What does a production associate do?
A production associate is responsible for performing various tasks in a factory or manufacturing setting. Production associates typically work on an assembly line and are responsible for ensuring that products meet quality standards. They do so by doing the following:
Inspecting products
When a product comes down the assembly line, the production associate is responsible for inspecting it to ensure that it meets certain quality standards. For instance, they check to see if there are any defects in the product. If they find any defects, they will either fix them or notify a supervisor.
Helping in the assembly and packaging of products
In some cases, production associates will also be responsible for assembling products. For example, they get to put together the pieces of a toy or piece of furniture. When a product gets finished, the production associate will likely also help in packaging it. This involves putting it in a box or wrapping it in plastic and then sealing it.
Overseeing the types of materials used in production
In some cases, production associates will be responsible for overseeing the types of materials used in production. For instance, they make sure that the right type of plastic is being used to wrap a product or that the right type of wood is being used to make a piece of furniture.
Ensuring the proper use of equipment
When you become a production associate, you will also be responsible for ensuring the proper use of equipment. For example, you will need to make sure that an assembly line is running smoothly or that a machine is properly calibrated.
View RolesWhat is the average salary of production associates?
According to salary.com, the average salary of production associates is $33,420 per year. This translates to $16.10 per hour. However, salaries tend to vary depending on factors such as the following.
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Type and size of company
The type and size of company you work for will have a big impact on your salary. For instance, production associates working for large companies tend to make more than those working for small companies. This is often because large companies usually have more money to invest in their employees.
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Location
Where you live also has a big impact on your salary. Production associates living in large cities tend to make more than those living in small towns. For instance, if you're a production associate living and working in New York City, you should expect to make more than one living and working in a small town in Iowa.
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Years of experience
As with most jobs, the longer you've been working as a production associate, the more money you should expect to make. This is because you will have had more time to develop your skills and grow in your career.
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Education
While you don't need a college degree to work as a production associate, having one will definitely help you earn a higher salary. This is because employers often view candidates with degrees as being more qualified for the job.
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Industry
The industry you work in will also affect your salary. For instance, production associates working in the manufacturing industry tend to make more than those working in the retail industry. This is often because the manufacturing industry is usually more complex and requires a higher level of skill.
Production Associate Job Description
If you want to become a production associate, there are several things you should expect. That includes certain specific responsibilities, equipment, work environment, and much more, as discussed below.
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What are the responsibilities of a production associate?
One of the main responsibilities of a production associate is to help with the manufacturing process. This involves working on an assembly line and putting products together. Once the product is fully assembled, the production associate will then help to pack it up and get it ready for shipping. Another responsibility of a production associate is to monitor the quality of the product. This means making sure that there are no defects and that the product meets all the necessary requirements.
As a production associate, you'll also be maintaining inventory levels. This includes keeping track of how many products are being made and ensuring that there is enough stock to meet customer demand. Last but not least, production associates are also responsible for keeping the work area clean and organized. This helps to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
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What type of equipment do production associates use?
When you become a production associate, you'll be using a variety of different types of equipment and tools depending on the company you work for. However, there are some common pieces of equipment that most production associates use. These include hand tools, power tools, measuring devices, and more. One of the most important pieces of equipment you'll be using is a safety mask. This is to protect you from any harmful chemicals or fumes present in the work area. When inspecting products, you'll also be using a magnifying glass and a flashlight. This is to help you get a closer look at the product and to identify any defects. When packaging and shipping products, you'll be using packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape.
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What is the work environment of a production associate?
The work environment of a production associate will vary depending on the company you work for. However, most production associates work in factories or warehouses. This means that the work environment is usually loud and there is a lot of activity going on. Because of this, it's important to be able to focus and pay attention to detail.
You should also expect the work environment to be physically demanding. This is because production associates often lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time. However, most companies provide breaks so that employees can take a rest. If you work in a company that produces harmful chemicals, you will also need to wear protective equipment, such as a respirator.
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Who are your colleagues as a production associate?
Since you'll be working in a factory or warehouse, most of your colleagues will be other production associates. However, it’s possible to find yourself working with other employees, such as quality control engineers, quality inspectors, plant managers, and more. Quality control engineers will be responsible for designing the manufacturing process. Quality control engineers will be responsible for inspecting products to ensure that they meet all the necessary requirements. Quality control inspectors will be responsible for conducting audits to ensure that the manufacturing process is running smoothly. Plant managers will be responsible for overseeing the entire manufacturing process. They'll make sure that production is running smoothly and that all employees are following safety procedures.
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What is the work schedule of a production associate?
The work schedule of a production associate will vary depending on the company you work for. However, most production associates work full-time hours. This means that you'll be working 40 hours per week. Some companies require you to work overtime, which means working more than 40 hours per week. Overtime is usually paid at a higher rate than regular hours. Production associates typically work Monday to Friday, but some companies will require you to work weekends as well. This is especially the case if the company is running a production line 24 hours a day. Depending on the season, demand for the product, and other factors, your schedule will change from time to time.
What is the career outlook for a production associate?
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the demand for production associates will definitely grow. The reason is that there is a need for more employees to work in factories and warehouses. On top of that, the demand for products will also increase. This is because the population is growing and more people are buying products. The career outlook for a production associate is therefore very good.
The best part is that working as a production associate will instill certain skills in you. These skills will be very helpful in other careers. For instance, if you want to be a quality control engineer, working as a production associate will give you the necessary experience. The bottom line is that the career outlook for a production associate is very good and there are many opportunities for advancement.
What are the advantages of working with Spherion as a production associate?
Are you actively looking for a job or just checking what's out there? If so, Spherion is the answer. The team will make it easier to get a production associate job that fits your skills, experience, and goals. Spherion is a leading staffing company, so you should expect to access countless networking opportunities. Besides that, you will get the right environment for your work style. So, whether you prefer to work with a startup or a large, established company, we have options for you. Some of the advantages that you'll enjoy when you work via Spherion include the following:
- You'll get paid on a weekly basis
- You'll have a flexible work structure
- You'll access countless training opportunities
- You'll find a wide range of jobs in your area
- You'll have a personal contact to assist you with your job search
- You'll get many training opportunities to gain more advanced skills
- You'll enjoy a fast and effective interviewing process
What education do you need as a production associate?
Getting a job as a production associate requires a certain level of education. On top of that, some employers will require that you have certain certifications and licenses.
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Educational requirements
Most employers will require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers will train you on the job if you don't have any formal education. However, having a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as industrial engineering, will give you a distinct advantage.
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Certifications and licenses
Although not required, some employers prefer that you have certain certifications and licenses. For instance, if you want to work in the food industry, you'll need to get a Food Handler's Card. You will usually get this card from your local health department. On the other hand, if you want to work in the automotive industry, you'll need to get a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
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Training
You will definitely need some training before you start working as a production associate. The type of training you'll need will depend on the employer and the specific job. However, most employers will provide on-the-job training. This type of training will teach you the specific skills and knowledge you need for the job.
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Skills & competencies
One of the most important things you'll need as a production associate is good communication skills. This is because you'll be working with other people in a team environment. You'll also need to be able to follow instructions and have good attention to detail since you'll be working on many different tasks.
Thirdly, you should be able to work well under pressure. This is because production associate jobs are often very fast-paced and deadlines are often tight. Fourth, you should have good problem-solving skills. This is because you'll often need to find solutions to problems that arise during production. Finally, you should be physically fit. This is because some production associate jobs are often quite demanding and require a lot of standing and walking.
FAQs
Working as a production associate places you as a key member of a manufacturing or production team. The following frequently asked questions will help you learn more about the role.
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What is the difference between a production associate and a production worker?
Generally speaking, a production associate is an individual who assists in the production process but is not directly responsible for producing the final product. A production worker, on the other hand, is an individual that is responsible for producing the final product. Production workers are typically responsible for performing tasks that require more experience and expertise.
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Is a production associate job right for me?
A production associate job is a good fit for you if you have good communication skills, follow instructions well, and have good attention to detail. Additionally, you should be able to work well under pressure and have good problem-solving skills. If you have a passion for production and want to learn more about what goes into making the products we use every day, a job as a production associate is definitely perfect for you.
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How do I apply for a job as a production associate?
Applying for a job as a production associate is easy with Spherion. Simply search for production associate jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you should 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 roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.