To become a shop foreman, you must first complete training in a skilled trade and then gain supervisory experience. A shop foreman’s main responsibilities include coordinating jobs and work requests, managing on-site inventory, and resolving issues. The title “shop foreman” has a long history, and women are increasingly filling these roles. A person interested in becoming a shop foreman can work in the manufacturing or skilled trade services industries.
The first step in becoming a shop foreman is to complete a skilled trades training or apprenticeship program. Community colleges and technical colleges offer this type of program, which takes an average of six or seven years to complete. Work experience is required in addition to formal training to become a certified skilled tradesperson. The apprenticeship program usually organizes progressive positions where this experience can be gained.
The shop foreman must be able to counsel and advise the employees under his or her supervision. It takes many years to develop the level of expertise required for this job. Employers typically look for candidates who have worked as a shop mechanic or tradesperson for at least five years. Working as a lead hand or supervisor can help you prepare for a position as a shop foreman.
Supervisory experience is frequently the most difficult to come by. Employers frequently seek candidates with managerial experience, but finding opportunities to gain this experience in the workplace can be difficult. Many people volunteer for supervisory or managerial positions in order to overcome this barrier. Short-term projects can be an excellent way to gain leadership experience.
Promotion is the most common path to becoming a shop foreman. When at all possible, most companies prefer to promote from within. This policy encourages employees to perform at higher levels and consider long-term career goals, while also lowering employers’ transition costs. Another advantage of this policy is that it ensures workplace continuity, which can be achieved promoting someone who is already familiar with the existing business processes.
A shop foreman’s career advancement options include shop manager, district supervisor, or facilities director. The responsibilities of a shop foreman are significantly different in these positions. The next level of management is mostly administrative, with little involvement in day-to-day operations or problem-solving. Because of the additional training and experience required in a skilled trade, a shop foreman’s pay is higher than average for a supervisory position.
People who want to work as a shop foreman are usually very knowledgeable in their trade or field. They are also naturally outgoing and enjoy assisting apprentices in learning the trade. As more people become aware of the excellent career prospects and high demand for these positions, the number of women in skilled trades is expected to rise.