Production manager : Training

If you are coming straight out of college or graduate school you may have to pass through the company’s training programme. These programmes acquaint trainees with the production process, company policies, and their job requirements. Larger companies may also assign new employees to work in other departments, such as purchasing and accounting in order to get a broader picture of the organisation. Certain degree and HND courses include industrial placements.

One favoured route for those working in industry is to study for the professional qualifications offered by The Institute of Operations Management (IOM) . These include:

• the Certificate in Operations Management, which provides a foundation course for those progressing to the Diploma;
• the Diploma in Operations Management, which is aimed at young professional managers working in the field and which will help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the practical areas of production management as well as to increase awareness of the human and financial issues found in modern organisations;
• the Advanced Diploma in Operations Management, which is designed to combine a broad foundation in research and project techniques with a specific applied research investigation.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI)  also offers a great range of qualifications in management, including general and specific management and leadership qualifications, as well as the opportunity to achieve chartered management status.

Both the IOM and the CMI offer advice on continuous professional development (CPD).