As manufacturers continue to turn to automation and other new technologies they will need workers with high-tech skills. Training will continue to be an important means of assisting workers to adjust to these new skill demands. Training programs are offered by vendors, industry trade associations, and industry unions. Training is also available through private and public vocational training agencies and California community colleges. Metalworking and plastics-working machine operators learn their skills on the job.
Trainees begin by observing and assisting experienced workers, often in formal training programs.
Under supervision they may supply material, start and stop the machine, or remove finished products from the machine. As part of their training they advance to more difficult tasks like adjusting feed speeds, changing cutting tools, or inspecting a finished product for defects. Eventually they become responsible for their own machines. The complexity of equipment largely determines the time required to become an operator. Most operators learn the basic machine operations and functions in a few weeks, but they may need several years to become a skilled operator or to advance to the more highly skilled job of set-up operator.