What is a machine operator?
As a machine operator, you work with machines and equipment. Your work is often in a manufacturing or production facility that mass-produces consumer goods or electronic parts. Some of the machines you are likely to use include lathes, drill presses, drill presses, and precision grinders. You can further specialize in operating one or more of these types of equipment.
Do you have good coordination skills and enjoy using machines? Then machine operator could be a career for you. Companies need machine operators to help set up and operate machines to ensure they work well and produce high-quality products in a safe environment. Below you can read about the skills, education, and work experience needed for this profession.
machine operator jobswhat does a machine operator do?
Your job as a machine operator often involves repetitive movements such as regular use of foot pedals, levers, and switches. These roles require good basic physical fitness and manual dexterity to both lift heavy goods and ensure that the machines are working correctly. The machine operator also adjusts machine calibrations to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Would the role and duties of a machine operator suit you? Then read on to find out which skills and qualifications you need to thrive in the role of machine operator.
average salary as a machine operator.
The average salary for a machine operator is between 30,000 - 35,000 kr per month.
Most employers look at your qualifications and specialist skills to determine salary. By developing your expertise through vocational training and internships, you can reach a higher salary level. Working in larger cities with major manufacturing companies can also increase your pay. Employers are also expected to pay more in bigger cities due to the high cost of living.
different roles of machine operator.
Some specialisation areas within machine operation are:
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Mobile plant machine operators: As a mobile plant operator you use or operate cranes and forklift trucks. You also operate mining and extraction machines in various industries.
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Operator of drilling and boring machines: Your job is to install and operate drilling and milling machines, and you use the machines to drill holes in various materials such as metal and plastic.
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Rolling mill operators: Your role is to operate rolling mills that shape various metals and materials into bars and plates. You also carry out maintenance on the machines.
- Machine operator: As a machine operator you use and operate equipment such as excavators and cement mixers.
working as a machine operator.
A machine operator uses heavy machinery to carry out various tasks within manufacturing and production. Below you have some of a machine operator's work tasks described.
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tasks
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Setting up machines for operation: As a machine operator, you connect the machine's parts according to the specifications. You are responsible for setting the machine's operating information, such as speed, cut size and shape. Before production begins, you also check the machine's calibrations.
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Troubleshooting issues and maintenance of machines: A machine operator monitors the equipment to ensure it works properly. You spot problems and fix them before they escalate into major issues. From time to time, you’ll test the machines’ function, check for any faults and sort them out. It’s also your job to clean up machine debris after each production process.
- Follow safety protocols: A machine operator must follow all procedures and routines relating to the safe operation of the machines. You will take the necessary measures to protect the machines in use, to reduce the risk of damage. It is also important that the machine operator wears the correct protective equipment when on duty.
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work environment
Primarily, machine operators work in manufacturing companies, warehouses, workshops or production facilities, which means you'll spend most of your time indoors. You work in clean, well-lit, ventilated areas and often handle high-speed machines.
In this work environment, it's of utmost importance to stick to the work schedule and maintain a sufficiently good production speed.
In certain tasks, you may need to do some heavy lifting. When you are at work, you will wear protective clothing such as gloves, earplugs, safety glasses and steel-toe boots. Those who work in plastic or other smoke-producing companies also wear respiratory protection.
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your colleagues
As a machine operator, you will likely work at manufacturing sites. Therefore, your colleagues may include warehouse worker, materials handler and cnc machine operator, controller post and cnc operator. You can also work with maintenance technicians, fitters, production workers and production operator.
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work schedule
Some machine operators work according to a schedule of 40 hours a week. Since most manufacturing plants operate more than one shift a day, you can expect to work either two, three, or five shifts. During periods of increased production, machine operators work overtime, sometimes even during weekends and public holidays.
Opportunities for remote work are not available, as machine operation is a practical job where you need to be on site to carry out your duties.
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future outlook
As more companies embrace automation, operators must train themselves and become more versatile. The number of available jobs will vary from industry to industry. As the job role grows, you have several opportunities to develop in your career, where you can, for example, specialise in machine operation roles such as becoming a forklift driver or crane operator.
Another option could be to improve your skills and gain more experience, which can then allow you to move on to roles such as maintenance technician, measurement technician, production manager and production supervisor.
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benefits of finding a machine operator job through randstad
Finding your machine operator job through Randstad gives you advantages such as:
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a wide range of training and development opportunities
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an experienced contact person who can help when needed
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consultancy assignment or direct recruitment
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full-time or part-time
Do you want a permanent position? A temporary job as a machine operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, several people get a permanent position with employers, thanks to a temporary job that has come through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.
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education and qualifications as a machine operator.
A good basic education is available at the Industrial Technology programme at upper secondary school. Equivalent courses for adults may also be offered through adult education. If you want to take a longer, more comprehensive course, you can find it through higher vocational education.
Education: Most employers prefer to hire machine operators with at least vocational training. You can improve your chances of employment if you have skills in mathematics, statistics and computer literacy.
Training: When you have been hired, you can expect to undergo further training on the job. In addition to academic qualifications, some institutions offer apprenticeship programmes. A first-time machine operator often joins experienced skilled workers and observes and helps with simpler, more basic tasks. The programme can take anything from a few weeks up to a year, depending on the complexity of the equipment.
By the end of the training period, you should have skills that prepare you for more advanced roles in your career. Combining classroom knowledge with paid on-the-job training is an excellent option.
Certificate: Employers prefer to hire machine operators who have additional certifications.
skills and competences.
You need to have the following skills to be able to handle machines effectively in more hectic manufacturing environments.
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attention to detail
A machine operator's work is very detailed, so you have to pay attention to every process. You often handle precision equipment, which can cause critical errors if it's shut off for just a few seconds. A single mistake results in wasted time and is very expensive to fix.
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ability to solve problems
As a machine operator, your daily tasks involve assessing why the machines are not performing at maximum efficiency and fixing faults to increase production. Such a task requires someone who can think creatively and come up with the best solution to complex issues.
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analytical ability
A machine operator needs to read and understand drawings, complex instructions and other specifications. You must also understand the limits and capacity of different machines and use the equipment correctly in specific projects.
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ability to multitask
You should be able to handle several tasks at the same time without causing mistakes. When you work, you must be able to monitor operations and at the same time assess performance. The skill of being able to manage multiple tasks at once helps you complete various tasks efficiently and correctly.
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good physical condition
As a machine operator, you should have good basic physical fitness, so you can do heavier lifting and handle machines.
frequently asked questions about the machine operator role.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a machine operator.
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what does a machine operator do?
A machine operator is responsible for controlling, installing and maintaining machines or equipment in a production facility. You work with computer-controlled or mechanically operated machines.
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what is a machine operator's job description?
Machine operators carry out various tasks, including installation and machine maintenance. They also perform frequent checks on the machines at intervals and address any problems that are discovered. The role involves using tools, adjusting machines for different functions and cleaning the machines. The machine operator is responsible for quality control and ensures that all safety and health regulations are followed.
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what skills do you need to work as a machine operator?
A machine operator needs to be able to think critically to analyse situations and develop solutions. This career also suits people who are attentive to detail and are good communicators.
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what is the education requirement for a machine operator?
A good basic education is available at the Industrial Technology programme at upper secondary school. Equivalent courses for adults may also be offered through adult education. If you want to take a longer, more comprehensive course, you can find it through higher vocational education.
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how can I be a good machine operator?
If you want to be a good machine operator, you need to be driven. Always look for more information to make better decisions and develop solutions. Also consider further training to improve your skills.
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how do I apply for a machine operator job?
It's easy to apply for a job as a machine operator. Search among our available jobs in your area. Then send in your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn.
If you need help with your job application, you can read all our job tips here!
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further reading about the role of machine operator
Here you can find more information about the role machine operator
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