How to Become a Production Assistant

Working as a production assistant requires managing multiple responsibilities during the day, including:

• Reviewing different work orders to ensure the products are complete
• Following safety and health protocols while wearing proper gear and working in an environment where hazards are present 
• Performing maintenance tasks on the equipment and on the worksite, including repairing machinery, cleaning the facility, and polishing the materials
• Managing documents and paperwork that is related to the production process
• Troubleshooting issues that develop
• Looking for defects in the machinery and equipment
• Assisting the production manager with inventory management and tracking different materials
• Ordering new supplies
• Using heavy machinery like forklifts, cranes, and loaders

Production assistants regularly use heavy machinery to move different products and materials throughout the facility. You may use forklifts to move pallets or load them onto trucks. You also work on computers when creating reports. It's common to use spreadsheets to manage the inventory or update data. Production assistants also utilize the different machinery and equipment in the factory to manufacture the goods.

As a production assistant, you will work in facilities on the floors as you assist the production manager in maintaining operations. It's also common to work on assembly lines where you will put pieces together to create products. The position requires spending a lot of time on your feet during the day and having enough physical stamina because the work can become repetitive. The floors can also be dirty and noisy.

There are times you also work in an office to update production data, which gives you a chance to work alone in a quiet environment. Production assistants also spend time in meetings with the production manager to brainstorm ideas on how to improve the efficiency of the production process. At times, production assistants participate in meetings with other executives or upper management to discuss issues in the production facility or answer questions. The duties and responsibilities of this type of role don't typically require traveling or working remotely.

Production assistants work directly with production managers in assisting with different types of tasks on the floor. You also work with machine operators, line operators, forklift operators, and other employees to assist with fulfilling orders and completing different steps of the manufacturing process.

If you work as a production assistant, expect to have the option of working in a part-time or full-time role. Most production assistants work full-time, or 40 hours each week. You may work longer hours and receive overtime pay during busy times of the year, such as the holiday season. 

Spherion is one of the leading staffing agencies in the industry and has success in pairing professionals with reputable companies in all different industries. The professional team at Spherion connects production assistants with many networking opportunities to make it easy and convenient to quickly find the right position. If you're looking to work in a fast-paced environment with a lot of people, the team at Spherion has the tools and experience to help you find the right organization and advance in your career. Many opportunities are available through Spherion. Additional benefits available to professionals include:

• Many scheduling options
• Weekly pay
• Flexibility
• Many job opportunities in your local area
• Multiple training opportunities to develop your skills as a production assistant
• Working with an experienced Spherion employee who will assist you in your job search
• A simple and quick interview process

If you are seriously looking for a job or just want to check out what is out there, Spherion is the best place to base your search. We will assist you with your search for lucrative employment by matching you with an accounting clerk job that matches your skills. As one of the leading staffing companies, Spherion has connections with a wide range of businesses and organizations. The Spherion team offers numerous networking opportunities, so you can find the right office for your work style. Whether you prefer to work with a small family business or a major company, Spherion has options for you.

Working via Spherion offers you several advantages. For example:

• Being paid weekly
• Flexibility
• A contact person you always can fall back on and ask for help
• A lot of training opportunities
• A range of jobs in your area                
• Personal contact to assist you with your job search
• Training opportunities for gaining more advanced Accounting Clerk skills
• Flexible scheduling options
• Quick and seamless interviewing process

A production assistant has varying tasks that change each day depending on the responsibilities performed by the production manager. You monitor the machinery and troubleshoot issues that occur while scheduling to have repairs performed. Production assistants take part in proper quality control with the methods and techniques in place. 

Yes, working as a production assistant can be stimulating and challenging for those who enjoy busy, fast-paced work environments. Each day is often different, and there are always challenges and issues to resolve. Production assistants also have the opportunity to grow and move up in different corporations and organizations. There are opportunities to advance in your career and promote to a production management position after gaining the necessary experience.

Corporations are looking for assistants who have more technical skills as manufacturing has become more complex in recent years. It's important to learn how to use different software programs like CAM and CAD. Understanding quality control and having the ability to identify potential problems that can delay or interrupt the production process is also crucial. Another trend is more collaboration between the different departments to ensure the efficient completion of various tasks. 

Applying for a job as a production assistant is easy with Spherion. You can search for production assistant jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your contact information and resume through Spherion’s open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential production assistant roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.