Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Production Helper
What production helpers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a production helper?
Stock the line. From there, the day usually includes supply materials, move products, and clean work areas. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a production helper working full time.
- Stock the line.
- Help an operator with setup.
- Move pallets.
- Pack products.
- Clean around machines.
- Take out scrap.
- Shift handoff.
Where production helpers work
Helpers work on factory floors.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Supply materials
- Move products
- Clean work areas
- Help operators
- Do simple assembly
- Pack products
- Follow safety rules
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pallet jacks
- Hand tools
- Carts
- Brooms and vacs
- Tape guns
- Scanners
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Easy entry
- Short training
- Path to operator
- Overtime
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Physical work
- Low pay
- Repetitive
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to start working fast
- I’m reliable
- I like physical work
- I like teamwork
- I want to learn machines
- I can work shifts
Not sure? Take the free Production Helper fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear PPE
- Lift safely
- Stay clear of machines
- Follow lockout rules