How to become a 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 foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in manufacturing. Some employers may look for a degree of relevance to their particular industry, for example:
- automotive or aerospace engineering
- food production
- pharmaceuticals
- chemical engineering
- materials engineering
It's important to gain relevant industry experience during your degree. This could be through:
- vacation placements
- internships
- year in industry schemes
With a degree you can apply to manufacturing or production graduate management schemes.
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
The apprenticeship route you take will depend on the sector you want to work in. The following higher and degree apprenticeships may help you to get into this role:
- process leader higher apprenticeship
- manufacturing management degree apprenticeship
- food and drink advanced production engineer apprenticeship
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 become a team leader and shift supervisor before moving into production management through training and promotion.
Direct Application
You could apply for a place on a management training scheme with a manufacturing company. They usually ask for a degree but you may be able to start without university qualifications if you can show you've enough relevant industry experience.
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Career tips
A knowledge of production methods and quality standards, for example ISO9000, will be helpful.