Light industrial jobs involve a lot of the same qualities as heavier industrial jobs, but on a smaller scale. These companies usually produce consumer items, such as clothing, small electronics, and household appliances. Light industrial jobs usually don’t require special skills or a college degree and provide the opportunity to develop skills and advance their careers. As technology changes, so do the types of light industrial jobs that are hiring. But there’s always a demand for assembly and production jobs, warehouse jobs, skilled technicians, and quality control.
Assembly and production
An assembler, also called a fabricator, puts together the parts of manufactured products by reading blueprints or schematics and using hand tools. Sometimes the action is the same repetitive function again and again. A production operator does the same thing but sometimes sees the whole production from start to finish. An electronic assembler puts together electronic components, such as computers or motors. A machine assembler fastens and installs piping, fixtures, and wiring to form the assembly line and inspects completed products to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Distribution/fulfillment/warehouse
Picker/packer/order selectors work in the warehouse filling orders and preparing them for shipping. Shipping and receiving coordinators, sometimes called loaders and unloaders, prepare and load goods for shipping and processing orders that are shipped from the outside. Forklift operators drive forklifts around warehouses to load and unload heavy goods. An inventory clerk keeps tracks of stock as it moves in and out of the warehouse. A material handler processes all goods received or shipped by a company and makes sure everything’s distributed and stored properly. A transportation clerk verifies the contents and related documents of freight goods. Someone who palletizes stacks goods on pallet platforms to prepare them for shipping.
Skilled technician
A CNC operator programs computer numeric control machines and maintains those pieces of machinery as necessary. An electronic technician repairs electronic products such as televisions, cell phones, computers, fire alarms, or radios and can even help develop electronic systems and gadgets. A fabricator works on an assembly line putting together different types of equipment. A machine operator handles machines, from cranes to smaller office machines. Machinery maintenance mechanics repair factory equipment and machines. Welders join metals and plastics together using welding tools.
Quality control
A quality control inspector oversees the manufacturing of consumer goods and makes sure all phases of production are performed to the highest standards. A quality control technician makes sure the process meets the company’s quality and safety standards. A quality control tester ensures that all products are made according to the specifications and not defective in any way. A test technician performs quality control trials on products, inspecting them to make sure they were built properly and can pass durability and safety tests.
Looking for a new opportunity?
Light industrial workers need to have eye-hand coordination, the ability to work with your hands, physical strength, the ability to follow directions, and an acute attention to detail. For more information on how to find and acquire a light industrial job, check out these jobs near you and apply today!
