You want to improve your manufacturing skills. How can you do it without going back to school?

1 Read industry publications

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to improve your manufacturing skills is to read industry publications regularly. These can include magazines, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or webinars that cover topics related to manufacturing. By reading industry publications, you can stay updated on the current issues, challenges, and opportunities in manufacturing. You can also learn from the best practices, case studies, and insights of experts and peers in the field. Reading industry publications can help you expand your knowledge, spark your curiosity, and inspire you to try new things.

2 Take online courses

Another way to improve your manufacturing skills is to take online courses that suit your interests and goals. Online courses are flexible, affordable, and convenient. You can choose from a variety of topics, levels, and formats that match your learning style and pace. You can also get feedback, support, and certification from instructors and other learners. Online courses can help you acquire new skills, refresh existing ones, or fill in any gaps in your knowledge. Some examples of online courses for manufacturing are Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Quality Management, and Industrial Automation.

4 Work on projects

A fourth way to improve your manufacturing skills is to work on projects that challenge you and allow you to apply what you learn. Projects can be personal, professional, or collaborative. You can work on projects that interest you, solve a problem, or create something new. Projects can help you practice your skills, test your knowledge, and learn from your mistakes. You can also showcase your projects to demonstrate your abilities, creativity, and potential. Some examples of projects for manufacturing are designing a product, improving a process, or implementing a tool.

5 Seek feedback

A fifth way to improve your manufacturing skills is to seek feedback from others who can evaluate your performance and provide constructive suggestions. Feedback can come from different sources, such as supervisors, colleagues, customers, or instructors. Feedback can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. You can also use feedback to set goals, track progress, and celebrate achievements. Seeking feedback can help you improve your skills, confidence, and satisfaction.

6 Keep learning

A sixth way to improve your manufacturing skills is to keep learning and never stop. Manufacturing is a fast-changing and competitive field that requires continuous improvement and innovation. You can keep learning by being curious, open-minded, and proactive. You can also keep learning by exploring new topics, technologies, and methods that can enhance your manufacturing skills. Keeping learning can help you stay relevant, adaptable, and successful in manufacturing.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?