Manufacturing Consultants Education and Training

Refine your skills with basic and advanced training in consultancy for manufacturing

By Lea Terry, Freelance Journalist / Copywriter
Manufacturing consultants work with companies to improve systems and operations in order to increase efficiency and create a better product. They may work independently or for a manufacturing consulting firm, and they need expertise in manufacturing practices, management, and explaining and implementing new procedures. If they're independent, they also need training in finding new clients and billing. Because of their varied job responsibilities, they need a well-rounded education that covers everything from management to manufacturing methods to the basics of consulting.

If you're training to become a manufacturing consultant, you'll need a degree in manufacturing. If you already work in manufacturing consulting, you can strengthen your skills or add new ones through continuing education courses, seminars, or workshops. Manufacturing consultant education and training options include:
  1. Training and / or certification in general manufacturing issues
  2. Training in Lean Manufacturing
  3. A college degree in manufacturing

 

Receive training and / or certification in manufacturing consulting services

Receive in-depth training in specialized manufacturing topics through consultancy manufacturing training and certification programs.
Try: ASQ provides training in several issues you may encounter as a manufacturing consultant, including process and project management, quality management, reliability, social responsibility, and supplier quality. ASQ offers classroom training in several U.S. cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, San Diego, Orlando, Atlanta, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. J.H. Berk and Associates provides training in cost reduction, failure analysis, risk management, government regulatory compliance, and supervision.

Receive training and certification as a Lean Manufacturing business consultant

A growing number of companies are adopting Lean Manufacturing principles--and will probably need to hire a consultant to help them implement this method. Increase your job opportunities by receiving training in this popular subject.
Try: BPR offers online certification in Lean Manufacturing, covering both basic and advanced specialized topics, including management and roadblocks. The Society of Manufacturing Engineers offers certification in Lean Manufacturing, with a program designed for students, educators, engineers, corporate groups, and Lean practitioners. The program is designed not only for manufacturing companies, but also for consultants hired to help companies implement Lean Manufacturing principles.

Prepare for manufacturing consulting with a college degree

A degree in manufacturing can help you master both the management side and the technology side of the industry. You'll be more versatile as an industrial production consultant, and you will also be better able to address your clients' needs.
Try: Ferris State University, in Michigan, offers a bachelor of science degree in manufacturing engineering. Students learn how to: identify and select materials for projects, work with computer-aided design equipment, conduct time studies and cost estimates, use computer software to solve manufacturing problems, and design a manufacturing system. The University of Minnesota, Crookston, offers a bachelor's of manufacturing management degree. The BMM degree program, which was designed by employers and manufacturing professionals, is offered at the Crookston campus, online, and at three sites in the Twin Cities area. It includes a management component, a technology component, and a job-specific component that  can be customized. Students can choose between two areas of emphasis: manufacturing management and quality management. The school also offers a manufacturing management certificate.