4 answers
Dartrell
Student
Robbins, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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What are the requirements, it takes to be successful in material handling? How physical is the work on a day to day basis?
#material-handling #manufacturing
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4 answers
Owen Childers
Manufacturing Manager, Retired
11
Answers
Saint Marie, MT
Updated
Owen’s Answer
It depends on what facet of material handling you want to get into. There is a huge difference between entry-level material handling and management level. It also depends on how far you want to advance and what type of material you are talking about.
* for large material, handling at entry level, there would be more physical labor than material handling of say electronic parts.
* Requirements: There are great courses you can take, some short (i.e. 1 or 2 day) others (college type) would be more lengthy but could probably be completed on-line, or at night.
*I suggest two things: Go to work for a GOOD material handling company, at entry level. If you like it, then you can continue and if you are a good employee, 1) your employer will probably pay for the courses you want to take. 2) you will be getting much needed experience on how material handling works from the ground up, 3) with the experience you will probably be able to decide where, in the material handling business you would like for a career.
Find a job with a good material handling company
start looking at courses you might like
what is the company policy on paying for advancement courses
* for large material, handling at entry level, there would be more physical labor than material handling of say electronic parts.
* Requirements: There are great courses you can take, some short (i.e. 1 or 2 day) others (college type) would be more lengthy but could probably be completed on-line, or at night.
*I suggest two things: Go to work for a GOOD material handling company, at entry level. If you like it, then you can continue and if you are a good employee, 1) your employer will probably pay for the courses you want to take. 2) you will be getting much needed experience on how material handling works from the ground up, 3) with the experience you will probably be able to decide where, in the material handling business you would like for a career.
Owen recommends the following next steps:
Sam Shew
Audit Intern
1
Answer
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Hi Dartrell,
As someone who worked in a manufacturing job through majority of college, I feel I may be able to answer some of your questions. I worked in a corrugated paper manufacturing plant, often working in the shipping department. From my experience, I can tell you that the job did have physical requirements and demands that were at times hard to keep up with. I often found myself stacking rolls of materials in trucks, which can put great stress on your body. I don't mean to say this to turn you away from opportunities, but just to make sure you are aware of the kind of work you may be doing. I often found myself enjoying the work; it was a great way to stay active as opposed to sitting a a desk all day.
There are many different types of manufacturing plants, each with different requirements for material handlers. I would suggest reaching out to the company you may be interested in and asking to hear more about the position you are interested in. Most companies will be happy to answer any questions you may have, so don't be afraid to ask. I hope this helped!
As someone who worked in a manufacturing job through majority of college, I feel I may be able to answer some of your questions. I worked in a corrugated paper manufacturing plant, often working in the shipping department. From my experience, I can tell you that the job did have physical requirements and demands that were at times hard to keep up with. I often found myself stacking rolls of materials in trucks, which can put great stress on your body. I don't mean to say this to turn you away from opportunities, but just to make sure you are aware of the kind of work you may be doing. I often found myself enjoying the work; it was a great way to stay active as opposed to sitting a a desk all day.
There are many different types of manufacturing plants, each with different requirements for material handlers. I would suggest reaching out to the company you may be interested in and asking to hear more about the position you are interested in. Most companies will be happy to answer any questions you may have, so don't be afraid to ask. I hope this helped!
Marcus Hunt
Receiving Clerk Shipping Receiving
2
Answers
Hickory, North Carolina
Updated
Marcus’s Answer
Hi Dartrell,
This position should be looked at as a stepping stone. Most Material Handling jobs are very physical. This is a job most people start out in looking at moving on to a better paying job within the company. Good luck sir!
This position should be looked at as a stepping stone. Most Material Handling jobs are very physical. This is a job most people start out in looking at moving on to a better paying job within the company. Good luck sir!
John Peck
Training
9
Answers
Tennessee, IL
Updated
John’s Answer
Material Handling can have many different positions that can be highly physical to setting at a computer to schedule material to load on trucks. You can be a truck driver, you can be a fork truck driver or be the person that takes orders and fills boxes for shipments. All have their skills and requirements, from college degree to minimal education. For an individual to succeed, you be at work on time and always do your best.