Your boss calls you into his office to thank you for applying for that position at the new plant, but they’re going to go with an outside hire with more experience. This isn’t the first time you’ve watched a promotion pass you by and you’re frustrated, rightfully so. You work hard, show up on time and meet all your quotas. What’s the deal?
It’s not about you; it’s about what you know. If you’re a machinist looking to take your career to the next level, you’ve got to have the skills and training to back it up. Not only will you be better prepared to tackle the new challenges and responsibilities that come with a promotion, but you’ll also show your employer or staffing firm that you are the type of worker who is ready to seize the day.
Understanding Machinist Classes
For machinists, there are three main classes – A, B, and C. These classes explain your skill level, the amount of practical experience you’ve had and the extent of knowledge you bring to the table. Class C workers have the least experience and their pay grade reflects this. They often require more direct supervision. Class B machinists have more skills, more training and can work on their own. They have a solid understanding of a variety of machinist jobs and are able to recognize safety concerns quickly. At the top of the food chain we find class A machinists. They have the most experience, highest pay grade and are often open to leadership roles that involve training and troubleshooting.
Moving Up the Ladder
If you’re looking for a new career opportunity, then building your skills and moving up in the machinist ranks could be your best option. You can open doors to new employers, ones who offer better vacation packages, nicer health insurance policies and higher pay. With more experience comes more opportunity, both professionally and personally.
Expand your Skillset
Take on jobs that expand your experience with certain machine types. For example, if you mostly work on a drilling machine, then seek out an apprenticeship under a milling, grinding or shaping expert. You can even partner with a staffing agency to find temporary positions that boost your resume.
Get Certified
Additional training is one of the surest ways to show a potential employer that you have the skills they need. Sign up for an evening training, complete a safety certification program or enroll in a community college to earn your associate’s degree. You can add even more experience by working temporary jobs while you pursue your education.
As one of the top staffing agencies in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the recruiters at Pascoe Workforce Solutions understand both sides of the hiring process. We have a talent pool of qualified staffing options for companies looking to hire permanent or temporary employees. This insider knowledge is incredibly helpful for our job seekers, as well. Since we know what employers want in successful workers, we can help our candidates find the right fit for their career goals. Contact us and start living your future now.