High School

A high school diploma is required for many production jobs in the toy industry. Some positions, such as industrial engineer, software programmer, or industrial designer, also require a bachelor's degree. While in high school, be sure to take shop classes that teach how to use machinery. Family and consumer science classes that focus on sewing, using patterns, and picking out materials may also be helpful. Other classes to take include art, basic mathematics, and English.

Postsecondary Training

People with a variety of educational backgrounds are employed in the field. Those in supervisory, research, and design positions may hold bachelor's or graduate degrees in various fields, including art, electronics, engineering, architecture, psychology, business, and the sciences. Those working in production positions, such as rooter operators and toy assemblers, typically learn how to do their work during on-the-job training, which lasts anywhere from several days to a few weeks.

Other Education or Training

Both The Toy Association and the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association provide continuing education opportunities at their annual conferences.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for workers in the toy industry.

No experience is needed for entry-level production positions; several years of industry experience are required for higher-level jobs in management and design.

Production workers need patience and the ability to do repetitive work. Good hand-eye coordination is required for those doing detailed tasks, such as painting designs on toys. The ability to be creative and to understand the consumers' wants are especially important for toy designers. Those operating machinery, such as rooter operators, must be able to complete their work quickly and accurately. Many positions also require that the worker have a good sense of color. Managers must have excellent leadership, business, and finance skills.