If you have plenty of experience and a high level technical skill in your area, you might like to move into Operations Management and work with teams to manage production of particular products or major components.

Working as an Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for inspecting materials and production processes and ensuring that timelines are met. You will supervise production workers to make sure they follow prescribed procedures, maintain quality standards and follow occupational health and safety guidelines.

Your leadership skills will be invaluable in making sure that production targets are met. You will work out and apply work schedules and budgets for new projects or product lines and use your planning skills to optimise resource use and minimise costs. You will also oversee preventive maintenance to ensure optimum running efficiency.

In management, you will always be challenged to learn more. As you progress, you can add to your existing qualifications or gain new qualifications in the business-oriented 'Competitive Manufacturing' courses.