Production manager (manufacturing)

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
• fashion and textiles management

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 complete 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You might start as an engineering technician or quality control officer in a manufacturing company. You could then move into production management through training and promotion.

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.

You may also be able to join a scheme if you can show you have substantial relevant industry experience.

Career Tips

A knowledge of production methods and international quality standards , like ISO9000, will be helpful.

As a production manager, you'll:

• draw up production plans and set quality standards
• monitor production runs and make adjustments if problems occur
• work with suppliers to get parts and raw materials
• make sure performance targets are met and waste is kept to a minimum
• work with sales teams, buyers and quality control departments
• oversee the training and development of staff
• write production reports for senior managers and customers

You could work in an office, in a factory or in a workshop.

You may need to wear protective clothing.