Factory helpers are workers who provide support in the day-to-day operations of a factory or manufacturing facility. They work under the direct supervision of more experienced factory workers, such as machine operators or technicians.
In this article we will discuss about this one profession, yes factory helper. Someone in charge of assisting factory operations such as machine operators or technicians. Simply put, assistant technician or assistant machine operator.
Understanding Factory Helpers
Factory helpers are workers who are tasked with helping production activities in the factory, such as supplying raw materials, operating machines, cleaning work areas, and so on. Factory helpers usually do not require special skills, but must be able to work quickly, thoroughly, and disciplined.
Factory helpers have an important role in maintaining the smooth production process and product quality. Factory helpers must also communicate well with other workers, such as operators, supervisors, and managers. Factory helpers must follow work safety standards and company rules.
Factory helpers can work in various types of industries or factories, such as food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and others. Factory helper salaries vary depending on the type of industry, region, and work experience. The average salary of factory helpers in Indonesia ranges from Rp 1 million to Rp 3 million per month.
Factory Helper Tasks
Factory helpers are workers who help the production process in the factory by performing various tasks that are manual or mechanical. Plant helpers usually work under the supervision of plant operators or supervisors.
Factory helper tasks may vary depending on the type of plant, products produced, and machines used. However, in general, there are 14 plant helper tasks that you need to know if you are interested in working in this field.
1. Feed raw materials into production machines
The first task of the factory helper is to enter the raw materials needed to make products into the production machine. Raw materials can be grain, powder, liquid, paper, plastic, metal, or other materials. Factory helpers must ensure that the raw materials entered are in accordance with the specified specifications and dosages.
2. Dispensing finished products from production machines
The second task of the factory helper is to remove finished products that have been processed by production machines. Finished products can be food, beverages, medicines, packaging, electronic goods, or other goods. The factory helper must ensure that the finished product issued is not defective or damaged.
3. Sorting and packaging finished products
Factory helpers are also responsible for sorting and packaging finished products according to established criteria. Factory helpers must sort the finished product by size, color, shape, code, or label.
Then, the factory helper must pack the finished product into boxes, bags, bottles, or other containers. Factory helpers must ensure that finished products are sorted and packaged according to quality and hygiene standards.
4. Store and transport finished products to warehouses or shipping areas
Factory helpers are also responsible for storing and transporting finished products to warehouses or shipping areas. Factory helpers must stack or arrange finished products into shelves, pallets, or other storage areas neatly and safely. Factory helpers must also transport finished products using auxiliary tools such as trolleys, forklifts, or cranes.
5. Clean production machines and work areas
Factory helpers are also responsible for cleaning production machines and work areas after completion of production tasks.
Factory helpers must clean the remnants of raw materials, finished products, dust, dirt, or garbage attached to production machines or floors using tools such as brooms, rags, vacuum cleaners, or water sprays.
Factory helpers must ensure that production machines and work areas are kept clean and hygienic.
6. Perform routine maintenance of production machines
Factory helpers are also responsible for carrying out routine maintenance of production machines according to specified instructions or schedules.
Factory helpers must check the function and condition of production machines periodically using tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, or meters.
Factory helpers must also replace or repair damaged or worn production machine components using tools such as drills, welds, or glue.
7. Report production machine problems or damage to operators or supervisors
Factory helpers are also responsible for reporting problems or damage to production machines to operators or supervisors if things happen that are abnormal or interfere with the production process.
Plant helpers must notify operators or supervisors about the type, location, and cause of problems or malfunctions of production machines clearly and precisely. Plant helpers should also assist operators or supervisors in resolving problems or malfunctions of production machinery if requested.
8. Assist operators or supervisors in operating production machines
Plant helpers are also responsible for assisting operators or supervisors in operating production machines if needed.
Factory helpers must follow the instructions or directions of the operator or supervisor properly and correctly. Factory helpers must also coordinate with operators or supervisors in maintaining the performance and efficiency of production machines.
9. Assist operators or supervisors in supervising the production process
Plant helpers are also responsible for assisting operators or supervisors in supervising the production process if needed.
Factory helpers must monitor and record important data such as quantity, time, temperature, pressure, speed, or quality of products produced by production machines. Factory helpers must also report the results of supervision to the operator or supervisor clearly and accurately.
10. Assist operators or supervisors in evaluating production results
Plant helpers are also responsible for assisting operators or supervisors in evaluating production results if needed.
Factory helpers must test or measure finished products using tools such as scales, rulers, thermometers, microscopes, or spectrometers.
The plant helper must also compare test or measurement results with established standards and provide feedback to the operator or supervisor.
11. Assist operators or supervisors in improving production quality and productivity
Plant helpers are also responsible for assisting operators or supervisors in improving production quality and productivity if needed.
Factory helpers must provide suggestions or ideas for improving processes, methods, tools, materials, or work environments related to production.
Factory helpers should also participate in activities such as training, meetings, brainstorming, or benchmarking aimed at improving production quality and productivity.
12. Assist other co-workers in performing production tasks
Factory helpers are also responsible for assisting other co-workers in performing production tasks if needed.
Factory helpers must work together with other colleagues in teams and help each other in completing production tasks quickly and well. Factory helpers must also communicate with other coworkers effectively and politely.
13. Comply with occupational safety and health regulations in the factory
Factory helpers are also responsible for complying with applicable occupational safety and health regulations in the factory.
Factory helpers should use personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, boots, masks, goggles, or vests when working in high-risk areas.
Factory helpers must also avoid harmful behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, playing cellphones, or sleeping while working in the production area.
14. Comply with the regulations of discipline and work ethics in the factory
Factory helpers are also responsible for complying with applicable regulations of discipline and work ethics in the factory.
Factory helpers must arrive on time, work according to working hours, apply for permits if sick or unavailable, and follow other rules set by plant management.
Factory helpers must also be honest, responsible, professional, loyal, and respectful of superiors, co-workers, customers, and the environment.
Factory Helper Qualification
The following are the qualifications to become a Factory Helper:
- Have a minimum education of high school / vocational equivalent
- Willing to work shifts and overtime if needed
- Able to work under pressure and communicate well
- Have good physical and mental health
- No history of chronic diseases or allergies
- Willing to take medical tests and psychological tests before being accepted
- Have basic ability in operating factory machinery
- Comply with occupational safety regulations and health protocols
- Willing to attend training and guidance from supervisors
- Have high motivation and integrity at work
Skills that a factory helper must have
Production helpers are workers who are in charge of assisting production activities in industrial enterprises or factories. Production helpers usually do not have specific skills, but can perform a variety of jobs that support the production process. Production helpers are one of the important positions in the world of work, because without them, the production process cannot run smoothly.
After we know the tasks of production helpers, we will discuss the skills that production helpers must have in order to work effectively and efficiently. Skills are abilities acquired through learning, experience, or practice. Skills can help a person to complete certain tasks well.
The skills that a production helper must have are:
1. Technical operational skills
That is the ability to operate machines or production equipment in accordance with instructions and quality standards. This skill includes the ability to understand how machines or production equipment work, adjust speed, pressure, temperature, and other parameters, and overcome problems or disturbances that occur.
2. Communication skills
Communication skills are the ability to communicate well with superiors, co-workers, technicians, suppliers, and customers. These skills include the ability to convey information clearly, listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and adjust language style and tone of voice according to the situation and audience.
3. Cooperation skills
Cooperation skills are the ability to work together in a team to achieve a common goal. These skills include the ability to share responsibility, respect disagreements, provide support and motivation, and resolve conflicts professionally.
4. Ability to ensure product quality
Ability to ensure product quality in accordance with established specifications and quality standards. This skill includes the ability to check product quality regularly, identify product defects or errors, repair or replace problematic products, and report the results of quality checks to superiors.
5. Logistics skills
Logistics skills are the ability to manage raw materials, finished products, and production equipment efficiently and accurately.
This skill includes the ability to plan the needs of raw materials, finished products, and production equipment, receiving, storing, packing, marking, shipping, and recording raw materials, finished products, and production equipment, as well as supervising stocks and inventories of raw materials, finished products, and production equipment.
Also read: Logistics Admin Tasks
6. Safety skills
the ability to maintain the safety of oneself and the work environment from possible hazards or risks. This skill includes the ability to comply with work safety regulations and procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment, recognize and prevent potential work hazards or risks, and take first aid measures in the event of a work accident.
Those are some of the skills that production helpers must have in order to work effectively and efficiently. By having these skills, production helpers can increase their productivity and quality of work, and make a positive contribution to the company.
Factory Helper Career Path
What is the career path of a factory helper? Is it good? Yes, in our opinion, being a factory helper has a brilliant career path, as long as you are willing to try and work hard for the company.
Here are some examples of possible career paths for factory helpers:
1. Machine Operator
Having gained sufficient experience as a plant helper, an individual can rise to the position of machine operator. They are responsible for operating production machines and ensuring production runs smoothly.
2. Factory Technician
With more in-depth experience and knowledge of plant operations, a plant helper can choose to become a plant technician. They are responsible for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of plant machinery and equipment.
3. Production Supervisor
If a factory helper has good leadership abilities and organizational skills, they can rise to the position of production supervisor. As supervisors, they will supervise and coordinate production activities, manage work schedules, monitor quality, and ensure smooth plant operations.
4. Quality Control
A factory helper who has an interest in quality control can develop into a quality controller. They will be responsible for ensuring products meet established quality standards through inspection, testing, and supervision of production processes.
5. Process Specialist
If a plant helper has an interest in improving production processes, they can become a process specialist. Their task is to analyze and improve the efficiency, productivity, and reliability of production processes through process mapping, identification of improvements, and implementation of changes.
6. Production Manager
In some cases, a plant helper who has extensive experience and good managerial abilities may rise to a managerial position in the production department. As production managers, they will have the responsibility to manage the team, organize production, optimize processes, and achieve production targets.
Also read:Â Duties of a Production Manager
To become a factory helper, there are several qualifications that must be met, including:
- Minimum education of high school / vocational equivalent
- Have good physical ability
- Have good communication skills
- Willing to work shifts and overtime
- Able to work in a team or independently
- Have a disciplined, honest, and responsible attitude
Production helper is a challenging and promising profession. By becoming a production helper, you can contribute to producing quality products for the community. If you are interested in becoming a production helper, you can search for job openings on various online sites or social media.
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