HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical pathway is to finish secondary school with courses in math, physics, drafting, chemistry, and blueprint reading. Many students then choose a college diploma or similar technical program in industrial engineering, manufacturing, or a related field, though some employers may also value hands-on experience and practical training. Co-op, internships, or part-time work in manufacturing can help build skills with data, measurements, drawings, quality checks, and production equipment. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the type of factory or specialization, so related studies and experience are often useful.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Assist in the design of plant layouts
- Conduct work measurement or other studies
- Collect and compile operational or experimental data and assist in the development of estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
- Collect and analyze data and samples in support of quality assurance and industrial health and safety programs
- Develop manufacturing and processing procedures and variables, set machine or equipment controls, oversee production and inspect processes.
- Technologists and technicians in this unit group may specialize in the development of production processes, quality assurance programs, plans and schedules in a particular industrial area such as metal fabrication, plastics, pulp and paper, or textile manufacturing.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Computer SkillsPresentation skillsProposal writingTeam project workCommittee work on industry ethics