How to become Production manager (manufacturing)
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a university qualification in manufacturing.
Some employers may look for a qualification subject related to their particular industry, for example:
- automotive or aerospace engineering
- food and drink production
- pharmaceuticals
- chemical engineering
- materials engineering
Getting relevant industry experience during your studies is important. A summer internship or year in industry placement can give you an advantage when looking for work after university.
If you compete a degree you may be able to join a manufacturing or production management graduate training scheme.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this career. Examples include:
- Process Leader Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Project Controls Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Manufacturing Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an engineering technician or quality control officer in a manufacturing company. You could then move into production management through training and promotion.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to join a management training scheme with a manufacturing company.
Employers will set their own entry requirements, for example a university qualification, but you may be able to join if you can show you have substantial relevant industry experience.
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Career tips
A knowledge of production methods and international quality standards, like ISO9000, will be helpful.