what is a machine operator?
As a machine operator, you work with machines and equipment. Your work is often in a manufacturing or production plant that mass-produces consumer goods or electronic parts. Some of the machines you are likely to operate include lathes, boring machines, drill presses and precision grinders. You can specialise in running one of these or multiple types of equipment.
Your job as a machine operator often involves repetitive motions like frequent use of foot pedals, levers and switches. Sometimes, you also feed raw materials into the equipment. These roles require physical strength and manual dexterity to lift heavy goods and ensure the proper operation of machines. Machine operators also fine-tune and adjust machine calibrations to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Would working as a machine operator suit your physical fitness and interest in operating machines? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a machine operator role.
machine operator salary
According to ONS, the median take-home salary of a machine operator is £25,887 per year. Your compensation package starts at £19,000 annually when you join the profession. Experienced machine operators with exceptional skills and qualifications command higher salaries of over £34,000 per year. You also have various ways of increasing your salary prospects through overtime pay and bonuses.
what factors affect a machine operator's salary?
Most employers use your qualifications and specialised skills to determine your compensation package. Improving your expertise through college training and internships boosts your earnings. Working in major cities with large manufacturing companies increases your salary prospects. Employers are also expected to pay more in cities due to the high cost of living.
types of machine operator
Some specialisation areas in machine operations include:
- mobile plant machine operators: as a mobile plant operator, you operate or drive cranes and forklift trucks. You also operate mining and extraction machinery in various industries.
- drilling and boring machine operators: your job is to set up and operate drilling and milling machines. You use the machines to drill holes in various materials like metal and plastic.
- rolling machine operators: your role is to run rolling mills that shape multiple metals and materials into rods and plates. You also carry out the necessary maintenance on the machines.
- construction machine operators: as a machine operator in the construction industry, you run equipment like excavation machines and cement mixers.
working as a machine operator
A machine operator uses heavy machinery to accomplish various tasks in manufacturing and production. Let's explore some of the roles and work environments of a machine operator.
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machine operator job description
While duties vary depending on the industry sector, the typical responsibilities of a machine operator include:
- setting up machines for operation: as a machine operator, you connect the parts of a machine according to the specifications. You are responsible for setting the machine's operational information, like the speed, cut size and shape. Before production commences, you also check the machine's calibrations.
- troubleshooting issues and maintaining machines: a machine operator monitors equipment for proper functioning. You spot problems and fix them before they escalate into major issues. Once in a while, you will test the operations of the machines, check for any flaws and rectify them. It's also your job to clean up the machine parts after every production process.
- adhering to safety protocols: a machine operator must comply with all procedures and practices related to the safe operation of machines. You will take all necessary steps to guard the machines used in the workspace to reduce the risk of injury. Machine operators also wear proper protective gear while on duty.
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work environment
Primarily, machine operators work in manufacturing companies, warehouses, workshops or production plants, so you'll spend most of your time indoors. You'll work in clean, well-lit, ventilated areas and often handle high-speed machines. In this working environment, staying on schedule and maintaining a consistent production speed is paramount. Expect to spend most of your time standing, sitting or walking for most of your working day. In some settings, you will also need to do some moderately heavy lifting. Machine operators working in construction, mining or drilling companies move from place to place based on the worksite. While at work, you will wear protective clothing like heavy gloves, earplugs, goggles and steel-toed boots. Those working in plastic or other fumes-producing companies also wear respirators.
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who are your colleagues?
As a machine operator, you are likely to work in construction or manufacturing sites. Hence, your colleagues might include general operative role, warehouse workers, workers like material handlers and cnc machinists post, cnc turners and cnc operator. You may also work with maintenance technicians and factory supervisors, as well as other specialists that could include assemblers, millwrights and production worker roles.
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work schedule
Some machine operatives work on a standard schedule of 40 hours a week. Since most manufacturing plants operate more than one shift a day, expect to work either the day or night shift. In periods of increased production, machine operators work overtime during the weekends and holidays. You also have a chance to work for a single company on a full-term basis or multiple companies part-time or under contract. Remote work opportunities are not available since machine operation is a hands-on job. You have to be on-site to provide your services.
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job outlook
As more companies embrace automation, operators need to train and become more versatile. The number of job openings will vary from one industry to the other. As the profession grows steadily, you have multiple opportunities to develop your career. You can specialise in machine operation roles like becoming a forklift operator or crane operator. Another option is to boost your skills and experience levels and advance to supervision roles like production manager, sales supervisor or inventory manager.
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advantages of finding a machine operator job through randstad
Finding your machine operator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of machine operative jobs
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a machine operative is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education & qualifications
Companies are looking for machine operators who will perform at their best to boost productivity. Some of the primary requirements for this career include the following:
- education: most employers prefer to hire machine operators with at least GCSEs and post-secondary qualifications. You can improve your employment opportunity with solid mathematics, statistics and computer knowledge. Some companies require more credentials, and you stand a chance of working in the best organisations if you have an associate degree in machining.
- training: once you are hired, expect to go through on-the-job training. Besides academic qualifications, some institutions offer apprenticeship programmes. A first-time machine operator observes a skilled worker and assists them in some basic tasks under supervision. The programme takes anywhere from a few weeks up to four years, depending on the complexity of the equipment. At the end of the training period, you should have skills that prepare you for more advanced roles in your career. Combining classroom skills with paid on-the-job training is an excellent option.
- certification: other employers prefer to hire machine operators who have extra certifications. Enrol in a programme to attain a Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Product Technician certificate to master front-line manufacturing production basics. Upon completing the Manufacturing Technician Level 1 certificate, you will gain manufacturing computer-aided skills. You could also consider the Lean Certification that emphasises efficiency and waste minimisation.
skills and competencies
You need to gain the following skills to handle machines in busy manufacturing environments efficiently:
- attention to detail: the work of a machine operator is very delicate, so you need to pay attention to every process. You will often handle precision equipment, and being off by even a millimetre can cause critical errors. A single mistake results in time wastage and is very expensive to correct.
- excellent problem-solving skills: as a machine operator, your daily tasks involve assessing why the machines don't perform at peak efficiency and fixing errors to increase output. Such a task requires a person who thinks creatively to develop solutions for very complex issues.
- analytical skills: a machine operator needs to read and understand blueprints, complex instructions and other specifications. You also need to understand the limits and capabilities of various machines and use the equipment on a specific project.
- ability to multitask: you should be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without causing errors. While working, you need to control operations and, at the same time, assess performance. Multitasking skills will help you complete various tasks effectively and correctly.
- physical strength: as a machine operator, you have to be physically fit and able to lift multiple weights and handle machines. The job also involves physical activity, and fitness reduces fatigue.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a machine operator
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what is a machine operator?
A machine operator is responsible for controlling, setting up and maintaining sophisticated machinery or equipment within a production plant. You work with computer-controlled or mechanically-operated machines.
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what are the duties of a machine operator?
Machine operators perform various duties, including installation and machinery maintenance. They also perform periodic checks on the machines and fix any problems detected. The role extends to operating tools, adjusting machines for different functions and cleaning the machinery. Machine operators are responsible for quality control and ensuring compliance with all safety and health regulations.
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what skills do you need to be a machine operator?
A machine operator requires critical thinking skills to analyse situations and develop reasonable solutions. This career also suits people who pay attention to details and are good communicators.
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what education do you need to be a machine operator?
You can qualify for a machine operator position with GCSE certificates. Those who enrol for a machine operator technical training programme or foundation degree in machining have better chances of getting a job.
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how can I be a good machine operator?
If you want to be a good machine operator, you need to be self-motivated and take pride in your job. Always look for more information to make better decisions and develop solutions. Also, consider further training to improve your skills.
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how do I apply for machine operator jobs?
Applying for a machine operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
