There are several important steps that are essential to become a production foreman for a factory or plant, including developing the correct set of skills, obtaining the correct education, and placing yourself in the correct setting to advance your career. While it is not strictly necessary to have a college degree to hold this position, there are many aspects of production the successful candidate should be familiar with, such as knowing how a plant's production process works, good supervisory skills, and experience in the company's field. It is not uncommon for production foreman candidates to have worked in the industry or for the company before being hired as a foreman.
Among the many skills needed to become a production foreman, the ability to work well with other people is paramount. Career experts suggest candidates place themselves in situations where they are encouraged to gain experience in managing and working with others in a work related situation. This experience will help you learn how to communicate effectively as well as decide when additional training is needed for the staff. Good people skills are also necessary for developing effective personnel schedules that benefit both the company and the production department, as well as evaluating the needs and abilities of the staff.
While most companies do not require any type of degree to become a production foreman, choosing to obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree can make you more attractive to employers. Most people who want to become a production foreman choose to study subjects closely related to their chosen field, such as engineering, food service, or biochemistry. Many community colleges or universities that offer specialties in these fields also provide job placement assistance for their graduates and may be able to help students find good positions.
Some candidates choose to take special courses to obtain a certificate in operations management to further enhance their resumes and experience. It is not unusual for community and technical colleges to offer this type of program, though you may also find your place of employment may offer them as well. The coursework will emphasize skills related to dealing with the production line staff, meeting production deadlines, and communicating effectively with foreman supervisors. These types of credentials, along with good work history and experience, are generally enough to become a production foreman for most companies. It is also important to review the job criteria before you apply.
