important with modern technology as it was at the start of manufacturing. With speed and precision being a priority in manufacturing, workers need to be both focused and detail-oriented. When operating heavy machinery, as is the case with many manufacturing jobs, a lack of attention can lead to serious injury or delays
Strong communication and the ability to work with a team show a commitment to the overall success of the company.
An interest and aptitude for technology could also make you stand out in your position and be noticed. Technology is constantly evolving and changing the way manufacturing workplaces operate and by demonstrating an interest in technology and a desire to keep learning you are sending a message of your long-term potential to your employers.
Where can I study Manufacturing?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· There are three main types of manufacturing production – make-to-stock (MTS), make-to-order (MTO), and make-to-assemble (MTA).
· In 2019, there were an estimated 10 million factories in the world.
· The Industrial Revolution is commonly seen as starting in Britain before spreading to other parts of the world.
· The first modern factory was a water-powered cotton spinning mill. Established by a man named Richard Arkwright in 1771, the mill was located in the village of Cromford in Derbyshire. It initially employed 200 workers and ran day and night with two 12-hour shifts.
· During the Industrial Revolution there was a huge migration of people to towns and cities as more jobs became available due to a rise in manufacturing and mass production. In the mid-18th century, about 15 percent of the English population lived in urban areas; by 1900 this figure had increased to a whopping 85 percent.
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