18 Sep From Entry Level to Skilled Machine Operator: Techelle’s Manufacturing Career
Techelle’s career shows what can happen when someone is willing to learn, take on challenges, and step into opportunities that may initially feel unfamiliar.
At 45, Techelle works as a Manufacturing Cutter and Foil Operator. She has spent years developing specialized skills, but she did not learn them through a traditional college program or trade school.
Her training happened on the job.
Starting at the Entry Level
Techelle entered manufacturing in an entry level position at a large company.
She came in ready to work and willing to learn. Her employer recognized that willingness and trained her to operate manufacturing equipment.
Over time, Techelle became a cutting machine operator, a role she held for 10 years.
But she was not afraid to try something completely different.
Techelle eventually left manufacturing and became an iron worker. It was another opportunity to challenge herself, learn new skills, and gain experience.
Later, she decided she wanted to return to manufacturing.
Learning a New Machine
When Techelle returned to the industry, she found a company that valued the skills she had already developed and was willing to train her for something new: operating a foil stamping machine.
Foil stamping is a process used to add decorative finishes to packaging. It can create the shiny, eye catching details seen on boxes for products such as cosmetics and candy.
The equipment Techelle operates represents a major investment for a manufacturing company, costing millions of dollars.
Learning to operate machinery at that level requires attention to detail, responsibility, and technical skill.
Techelle has now been operating a foil stamping machine for four years.
Learning While Working
One of the most interesting parts of Techelle’s career is how she developed her skills.
Her training has been entirely on the job.
She started at the entry level, learned to operate cutting equipment, spent a decade developing her experience, tried another skilled trade, and then returned to manufacturing to learn another specialized machine.
Today, she enjoys what she does.
Her career demonstrates that starting at the entry level does not mean staying there.
Find a Company Willing to Train You
Techelle’s advice to someone interested in manufacturing is straightforward: find a company that is willing to train you.
For someone without experience, that can be an important way to enter the industry. An employer willing to invest in training can provide an opportunity to develop valuable skills while gaining real experience on the job.
Techelle’s journey also shows the importance of being willing to learn when that opportunity arrives.
At 45, she has built a career by repeatedly saying yes to new challenges. From cutting machines to iron work to foil stamping, each experience has added another skill to what she can do.
Her story is a reminder that sometimes the first step into a skilled career is simply finding an opportunity and being willing to learn.
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