Nature of the Work

Production and planning clerks compile records and reports on various aspects of production, such as materials and parts used, products produced, machine and instrument readings, and frequency of defects. Expediting clerks contact vendors and shippers to ensure that merchandise, supplies, and equipment are forwarded on the specified shipping dates.

Education and Training

Many production, planning, and expediting jobs are at the entry level and do not require more than a high school diploma. These clerks usually learn the job by doing routine tasks under close supervision. Computer skills are very important.

Job Outlook

Employment change. Employment of production, planning, and expediting clerks is projected to show little or no growth over the 2008-2018 projection period. As greater emphasis is placed on the timely delivery of goods and services throughout the economy, there will be increasing need for production, planning, and expediting clerks at all levels of the supply chain. However, the expected employment declines in manufacturing will limit the growth of this occupation.

Job prospects. In addition to new jobs, job openings will arise from the need to replace production, planning, and expediting clerks who leave the labor force or transfer to other occupations. Opportunities will be better in industries that are experiencing faster growth, such as wholesale trade and warehousing.