Helpers--Production Workers

What the job really is

Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-9198
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
• Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
• Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.
• Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
• Start machines or equipment to begin production processes.
• Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.
• Remove products, machine attachments, or waste material from machines.
• Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists.
• Transfer finished products, raw materials, tools, or equipment between storage and work areas of plants and warehouses, by hand or using hand trucks or powered lift trucks.
• Pack and store materials and products.
• Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill, such as supplying or holding materials or tools, or cleaning work areas and equipment.
• Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.

Tools and technology

Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable wrenches, Claw hammers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
• Helpers--Extraction Workers
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Helpers--Carpenters
• Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
• Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Packers and Packagers, Hand

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Helpers--Production Workers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.