What is a production assistant and what does the professional do?

A very important figure in the industrial scenario, but not so talked about, is the production assistant, but what is it? 

These professionals are the foundation of manufacturing operations, playing an essential role in optimizing the production process, ensuring the quality of the final product and meeting delivery deadlines.

Let's learn more details about the production assistant professional to find out what he can do, and what his main role is.

Let's go!

What is a production assistant?

The production assistant is the professional responsible for playing fundamental roles in various environments that work with production, such as factories, industries, manufacturing companies and many other sectors.

Its main job is to support manufacturing processes, making them more optimized, effective and, of course, efficient.

They are often the workers who perform the hands-on tasks needed to keep a production line running smoothly.

Even though their roles may be considered less specialized than others within the industry, their contribution is indispensable to the overall success of many factories.

What does this professional do?

And even though the tasks of a production assistant professional vary according to sectors and companies, some of them may be common regardless of these factors, such as:

Assembly and packaging

Assembling components or parts to create finished products. This may involve the use of hand tools or machines.

And after this process, the production assistant may need to prepare finished products for shipping, packaging them according to company guidelines.

Line supply and material handling

Furthermore, professionals can supply production lines with raw materials, parts and other components that are necessary for the production of products, without having to disrupt production.

Depending on their role, they will also need to transport materials, parts, components and products using larger equipment and machinery such as winches and forklifts.

Quality inspection

It is also the production assistant's job to carry out quality inspections on all production processes to ensure that they meet all of the company's quality standards.

Security

He will need to strictly comply with safety procedures in his workplace, using PPE (safety equipment) and ensuring that the workspace is safe;

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping the work area clean and organized is one of your duties, in addition to performing basic maintenance tasks on machines and equipment.

Inventory Management

Controlling the stock of raw materials or finished products, carrying out counts and reporting replenishment needs is another of their activities.

Meeting Deadlines

The professional will need to work within deadlines to ensure that demands are met.

How to become a production assistant?

Of course, the first step to becoming a production assistant is to have graduated from high school, only then will the professional have basic knowledge such as mathematics, Portuguese and other subjects.

Furthermore, it is important to have some qualification course in the industrial area to be able to enter this field.

Among the courses that can be taken we have bachelor's degrees that can last up to 5 years, technologists lasting up to 2 years and technical courses which can last up to 1 year and a half.

See the courses that can be taken:

• Engineering production – average duration of 5 years;
• Industrial Production Management – duration of 3 years;
• Quality management – duration of 2 years;
• Management processes – duration of 2 years;
• Mechanics – duration of 2 years;
• Administration – duration of 4 years.

Any other type of professional course related to the industry, factories and administration area will help in the process of becoming a production assistant.

Where can the production assistant work?

The production assistant can work in a variety of sectors and industrial environments, as their role is to play a fundamental role in carrying out the tasks necessary to keep the production line running.

The most common place they can work is in industries, such as manufacturing, which produces thousands of products such as electronics, food, automobiles, and many others.

Assistants can also work in the food and beverage industry, preparing and packaging food and beverages for sale in stores, markets and shopping centers.

They also play an important role in automobile industries that hire production assistants to assemble vehicles and inspect parts.

It is common to see these professionals also working in factories, construction sites and retail stores.

Professionals who work on construction sites also work in the construction industry, helping to assemble structures, prepare materials and clean the site.

Some technology companies may employ production assistants to assemble electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers.

Energy and utility companies may also employ these professionals to assist in the maintenance and operation of energy production facilities, such as power plants.

Other places that can work are:

• Pharmaceutical industries;
• Metallurgical and foundry industry;
• Chemical and Petrochemical Industry;
• Pulp and Paper Industry;
• Textile and Clothing Industry.

These are just some of the industries where a production assistant can find job opportunities.

Their functions will vary according to the sectors, experience and skills that the professional has.

How much can a production assistant earn?

A production assistant's salary can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including geographic region, industry sector, the individual's experience, company size, and other elements.

According to the website Glassdoor, a reference in terms of vacancies, information about companies and salaries, the monthly average for a production assistant is R$ 3,504.

But their salaries can start at R$1,800 and can reach up to R$5,595.

In addition, the production assistant professional can hold positions as a General Assistant, with an average of R$ 3,059, or work as a Production Operator, which has a higher level of seniority and an average salary of R$ 6,000.