Planning, process and production technicians perform a variety of technical support functions to assist production, process and planning engineers with production programmes and schedules and with manufacturing and processing procedures in order to ensure accuracy, cost-effectiveness and efficiency
Common tasks in this job:
- supports planning and production engineers in assessing existing and alternative production methods works from, and helps implement, professional engineers’ drawings and specifications for equipment and layout, and helps implement modifications required for existing plant machinery/layout works with engineers on production control methods to monitor operational efficiency and helps to eliminate potential hazards and bottlenecks in production liaises with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies supports professional engineers in reviewing safety, quality, accuracy, reliability and contractual requirements supports implementation of plans of sequence of operations and completion dates for each phase of production or processing ensures implementation of inspection, testing and evaluation methods for bought-in materials, components, semi-finished and finished products plans and coordinates maintenance activities involved in manufacturing and processing procedures ensures accuracy of manufacturing and testing equipment ensures effective completion and implementation of detailed instructions on processes, work methods and quality and safety standards for workers reviews and analyses production data plans the cost impact and staff resources for projects

What qualifications do I need?
Entrants to training usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Vocational training consists either of full-time study for a BTEC/SQA National award followed by two years on-the-job training, or an apprenticeship leading to an NVQ/SVQ at Level 3.
Planning, Process & Production Courses
- Advanced Manufacturing Engineering BTEC Level 3 Diploma
- Award Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (BTEC) BTEC Level 3 Award
- Construction and the Built Environment Level 4 HNC Diploma
- Construction and the Built Environment Level 5 HND
- Engineering Technician Foundation Competence Level 2
- Engineering Technician BTEC Level 3 Diploma
- Engineering Technician Level 3 NVQ
- Engineering Technician (Machinist Pathway) Foundation Competence Level 2
- Engineering Technician (Machinist Pathway) BTEC Level 3 Diploma
- Engineering Technician (Machinist Pathway) Level 3 NVQ
- Engineering Technician (Technical Support Pathway) Foundation Competence Level 2
- Engineering Technician (Technical Support Pathway) BTEC Level 3 Diploma
- Engineering Technician (Technical Support Pathway) Level 3 NVQ