Achieving Success in a Light Industrial Career: Tips and Insights
The light industry handles consumer goods production and is experiencing an unexpected surge in demand. As the demand for consumer products continues to rise and shift tides, so does the potential for your success in a light industrial career.
The opportunities for growth in the light industry are limitless. In fact, the sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2021 to 2028. This expansion opens doors for talented workers who are either just starting or want to expand their roles in the industry. This guide will include key tips and insights to help you grasp recent industry demands, learn essential skills, and build a strong professional network.
What Are the Current Trends in the Light Industry?
Like other manufacturing sectors, the light industry is also affected by global trends that can change how a product is made, distributed, and consumed. But why should you be aware of these trends, as a light industrial worker? Understanding these trends helps aim for success in a light industrial career by keeping you up to date.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and other natural disasters have disrupted supply chains at a global level, which in turn affects the light industry. How does this chain of events work? Consider this: a minor disruption in the supply chain of raw materials can delay production and increase the cost of goods, making it harder for companies to meet consumer demand. As a light industrial worker, you will be at the front line of these challenges, which require you to stay adaptable and resourceful.
Competition from Low-Cost Countries
Manufacturing has scaled up to a global level, inviting competition from low-cost countries. These countries offer low labor costs and cheap production of goods, inadvertently putting pressure on companies based in higher-cost regions to stay competitive. This means that light industrial workers need to put all their energy into efficiency, quality control, and improvement to survive this competition.
The E-commerce BOOM!
E-commerce took 30 long years in the making, but the global pandemic pushed it into action, and the growth has not decreased since. This ecommerce boom has affected the light industry too, particularly manufacturing and distribution. With more than half of all US consumers preferring to shop online from the comfort of their homes, businesses need to produce, pack, and ship products at a much faster pace. This shift has increased the demand for warehouse operations, logistics, and quick-turnaround manufacturing processes. If you want to find success in a light industrial career, you should be able to survive in this lightning-fast environment. Moreover, having logistics management skills is a good plus one in your resume.
Education and Training Requirements for Success in a Light Industrial Career
Like any other career field, success in a light industrial career also begins with a strong foundation in academics. While a high school diploma will be enough for entry-level manufacturing jobs, getting further education and certifications will open more options and career prospects for you.
Here is a comparison of the various jobs you can expect to work in with the relevant education.
| Education & Experience | Job Titles |
| High School Diploma (or equivalent) | Entry-level Production Jobs (Assembly Line Worker, Machine Operator) |
| Technical/Vocational Training | Skilled Production Jobs (CNC Machinist, Welder, Electrician) |
| Community College Associate’s Degree | Technician Roles (Quality Control Technician, Maintenance Technician) |
| University Bachelor’s Degree | Engineering Roles (Manufacturing Engineer, Industrial Engineer), Supervisory Roles (Production Supervisor, Quality Manager) |
| Apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training | Can qualify for various roles depending on the program (e.g., Electrician, Millwright, Machinist) |
Important Certifications and Licenses
Certifications and licenses validate your skills and experience, boosting your demand in the job market. Some examples of light industry certifications include:
- OSHA certification: Shows your commitment to workplace safety.
- Lean Six Sigma certification: Indicates expertise in process improvement and efficiency.
- Forklift operator certification: Essential for handling materials safely.
- Welding certifications (AWS, ASME): Validate welding skills and expertise.
- Food safety certifications (ServSafe): Required for food processing and handling roles.
Developing Essential Soft Skills
While technical skills are a must-have, soft skills are the differentiating factor between you and other employees, and make you eligible for supervisor-level roles. Here are examples of light industry soft skills that will help you along your journey:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Leadership and time management
Tips for Finding Success in a Light Industrial Career
Your success in a light industrial career will significantly depend on your practical skills, level of experience, and your ability to thrive in this environment. But here are some standard tips that will help you throughout your light industrial career.
Manage Your Time and Resources
As a light industrial worker, you will find yourself juggling multiple tasks simultaneously: at one point, you will be managing production schedules and handling equipment maintenance at another. While this might be part of the job, prioritize tasks based on urgency. This way, you will always stay on top of your responsibilities and deliver on time. Tasks with tight deadlines or those processes that can impact your production should be done first. Set clear, small, and achievable goals to stay focused.
Stay Flexible to Changes
The light industry is continuously being introduced to new technologies and processes, so you must stay on your toes and adapt to these changes. It is important for any light industrial worker not to take a ‘set it and forget it’ approach. Instead, you should always be open to learning new skills and processes that are valuable in your role, whether it is working on new machinery, implementing automation, or using data analytics in operations.
Become a Team Player
Being a team player in light industry goes a long way. Here are some ways you can play a role in making your workspace collaborative for every team member:
- Active Listening: Listen to what your colleagues say without interrupting. Show interest in their input by nodding, making eye contact, and providing feedback.
- Own Up to Mistakes: If you make an error, acknowledge it promptly and work on resolving the issue.
- Be Willing to Help: Volunteer to assist colleagues with their tasks, especially during peak times or when they are overwhelmed.
- Share Knowledge: If you have expertise in a particular area, offer to share your knowledge with teammates.
- Value Input: Recognize that team members bring different skills and viewpoints.
Don’t Ignore Work-Life Balance
A healthy work-life balance is important for employees in all industries, but the demanding nature of manufacturing requires special attention. The physical strain, stressful environments, and rigid schedules can quickly affect employees’ well-being. In fact, global statistics show that about three million employees report experiencing occupational stress, and the prevalence of this stress ranges from 30% to 52.5%.
Prevent burnout by drawing a very clear boundary between work and personal life. If your work requires you to stay in one place, incorporate exercise and physical activity to balance it. Get a nutritious diet and a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep to cope with the physical stress of your job. Always remember, self-care is not selfish; it actually helps you perform better at work and gives you the right state of mind to grow your career.
Conclusion
Success in a light industrial career is never guaranteed, but you can try your best to improve yourself by keeping up with trends and refining your skillset. With opportunities expanding quickly, you have to achieve a solid educational background, relevant certifications, and soft skills to get on the right path.
Don’t forget to balance your work and personal life while you are growing your career.