Manufacturing

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

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
• materials engineering

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 compete 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

For 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/

Apprenticeship

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

For 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

Work

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

Direct application

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, but you may be able to join if you can show you have substantial relevant industry experience.

More information

Career tips

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

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could move into:risk and safety management; planning and operations; overall general management

If you work in a large manufacturing company, there may be career development opportunities at regional, national or international level.