The word “industrial” might conjure images of large machines and massive production lines. But when it comes to the term “light industrial work,” that isn’t typically the case. Light industrial jobs fall under the manufacturing umbrella, but instead of building large products from raw materials using automated machines, light industrial work generally means creating and building products and pieces of products from pre-made parts. Instead of using large, automated equipment, light industrial work may utilize manual labor to a greater scale.
What do light industrial jobs look like, and what are some examples? What does a typical day in the light industrial field look like? And what sort of qualifications and skills are needed to land a light industrial role?
Read on to learn more about the fascinating field of light industrial work and find out how to launch or grow your career in this exciting, rewarding area of manufacturing.
Light Industrial Job Description and Types of Jobs
It’s difficult to define light industrial work precisely because there are many types of light industrial work and just as many jobs within the light industrial field. Typically, light industrial jobs refer to positions within manufacturing companies involving the production of smaller products or operating machinery within a factory or on an assembly line. Light industrial workers may assemble products, clean machinery, distribute materials or products from a warehouse, and more.
Although there are many types of jobs within the light industrial field, a few common examples are quality control inspectors, light industrial assemblers, forklift drivers, and machine operators.
Quality Control Inspectors
Quality control inspectors are responsible for inspecting products built or assembled by other light industrial workers to make sure they’re up to standard. This inspection might occur after a product is assembled and before it is distributed to the public or the client, or it could occur at various points during the assembly process. It’s a quality control inspector’s job to make sure there are no production flaws and, if there are, stop production until the problem can be dealt with.
Light Industrial Assemblers
Assemblers work on assembly lines or within production plants to put together products or materials, either building the final product or a smaller part of the final product. Most light industrial assemblers rotate within the assembly line and may be responsible for various parts of assembly during any given shift.
Forklift Drivers
Forklift operators drive forklifts around the production plant to move products and materials where they need to go. But this type of job is about a lot more than operating the forklift itself. Forklift operators need to be able to calculate load weights, deal with invoicing and billing, adhere to all necessary safety protocols, and much more.
Machine Operators
Machine operators work with automated or partially automated machinery to produce goods and products. Machine operators might work with materials like metal, plastic, or wood to make components, and they might need to reference blueprints or schematics to accurately direct the machines. Depending on the specific machine operator role, the individual might need experience with specific or specialized tools or machines.
Typical Day in the Field
Because of the variety of roles and specialties within light industrial work, the typical day will vary from one light industrial worker to another.
Location
Most light industrial workers work in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and factories. However, depending on the job, the location could vary. Food production, for example, is a huge portion of light industrial work—food production workers could work in everything from a small bakery to a large manufacturing plant. A printing job could be performed in a large facility designed to generate large-scale quantities of printed materials. It simply depends on the job.
Hours
The typical work hours for a light industrial worker are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or a slight variation. However, many light industrial roles involve shift work. Second shift is usually 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. or midnight, and third shift or overnight typically runs from about midnight to 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. Additionally, overtime or weekend hours could be necessary depending on production needs or the specific type of light industrial work that’s required.
Work Environment
Many light industrial workers do their jobs in manufacturing plants or production facilities, usually around machinery and equipment used to produce goods and products. Light industrial workers will work closely with other individuals to make sure production remains on schedule and products are made correctly and to specifications. Depending on the job, the light industrial worker’s job may have some physical demands—workers typically need to be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work eight-hour shifts regularly—and involve a noisy environment.
What Are the Preferred Qualifications of a Light Industrial Worker?
Many light industrial jobs require a high school diploma or GED, although some may not. Depending on the role, certain certifications from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may be required. Some employers will require specific experience in the area of light industrial work the job involves, while others will be willing to provide on-site training under more experienced workers to get a new light industrial employee up to speed.
The Forklift Operator Certification, obtained by passing OSHA’s forklift safety course, is an in-demand certification that can make light industrial workers more attractive to employers (even if you’re not solely a forklift operator). This certification tells employers that you’re able to operate a forklift safely without endangering yourself or anyone else in the production area.
Desirable Skills in the Light Industrial Field
What exactly are employers looking for when hiring light industrial workers? In addition to basic qualifications and certifications described above, there are specific skills employers like to see.
Technical Skills
Technical skills aren’t necessarily required for every light industrial job, but they can certainly help you get ahead in your career or land the job you want. Examples of technical skills that employers would find attractive include:
- Skills with specific machines or tools
- Basic word processing or Microsoft Excel knowledge
- Fabrication, cutting, and welding skills
- Ability to read and comprehend blueprints and schematics
- Forklift operation ability/certification
Soft Skills
Aside from the technical or “hard” skills, a number of soft skills are important for light industrial workers to demonstrate. Examples include:
- Time management – Light industrial workers need to adhere to a schedule to make sure production remains timely.
- Teamwork – Light industrial workers almost always work as a part of a team to produce products or materials.
- Communication – Hand-in-hand with teamwork comes communication. Light industrial workers need to communicate clearly with their peers, other specialists, and supervisors to make sure production goals are met and mistakes don’t happen.
- Critical thinking – Decision-making skills help to improve production quality and speed while maintaining safety standards at every step.
- Listening skills – Being able to listen and learn is an essential skill in light industrial jobs. In addition to helping maintain safety standards and meet production goals, it helps you learn new skills to advance in your career.
Find the Top Light Industrial Jobs in Minnesota With Help From The Vision Companies
Are you interested in exploring the world of light industrial work and seeing what’s out there? Are you a seasoned light industrial professional looking for your next great opportunity? The Vision Companies can help. We are the light industrial employment agency that can help you achieve your career goals in a role you love.
Our light industrial job placement experts offer you:
Resume and Interview Prep
Before you even submit an application, your recruiter will help you polish your resume to make you more attractive to light industrial employers. Additionally, you’ll work together to boost your interviewing skills to impress the hiring managers in-person. It’s a great way to increase the likelihood that you’ll get hired quickly in a light industrial role where you can thrive.
Access to Broad Network of Jobs
Many light industrial employers don’t list their job openings on the major job boards like Monster and Indeed, preferring instead to connect directly with industrial and warehouse temp agencies to find skilled workers like you. When you partner with The Vision Companies, you gain access to exclusive jobs that you won’t find on your own. And with a trusted recruiter at your back, you can rest assured you’ll find work with an employer who values you and your contributions to the team.
Get Started With The Vision Companies Today
The Vision Companies is Minnesota’s leading light industrial staffing and recruiting agency that can help you get started on your light industrial career. With offices in Rogers, Minneapolis, Blaine, and Saint Paul, we help place qualified candidates with top light industrial employers throughout the region. Get in touch with one of our job recruiters for manufacturing and light industrial work, and browse our job board to view available openings.
