To work as a manufacturing production technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a certificate in manufacturing production technology or a related field.

Education after high school

Most people prepare for this occupation by getting a one-year certificate in manufacturing production after high school. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer one-year programs in this field. Some also offer associate degrees in this or a related field, such as industrial engineering technology.

It is important to verify the kind and quality of manufacturing production programs. Carefully select your program. Make sure the school has the type of training you want, up-to-date equipment, and qualified instructors. Check with employers to see which schools they prefer. Ask the schools for the names of employers where they have placed graduates.

Training programs approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) meet standards set by the industry. Graduating from an ABET accredited program can give you an advantage with employers.

Pre-engineering programs are not the same as technician programs. Pre-engineering programs stress classroom theory. In contrast, manufacturing production programs stress hands-on training.

Work experience

Working in jobs that give you practical experience is good background for this occupation. For instance, repairing, installing, or assembling devices and equipment is good experience for manufacturing production technician jobs.

On-the-job training

As a new technician, you perform routine tasks while closely supervised by an experienced technician or engineer. As you gain experience, you work on tasks that are more difficult. Training may last a month up to a year.