Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Working Life

Production engineering technicians work in a wide range of industries and production areas, including food processing, electronics assembly, pharmaceuticals and textiles.

Their role is to help design, develop and improve production systems. In large companies, production engineering technicians often specialise in a particular area of production.

In design offices, they prepare plans and designs for production systems, and calculate costs. They use computer-aided design (CAD) technology to produce a computer model of the new or improved system. They may help to work out the cost of any new technology that must be added to make the system more efficient.

Manufacturing is a fast-changing area - it uses sophisticated equipment such as lasers, computer technology, automated assembly machines and robotics. Production engineering technicians install the production system's machinery, testing it to make sure it works properly.

Once production has begun, they make sure that all machinery is safe and working to full capacity. They may supervise teams of maintenance workers to locate, diagnose and repair any faults in the machinery. Some production engineering technicians are involved in quality assurance work.

This means they test the product at key stages in the system, to make sure the process is safe and running smoothly, and that the product is of high quality.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics or adherence to specifications.
• Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
• Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to establish standard production rate or improve efficiency.
• Read worker logs, product processing sheets, or specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
• Verify that equipment is being operated and maintained according to quality assurance standards by observing worker performance.
• Aid in planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.
• Evaluate industrial operations for compliance with permits or regulations related to the generation, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of hasardous materials or waste.
• Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Analyse, estimate, or report production costs.
• Assist engineers in developing, building, or testing prototypes or new products, processes, or procedures.

Further Information

• Light Industry Assembler- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Manufacturing Supervisor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Manufacturing Technician in Intel- from: Intel
• Production Worker (Manufacturing)- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways for you to develop the skills & qualifications to progress towards a career as a Manufacturing Technician.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering operations, manufacturing.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, manufacturing, pre-apprenticeship.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship.

• Academic block release: 15 weeks per year.
• Summer intake: Apprenticeship contracts start in July for September academic block.
• Autumn intake: Apprenticeship contracts start in November for January academic block

Apprenticeship Entry requirements: 

Pass (Grade O6 or better) in five leaving certificate subjects, 2 of which must be math and a language (English or Irish) 250 CAO points; In the case of a mature student (over 23 years) an industry interview is required.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: general engineering, manufacturing, engineering, design.

Qualifications for the role of a Manufacturing Technician are those in Engineering disciplines - NFQ Level 6 degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Polymer Engineering or equivalent.

Search for CAO Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Engineering Ireland

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €55k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Clark / Excel/ Indeed/ Osborne

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians, Electrical and electronic technicians, Engineering technicians, Quality assurance technicians, Planning, process and production technicians, Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was below average for this occupation with employment levels remaining almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. A half of those employed were in industry, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were particularly prevalent for lab technicians followed by electrical/electronic technicians, while vacancies advertised through DSP were notable for mechanical, maintenance and electrical technicians.

Employment permits were issued across a number of technician roles including manufacturing, mechanical and maintenance. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance and lab technicians as difficult-to-fill, while Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing lab analysts and maintenance, QA/QC and process technicians. Skills in demand included environmental awareness and monitoring as well as health and safety. With output from new apprenticeships (e.g. lab analyst/technician, OEM engineer, wind turbine maintenance technician) along with other apprenticeship awards for these roles (e.g. manufacturing technology), supply may soon be sufficient to meet demand for these roles, particularly without any employment growth.

While output from new apprenticeships has begun to emerge, demand for this occupation remains strong with shortages persisting in the short term.

• Adult Education Guidance Initiative

  • Contact the Adult Education Organiser (AEO) in your local Education & Training Board (ETB)
  • [email protected]