Onboarding and Probation for Manufacturing
A first day that is the same for the fifth joiner as the first.
What this looks like in manufacturing
The parts of onboarding and probation that are specific to this sector, rather than general.
Floor Induction and Machine Authorisation
Safety first, then the skill matrix.
What this coversHide
Floor Induction and Machine Authorisation
Safety first, then the skill matrix.
What this coversHideManufacturing onboarding has a strict order. Safety induction gates floor access; machine authorisation gates independent operation; and the skill matrix records both.
- Joining
- Safety induction
- Floor familiarisation
- Machine authorisation
- Independent operation
- Safety induction completed and recorded before floor access
- PPE issued against the individual record
- Machine-specific training and authorisation before operation
- Skill matrix entry created at joining, updated at each authorisation
- Shift pattern, overtime and attendance rules explained
- Quality standards and process discipline induction
- Buddy or mentor on the shift for the first fortnight
- Probation reviewed against skill milestones with a documented outcome
Creating the skill matrix entry at joining rather than later is what makes the matrix reliable. Entries added retrospectively are the reason most skill matrices cannot be trusted.
The general method — what onboarding and probation covers, the questions it answers and what an engagement produces — is the same whatever the sector, and is set out on the employee onboarding and induction page. What is above is the part that differs for manufacturing.
Other HR topics for manufacturing
Where to start
Most engagements begin with a review of how this runs in your business today, then a written process and the sequence to implement it.