Planning, process or production technician - requirements

As a planning, process or production technician, sometimes described as a manufacturing engineer, your technical skills and management abilities let you oversee and improve a variety of industry processes. Here you can learn more about what this role involves and how to qualify.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What qualifications do you need to be a planning, process or production technician?

An engineering degree is typical for working in this field. Subjects to consider include:

You can enter this field without a higher degree level qualification, instead working at a trainee or junior level with a foundation degree, higher national diploma or certificate. You may also consider a manufacturing or engineering apprenticeship.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a planning, process or production technician?

Postgraduate qualifications aren’t always needed in this field, but they’re useful for technicians and engineers looking to focus on a certain area or apply for competitive graduate schemes.

Examples of taught or research master’s you could consider include courses like:

  • Production engineering and operations management
  • Mechanical and manufacturing engineering
  • Advanced process engineering
  • Advanced manufacture: technology & systems
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Process safety

What skills do you need to be a planning, process or production technician?

Key skills for working in this role are usually technical knowledge, planning skills and strong knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Engineering knowledge
  • Planning production and industrial processes
  • Procurement
  • Project management
  • Supply chain management
Soft skills include:
  • Planning and managing
  • Communication
  • Operations management
  • Eye for detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Health and safety

Do you need work experience to be a planning, process or production technician?

You should always look for opportunities to gain more work experience to boost your employability. You might get an internship or summer placement between your studies or choose a degree programme that contains a year in industry. Joining student bodies related to engineering or completing research will also help you stand out to employers.

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