If you're interested in a career change and like operating heavy-duty machinery or performing quality assurance inspections, you may be considering applying for jobs at a nearby crane manufacturing facility. As the country's infrastructure -- particularly roads and bridges -- continues to deteriorate and require repair and replacement, job openings in the crane and heavy-duty transport industry will continue to rise. However, there are a few things you should know about this industry before you go much further in your research process. Read on to learn more about what types of jobs may be available, as well as how you can improve your employment prospects at a crane manufacturer like at a company like Wazee Crane.
What types of jobs are available at a crane manufacturer?
Some crane manufacturers have a "closed" process -- meaning that the raw parts are often fabricated and then assembled at the same facility, rather than having one facility import parts for assembly and then ship out the final product. This means there are jobs for every specialty available and at every step of the process, from engineers and process managers to shipping and receiving coordinators and quality inspectors. This article will focus on the more entry-level jobs that don't require an advanced degree.
If you have only a high school diploma, but several years of factory or assembly experience, you may be able to seek jobs in the following areas:
Many who have enjoyed long careers at these facilities began as a machine operator. This generally involves the oversight of a machine that produces or refines parts. You'll likely be required to place the raw materials into the machine and then inspect and remove the machined piece. For example, certain machines are solely responsible for drilling the bolt holes into the bucket or claw that attaches to the end of the crane. Other stations will place these bolts and ensure that everything is secured.
Being trained as a machine operator can provide you with a substantial income -- the average annual salary for a machine operator in 2010 was nearly $40,000.
If you have welding experience, you may want to consider joining a crane construction facility. The sheer size of these machines can help you hone your welding skills more than working in a factory that manufactures smaller machines.
Most welders will begin at around $40,000 per year, and can make up to $67,000 per year with experience. Once you've gained years of job experience welding in the hot, noisy, and sometimes high-energy atmosphere of a crane manufacturing facility, you'll be able to command a high salary just about anywhere.
Another important role in the supply chain is that of quality assurance (QA) inspector. These workers will inspect samples from each batch of parts as they leave a certain point in the manufacturing process to ensure that all products are being produced to proper specifications.
The median salary for QA inspectors is around $50,000 per year. You may also be eligible for bonuses or profit-sharing if your facility achieves a certain threshold for quality parts produced.
What can increase your odds of being hired into one of these positions?
Because you'll be working in close quarters with heavy-duty machinery, you'll have to pass a drug test in order to be hired. You may also be subjected to random drug screenings or screening after you've been involved in a workplace accident. Being drug-free (even legally-prescribed drugs) can be the first threshold you'll need to pass.
You'll also want to be able to demonstrate attention to detail and a commitment to streamlining processes. You may want to prepare a story for the interview process about a time you helped eliminate a redundant process at a previous employer or noticed an oversight that saved your company money. This can help your potential employer feel confident that you'll be able to perform any of the previously-discussed positions without making costly mistakes or machining defective parts.
Share27 April 2015
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