Example Team Leading/Spervisor role...

What is the work like?

Manufacturing supervisors are responsible for the day-to-day running of production processes in all types of manufacturing operations. They make sure that the production line is running smoothly and that staff are meeting their production targets.

You main duties as a supervisor would include:

• planning and organising staff shift rotas and tasks
• reporting plant or machinery breakdowns to maintenance technicians
• organising external contracts, like cleaning or supplies
• stock control
• motivating your team
• producing management reports on performance
• monitoring quality control
• updating paperwork, such as annual leave requests and sick leave
• identifying and organising training needs.

Depending on your level of responsibility, you might also be involved in the recruitment process, health and safety monitoring and industrial relations.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

To go straight into a supervisor job, you would usually need qualifications and experience from related work, such as mechanical engineering maintenance.

Alternatively, you could build up the necessary technical skills and experience to move into a supervisor role by starting work as a production worker.

You could prepare for a supervisory job by completing general introductory qualifications in supervision and management, such as:

• Chartered Management Institute's (CMI) Introductory Certificate in Team Leading
• Institute of Leadership and Management's (ILM) Level 2 Award in Team Leading.

Contact the CMI and ILM for more details.

You may also be able join an Apprenticeship scheme with a manufacturing company and move into a supervisory role once you are qualified.

The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

What further training and development can I do?

Once you start work, you would receive induction training with your employer and ongoing training as required. This could include completing some of the higher-level qualifications through the CMI and ILM.

You can also work towards:

• NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading
• NVQ levels 3 and 4 in Management

Top tip

Download and complete a Nital application form and return it to us staight away. We may be able to find you an apprenticeship position.