A Technical Operator is someone who deals with machines and also specializes in handling them. As an Operator, there are several positions you can go into. For example, there is a Machine Operator, the person responsible for the machines. And then you also have a Process Operator and this person is responsible for taking charge of the whole production process. So there is also difference within the Technical Operator job and that means you can specialize yourself in a part that appeals to you the most.
Working as an Operator means performing many different tasks, the work may vary (slightly) from one employer to another. Many companies have moved from regular machines to computerized machines and therefore the work of an Operator will mainly consist of computer work. This computer work is necessary to properly control the machines and also make them work. You are also engaged in performing certain defects on machines. You try to solve these defects manually through the computer or on the machine itself. So the profession is a combination of software and manual work which is both performed in practice. You check that certain products meet quality standards and that there is no damage to the materials. You are often responsible for setting up machines.
As an Operator, a number of competencies and skills are required to perform the job well. Below are a few points that go with this job:
To become an Operator, it is important that you have enough knowledge and experience before you start working in the field. It is also possible to take various types of training courses while you are working so that you continue to improve yourself. So you can always specialize yourself in a particular area so that you are ahead of your colleagues in this regard.
There are several training programs for the Operator position. Depending on the training for which type of Operator position you qualify. Examples of trainings within this field are:
However, operators with years of experience are often desired to operate more complex machines. If you want to become a Machine Operator then VAPRO-A or -B will be good. If you want to become a Process Operator, then it is important to possess VAPRO-C or -D.
The salary of an Operator can vary greatly. The salary depends mainly on the particular position a person has within the company. The job as a Process Operator will generally be better paid than the position of Machine Operator. The general starting salary is around 2,200 euros for a Machine Operator. The salary of a Process Operator is on average between €2.200 and €3.000 euros per month, this salary depends on knowledge and experience.
When you start as a Machine Operator you can advance to Process Operator. The tasks will then change, but the salary will also increase significantly. So there are career opportunities to achieve this. The Process Operator position pays more because it requires more knowledge.