Breaking into the manufacturing sector: is prior experience absolutely required?
-
I've been working in general warehouse and packing roles for a while now, but I want to move up and start working with heavy machinery or CNC equipment to get a better hourly rate. Every time I look at job postings, they ask for specific certifications. Do I need to go back to school to get a formal degree to become a machine operator, or is there another way in?
Comments (2) -
Most manufacturers look for solid mechanical aptitude and a basic understanding of blueprints or safety protocols rather than a formal degree. If you look through a dedicated industrial portal to see what kind of machine operator job Toronto companies are listing, you will notice that many of them actually provide on-the-job training for specific CNC or molding equipment if you have a reliable work history. I started out as a general packer and used their listings to transition into operating heavy equipment, which brought a significant bump in my hourly rate.
-
A lot of places are so desperate for reliable people who show up on time and pass a basic safety test that they will happily train you on their specific machines. If you show that you are good with your hands and have a good work ethic, getting your foot in the door is much easier than those strict job descriptions make it seem.