High School

Manufacturers bring a variety of skills to their jobs. Course work in business, math, English, science, art, and computer science will provide a well-rounded foundation. Shop classes will benefit individuals interested in pursuing work as machinists or other related jobs. Those who work in sales positions should take as many business, speech, advertising, and marketing courses as possible.

Postsecondary Training

Many manufacturing workers have an undergraduate degree (although some may just have a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job). Depending on the job, individuals may have a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, industrial technology, industrial design, or industrial engineering. Some companies may hire individuals with other types of undergraduate degrees providing their skills, work experience, and personality match the job requirements. Individuals with graduate degrees in business administration or industrial engineering will find more opportunities with larger manufacturing companies.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are provided by the American Society for Quality, American Society of Professional Estimators, Association for Supply Chain Management, AACE International, Industrial Designers Society of America, Manufacturers’ Agents National Association, and SME. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Certification is not required but can give a manufacturing employee a boost in the job market. APICS—Association for Operations and Management (a subsidiary of the Association for Supply Chain Management) offers the certified in production and inventory management designation to individuals who pass a series of tests and accrue professional development points every five years. The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council offers the certified production technician credential, which has five individual certificate modules: Safety; Quality Practices & Measurement; Manufacturing Processes & Production; Maintenance Awareness; and Green Production. The American Society for Quality offers the certified manager of quality/organizational excellence credential to managers who have at least 10 years of experience or education and who pass an exam. Cost estimators can become certified by the American Society of Professional Estimators, AACE International, and the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association. The Manufacturers’ Representatives Educational Research Foundation offers several certification designations for sales representatives who are employed by manufacturers.

Aspiring green products manufacturers should try to obtain an internship or volunteership with a green manufacturer to gain valuable industry experience.

Depending on the job, manufacturing employees need solid communication and math skills, good business and sales sense, analytical and decision-making abilities, creativity, design software knowledge, good hand-eye coordination, and self-discipline. Knowledge of and appreciation for sustainable manufacturing processes is also essential.