What are the top 5 most important skills of a good industrial supervisor?

Successful industrial supervisors share a number of qualities including; Leadership skills, Written communication skills, Verbal communication skills, Conflict resolution skills, Interpersonal skills, Time management skills

Supervisory Skills for the Industrial Workplace

Certificate 4 months

Online Supervisor Training

If you currently work in the industrial or manufacturing industry and want to take the next steps toward becoming a leader in your company, the online Supervisory Skills for the Industrial Workplace Certificate Program can help. You'll develop your leadership and management skills at your own pace, from home.

Students in our online Supervisor Training will cover topics such as supervision and leadership, team building, conflict management, OSHA administration, and more.
Can prepare those already working in the industry or those with prior industry experience to take on leadership roles like front-line supervisor, foreman, or maintenance supervisor.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$329

$365 Save $36

$49/month, Start for as low as $29

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

supervisor talking to employee in an industrial workspace.

What You Will Learn

How to develop and strengthen communication, leadership, and performance management skills to direct a successful team.
How to communicate effectively in a supervisory role in a variety of instances, including the hiring or termination process.
How to resolve conflict among team members in order to create an effective, productive team.
How to adhere to OSHA regulations and work with team members to follow regulations in order to maintain a safe, efficient workplace.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Industrial Supervision Career Outcomes

First-Line Supervisor

AVG SALARY*

$63,510/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

659,930

Graduates of Penn Foster's Supervisory Skills for the Industrial Workplace Certificate have taken the next steps toward advancing their careers in manufacturing and industrial settings. After completing the certificate program, students should have strong leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and managerial skills.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in the manufacturing and industrial field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Online Supervisor Training Curriculum

5 courses
24.1 continuing education units (CEUs)
16 exams

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 4 months
Average time = 7 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

Designed for learners who have previous industrial or skilled trades work experience, the online Supervisory Skills for the Industrial Workplace Certificate can help students prepare to improve their managerial and leadership skills. Your online supervisor training courses include:

Leading Teams for Optimal Performance
Building Organizational Skills and Measuring Results
Problem-Solving Skills and Conflict Management
Lean Manufacturing and OSHA Administration

Show Full Curriculum

Supervisor Training Student Stories

Our graduates have gone on to advance in their careers in a variety of manufacturing and industrial settings. Learn more about their experiences with Penn Foster's Supervisor Training program.

View Student Success Stories

Nadine K.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I believe Penn Foster is a very affordable way to expand one's knowledge and reach personal and educational goals on their own schedule.”

Looking for skilled trades training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Online Supervisor Training Tuition

Take the first steps toward advancing your career with our online Industrial Supervisor Training Certificate. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program

$329

$365 Save $36

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program

$365

Pay $49 per month
Start for $29 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Our Proven Supervisory Skills Learning Model

Empower students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Simulations and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Online student community
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

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Supervisor Training Program FAQs

What are the top 6 most important skills of a good industrial supervisor?

Successful industrial supervisors share a number of qualities including:

Leadership skills
Written communication skills
Verbal communication skills
Conflict resolution skills
Interpersonal skills
Time management skills

Can industrial supervisor training help advance my career?

If you're working in the industrial or manufacturing fields and want to advance to a position where you're supervising employees such as a manager, team leader, maintenance supervisor, or foreman, having leadership training will be a valuable asset as you compete for these supervisor jobs. Additionally, supervisory training can also add to your own job satisfaction, as newly promoted supervisors often struggle in their new role because they haven’t received adequate training. In fact, as many as 81% of front-line supervisors say they are not satisfied with their own performance.¹ With Penn Foster’s affordable, online courses you can get the leadership skills through online training that will help you improve your effectiveness as an industrial workplace supervisor.

What is the average salary of an industrial supervisor?

The average salary for supervisors in industrial and manufacturing industries can vary widely based on the industry in which they work, the company they work for, the state in which they live, and other factors. According to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, the median annual salary for a first-line supervisor in the workforce was $63,510 in 2022.*

How long does it take to earn a certificate in industrial supervision online?

The online supervisor training program is designed to be flexible and self-paced. That means you can study and complete online training around your schedule, so the length of time it takes to earn an industrial supervision certificate depends on you.

Disclaimers:

The completion of a certificate-level program does not typically qualify a student for employment. Completion of this program may assist students who have previous academic or work-related experience improve their chances for promotion or entry-level employment.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers." Occupational Employment and Wages. Accessed October 2, 2023.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

1. McKinsey & Company. “How Companies Manage the Front Line Today: McKinsey Survey Results.” McKinsey & Company, February 19, 2019.