Machine Operator OPERATIONS/PRODUCTION/ SKILLED TRADES MACHINE OPERATOR When you think of manufacturing plants, odds are images of gigantic conveyor belts and equipment come to your mind. These giant machines can’t just run themselves, they need people to set up and operate them. Machines include everything from packaging lines (ex. Putting cookies in individual packaging) to mixers used to mix all the ingredients used in the dough. Who are the individuals who run these machines? Machine operators! Machine operators are the heart of food processing operations and if it weren’t for them your favourite foods wouldn’t get made. They are the experts when it comes to production lines and those with more experience, who have been in the role for a while can even tell if a machine is off by the noise it makes. 1. Machine Operators Operate Machinery Machine operators (production operators) operate machines that process and package food or beverage products. These machines can do processes such as grind, extract, blend, freeze, cook or any other unique process required to create a food. They set up, maintain and disassemble their equipment based on the product’s requirements. Their machines could involve mixing, packaging, cleaning or cooking. Machine operators ensure their machines work efficiently, are well-maintained, and are stocked with the necessary materials. This ensures minimal downtime between the equipment, which means the plant is not making money! Operators perform necessary pre-operational activities such as checking if any parts of the machine are broken if the equipment is operating safely and if everything is clean before they start. During production, they watch the products as they come off the line to ensure everything is being made correctly. Finally, machine operators rarely work alone and in small teams on their lines. Remember that they also work with quality control! 2. Machine Operators Troubleshoot Problems Any machine operator will tell you that one of the most challenging parts of the job is troubleshooting equipment. For example, a common problem in manufacturing is when the product’s weight is higher than it should be. To correct this problem, a machine operator might change the machine’s settings or check that the weight sensors are working correctly. If they find a problem they cannot resolve themselves, a machine operator promptly communicates this to their production supervisor. The plant’s maintenance department then inspects the machine to see if they can fix the problem. Troubleshooting is an important technical skill related to the machine operator’s job. If a problem occurs during a shift, a machine operator needs to know what must be done to fix it and figure out the proper procedure to do so in a relatively short time. The longer a machine operator works at a specific machine the more knowledge they will gain. When facilities are looking to improve operations, the first person they will go to is production operators because they are the individuals who know what is working and what isn’t. 3. Machine Operators Only Require High School Educations Generally, a production operator must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED to qualify. However, more specialized training may be necessary if the job demands working with high-tech equipment or machinery. All companies provide on-the-job training, so no formal education is generally required. Operating machinery is a good role for someone looking for Machine Operator Working on the front lines producing food products Day in The Life of a Filler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIPbN-rhqsE Iyonna shares what it is like being a Filler Operator at Schreiber Foods 22
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