Things You Need To Know Before Starting A Factory Job

If you’re thinking about working in a factory, this is the guide for you (though it’s also helpful if you already have a job in one). This isn’t the kind of work that comes with tons of glamorous perks or endless opportunities to make friends. 

But if you’re just starting out, it can be a good place to get your feet wet. You’ll learn valuable skills, gain enough experience to put on your resume, and start making some money that can help pay off school loans or support your family. 

Plus, your co-workers will probably be as nice as they are hard-working. So here are 20 things you should know before you take on a factory job:

Takeaways
Understanding the expectations and responsibilities of a factory job is crucial before starting.
Developing relevant skills, such as technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities, can enhance your prospects in the manufacturing industry.
Familiarize yourself with the safety protocols and regulations to ensure a secure work environment.
Be prepared for the physical demands of a factory job and maintain good physical fitness.
Networking with professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights and potential career opportunities.
Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends can help you adapt and grow in your factory job.
Research the company and understand its culture and values to determine if it aligns with your career goals.
Effective communication skills are essential for collaboration and success in a factory job.
Understanding the potential career paths and opportunities for advancement within the manufacturing industry can help you plan your long-term goals.
Always maintain a positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn to thrive in a factory job.

It’s A Good Job

You need to know that this is a good job. Even if you don’t have any experience, or if you don’t have a college degree, we’re willing to give you a chance and see what happens. 

We like people who are willing to learn and grow their skillset! You can get a job here even if it’s your first time working at all.

You may be surprised by how much experience you get in the factory over time: we’re always willing to teach new workers how things work around here, so we can help them become familiar with all of our machines and procedures. 

If someone shows promise during their first few weeks on the job (or even months!), they might end up being promoted into an administrative role one where they’ll still be working directly with our equipment but without physically operating it themselves!

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Bring Your Wet Wipes

These are a must for many factory jobs, especially if you’re working in the food industry. Sometimes the bathroom is far from where you’re working and it can be difficult (and annoying) to go back and forth between duties.

Bring Your Toilet Paper

It’s also good to bring your toilet paper because sometimes there isn’t any at all! If that’s the case, then it’s nice to have some on hand so that you don’t have to suffer through an entire work day without doing what nature calls for.

Bring Your Hand Sanitizer

This goes without saying but working around food can make your hands dirty and sticky very quickly and we all know how gross sticky fingers get! 

A tiny bottle of hand sanitizer is small enough that it won’t take up too much space in your bag or backpack while still being able to do its job of keeping away germs from spreading throughout the workplace environment.

(Some people even like using alcohol gel because it cleans better than regular soap.) It’s always better safe than sorry when it comes down

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Wear Clothes You Don’t Mind Destroying

Wear clothes you don’t mind destroying. When you first start working in the factory, your uniform will be a set of black pants, a plain white t-shirt (maybe two if it’s cold), and steel toe boots. 

These are all clothes that are designed for hard work they’ll be comfortable and durable, but not necessarily stylish or expensive. That said, I highly recommend investing in some nice work shoes if you can afford them: they’ll last long enough to make up for their cost over time!

To keep yourself safe while working on the factory floor (and off), don’t wear anything too loose or light-colored that could easily get caught on machinery or tools while they’re moving around us at high speeds: 

Try wearing jeans instead of shorts so they stay secure against your legs but remain flexible enough when bending down low over furniture or equipment during breaks; 

Avoid wearing jewelry as well since jewelry can sometimes snag on certain types of fabrics/materials used throughout our facility which could cause injury when removing clothing/inventory from storage bins etc…

I Know This Seems Like A Waste, But Bring Some Ear Plugs

Some of the things you’ll be working with are loud. You may be surprised, but I’m talking about your ears. Ear plugs are cheap and a great idea for anyone who does manual labor.

Think about it: You’re going to be working with machines, tools, people, and your hands/feet/eyes (and probably more) in this job all at once! And each of those things can get loud enough that you need ear protection.

It’s not just to keep out noise; it’s also so you don’t go deaf by age 30 from prolonged exposure to extreme decibel levels over time.

Don’t Try To Talk While Working

When you’re working, there’s no talking. At all. That’s because factory jobs are extremely loud and have a lot of dangerous machinery around it’s just too risky to have people conversing while they’re performing their tasks.

It’s not just dangerous either; it’s also disrespectful to your fellow workers and the people who hired you. 

People can’t concentrate if they know there’s someone nearby talking all the time, so even if it seems like good fun at first (e.g., “Hey guys, do you want me to whistle?”), try not to do it more than once or twice before realizing this rule is serious business!

Breath Through Your Nose

The most important thing you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working in a factory is to breathe through your nose. When you breathe through your mouth, you’re more likely to experience dry mouth and nosebleeds. 

If you’re constantly breathing this way, it can lead to more serious health issues like periodontal disease and asthma attacks.

If that’s not enough incentive for you, there are also benefits from breathing through your nostrils. Breathing through the nose helps prevent dehydration and allows for better oxygen intake which leads to increased energy levels! 

Plus, there’s some evidence that suggests nasal breathing may reduce the number of colds people get each year by up to 50%.

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The Bathrooms Are Disgusting, So Be Prepared

You’ll also want to be prepared for some of the less glamorous parts of working in a factory.

The Bathrooms Are Disgusting, So Be Prepared

You’re going to have a lot more time on your hands than you’re used to (especially if you’re getting paid by the hour), so use that time wisely and make sure that your bathroom is always clean and hygienic. 

If it isn’t, then people will notice and think ill of your workplace as a whole and they might just stay away altogether! This can hurt productivity while also tarnishing the reputation of your business, which could end up costing you thousands of dollars in lost revenue over time. 

Plus, think about how much better it would feel if everyone had access to clean facilities!

You Have To Be Constantly On The Move

You should be prepared to be on the move. Factory jobs are fast-paced and can often involve running around a lot. For example, if you’re working in a factory that manufactures cars, you will most likely be moving parts from one station to another throughout the day. 

This means that you need to make sure that whatever shoes you wear have a good grip on them so they don’t slip when wet with oil or water.

You may also find yourself working in hot environments where there’s no air conditioning or heating and it gets very sweaty! In these cases, make sure your uniform is light-colored so that it doesn’t absorb the heat from all around you as much as dark colors do (e.g., black).

You’ll also want ear protection if loud noises are coming from machines nearby – like those used for welding car parts together! This not only helps protect your hearing but also helps keep any stray sparks away from anyone else who might get burned by them as well!

Be Careful When Trying To Look Busy

The more you look busy, the more chances you have to make mistakes. The longer it takes for you to complete a task, the more time there is for errors to happen and mistakes to be made. 

And if someone has been watching your every move while trying their best not to get caught doing nothing themselves (don’t worry we’ve all been there), they’re going to notice when something goes wrong.

When this happens, they may get upset with both you and your coworkers who aren’t as engaged in their work as they should be. 

Everyone on a factory floor must remain calm in these situations because getting into an argument only makes matters worse; instead of getting yelled at by one person, now there are two yelling at each other!

So next time somebody comes around asking if everything is OK when things are already fine… just tell them yes!

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The Machines Are Dangerous, Don’t Put Your Hands In Them

You will be working with many dangerous machines. Don’t put your hands in them. The conveyor belt will shred you, the paper cutter will cut you, the die cutter will slice off a finger and the shredder is a blender for anything that gets placed inside it. 

If you think this isn’t true because they have signs saying “don’t put hands inside,” don’t believe them they are lies designed to trick you into dying.

The only safe way to operate these machines is if nothing has ever gone wrong with them before (and even then). 

Those times when something does go wrong? That’s when humans get hurt and/or killed, like when someone drops something heavy on their head while trying to reach through one of those tiny little holes designed just for safety reasons instead of functionality ones

Always Follow Instructions. Not Being Able To Read English Isn’t An Excuse

There are many things in life that you can’t learn until you experience them firsthand. Working in a factory is one of those things. The best way to learn how things work at your factory job is by asking questions and listening carefully to instructions.

If there’s something in the instructions that you don’t understand, ask someone for clarification! You can’t be blamed for not understanding something if you didn’t ask about it first.

Be sure to follow all rules and procedures set forth by your supervisor or manager even if they seem silly or unnecessary from your point of view. 

Don’t assume anything at work; always ask questions and make sure everyone knows what’s expected from them before starting any task or project.

If You Have Any Questions, Ask Someone Immediately – It’s Better To Look Dumb Than Lose A Finger/Limb/Life

You’ll learn more by observing and asking questions than by being told what to do. You will make mistakes, but that is okay! Mistakes are how we gain knowledge as humans – they make us smarter, better people in the long run (most of the time). 

Teamwork is key here – get to know your coworkers and be willing to help each other out if needed! The machines and tools can teach you a lot too; use them wisely, practice often, and take care of everything around you while working so nothing gets damaged!

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Get Ready To Be Yelled At By Supervisors

The next thing you need to know is that supervisors are not your friends. They have a job to do and that job is ensuring your work gets done. A supervisor will not take the time out of his or her day to listen to your problems, so don’t bother trying. 

As long as you’re doing your job, it doesn’t matter if someone else made a mistake or if the company cut corners because of budget cuts the only thing that matters is that you get the work done!

Don’t Be An Idiot Around The Machines And Tools Or You’ll Get Hurt And Possibly Fired For Being An Idiot

You’ll have to touch a lot of stuff in a factory, but make sure you don’t touch the machines and tools. They’ll get mad and hurt you.

It’s also smart not to touch anything else if you can help it. The floor, walls, ceiling, and people are all out for your blood.

You May Not Get The Hours You Want, But It Does Help Just Having A Job At All

If you’re looking for a factory job to get your foot in the door, this is a good place to start. It’s better than not having a job at all, and it can help you gain experience so that when you do want something better in the future, you know what kind of skills are required. 

You should also keep in mind that just having a job is crucial when it comes time for raises and promotions; 

If your boss doesn’t think highly of his employees’ dedication and work ethic because they weren’t always available or didn’t put forth as much effort as possible, then he’ll be unlikely to promote them despite their obvious talent.

Sure It’s Tough But There Are Many Opportunities For Advancement And Growth Here!

As with any industry, factory work is not a guaranteed career. You could get fired for being an idiot, or for being late to work. You could also get fired for not doing your job, or not doing it well.

The good news is that many of us eventually end up at the top of our industries! And not just in terms of pay: many factory workers move on to become managers and supervisors within years of starting as hourly employees. 

While others use their experience as an entry point into higher education (either by pursuing vocational training that will help them land better jobs or by going back to school full-time). There’s no reason why this can’t be true for you!

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of important and useful information here. We hope that now you feel more confident and prepared if you decide to pursue a factory position. 

From the way we see it, there are three main things to keep in mind when working on the factory floor: safety, teamwork, and communication. You need to stay alert for your safety as well as the safety of your team. 

You also need to be willing to work together with others you’ll find that this leads not only to better results but also creates a more pleasant environment for everyone involved! 

Remember too that though some people think factories are all about machines, they’re really about people coming together to make something great happen. 

Your job is just one part of that process; try not to forget that! The most important thing is for you to stay safe and have fun while doing it because, at the end of the day, work should never be so serious that it makes life miserable.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources to explore for further reading on the topic of starting a factory job:

Your First Day in Manufacturing

Learn what to expect on your first day in the manufacturing industry and how to make a smooth transition into your new role.

What Skills Do You Need to Work in a Factory?

Discover the essential skills required to excel in a factory job and tips on how to develop those skills for a successful career.

Top 7 Factors You Need to Consider When Starting a Manufacturing Business

Explore the key factors and considerations involved in starting a manufacturing business, providing insights and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions related to starting a factory job:

What qualifications are needed to work in a factory?

To work in a factory, specific qualifications may vary depending on the role and industry. Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient for entry-level positions, while specialized technical or vocational training may be required for more specialized roles.

What safety measures should I be aware of in a factory environment?

Factory environments often involve machinery and potentially hazardous conditions. It is important to be aware of and follow safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), understanding emergency procedures, and adhering to equipment usage guidelines.

How can I advance my career in the manufacturing industry?

To advance your career in the manufacturing industry, consider expanding your skill set through continuous learning and professional development. Seek opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, demonstrate leadership qualities, and stay updated on industry trends and advancements.

What are the typical working hours in a factory job?

Working hours in a factory job can vary depending on the specific industry and shift schedule. Some factories operate on a standard 8-hour shift, while others may have extended hours or operate in shifts covering 24 hours a day. It is important to clarify the working hours and schedule during the hiring process.

What are the potential career paths in the manufacturing industry?

The manufacturing industry offers diverse career paths, including roles in production, quality control, maintenance, logistics, and management. With experience and additional training, opportunities for advancement into supervisory or managerial positions may become available.

What Is A Factory Job?

A factory job is a position that requires you to work in a factory setting. Factory workers are often responsible for assembling parts or making products, and their tasks can be repetitive. 

Factory jobs typically offer lower pay than other positions, but they do come with certain benefits.

How Long Does It Take To Get Hired As A Factory Worker?

It depends on the company and your experience level. Companies that hire new employees generally want applicants who have previous experience in similar positions, so having some sort of experience before applying will make you more competitive.

How Much Money Do I Make Working At A Factory?

The amount of money you make as a factory worker depends on your level of experience and how hard you work. 

It also depends on what kind of product you are making and whether or not it’s being sold in stores or online. Some factories pay their employees by the hour, while others pay their employees based on what they produce during each shift.