Those who are production-oriented and handle businesses in charge of manufacturing processes and materials that are supplied to other industries to use as finished products are in the field of basic industries.
A sheet metal company that produces the material used by car manufacturers to build cars would be a basic industry. Jobs within the basic industry sector are an important part of the economy and provide excellent opportunities for production-minded individuals to earn a living.
As long as goods need to be manufactured and assembled, there will be plenty of job opportunities within businesses that serve a basic industry function.
Basic industry jobs are great for people who want a job that is very hands-on in a production-oriented environment. These are not easy jobs, but they do tend to pay fair wages and provide steady work.
The skills one learns while working in basic industries are precious and can help pave the way to being considered for other types of manufacturing or production jobs in the future.
This article sets out to answer the question, “Is basic industry a good career path?” By the end, you will know if you should pursue a career in basic industries.
What Are Basic Industries?
A basic industry is oriented around the production of goods and services for export rather than domestic consumption and distribution.
These industries are critical to their area economies and frequently account for a disproportionate fraction of market share. This might cause difficulties if an export industry fails or if political circumstances shift, reducing the market for exported goods.
The majority of nations record statistics on their import and export activity and pay special attention to their primary sectors.
Basic industries are those industries that supply raw materials to other industries. These raw materials are used to create products. Examples of such industries are Iron and steel, metallurgical, milling, paper, and wood, etc.
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Why Are Basic Industries A Good Career Path?
There are several reasons why a career in basic industries is considered a good career path. This career path, asides from several other reasons, would give you stability in your career.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 19.7 Million full- and part-time jobs were related to the agricultural and food sectors in 2020 i.e. 10.3 % of total U.S. employment.
2021 reports show 601,149 people are dependent on the Mining Industry in the US and 8 Million jobs i.e. 9. 5.6% of total U.S. employment depends on the Oil and Gas Industry. There is a growing need for professionals in this field that is why basic industries are a good career path.
Another factor that works in favor is that here you can get a high-paying and satisfying job. These industries directly impact an ordinary person’s life.
Numerous job options depend on the interest of the applicant. Apart from that, the people who work in Basic industries get to experience various situations. Thus their exposure and expertise level remains top-notch.
This may be appealing to applicants who want a job that challenges them every day. The demand for raw materials never dies down. Hence the scope of your job will always show an uptrend.
Though here we would like to say that the jobs in basic industries are not easy. They involve hands-on experience and are strenuous. Yet, they are a good choice for those who are looking for something steady. The plethora of jobs means your job remains with no fears of downsizing.
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Common Categories of Basic Industries
There are several categories of basic industries. They are-
Agriculture
In every society, agriculture is essential. Asides from the production of food, it plays quite a heavy role. Agriculture is the primary source of raw materials.
A considerable portion of a nation’s exports and imports come from Agriculture itself. It has to do with the cultivation of wheat, soy, and corn; Orchards of fruits and vegetables.
Among the employment opportunities available in this sector are animal scientists, agronomists, scientists of food, and mining experts in plants.
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Oil and Gas Industry
This industry continues to be one of the largest on a global scale. It has to do with the exploration of oil and gas, transportation and storage of gas, purifying oil, and operation of refineries.
If you have studied anything related to these and you are looking for a career path in basic industries, you can go into the category of oil and gas.
Some of the positions that may be open to you are:
- Geoscientist
- Worker on an oil rig
- Oilfield laborer
- Engineer in petroleum geology
- Employee who works offshore
Paper and Pulp
This is another category in the basic industries career path. It is divided into various parts, some of which include packaging, hygiene goods, and tissues.
By contrast, pulp is used in the textile sector. Some of the jobs you can get in the paper and pulp sector are:
- Logger
- Sawyer
- Woodworker
- Operator of a pulp or paper plant
Industrial Chemistry
Seen as the forefront of basic industries is industrial chemistry. They produce products that would be shipped to producers as raw materials.
It has to do with the chemical transformation of raw materials into chemical solutions or gases. Some of the jobs available in this field are jobs as a:
- Chemist
- Technician in chemistry
- Operator of a plant
- Scientist of materials
Steel and Metal
Steel’s importance in the construction industry cannot be overemphasized. Steel is required for a variety of building and real estate projects, including railroad tracks, beams, and pipelines; as a result, its need never decreases.
Some of the jobs you can pursue with a career in basic industries under steel and metal are-
- Metallurgist
- Machinist
- Fabricator of metals
- Technician for tools and dies
- Worker in sheet metal
Utilities
Utilities, such as power, water, and heating, are also a part of basic industries. Additionally, they are in high demand, as the majority of industries require the same.
Utility services are necessary for all other businesses to operate, as well as for the safety, health, and well-being of individual consumers. There will always be a need for workers to staff power plants, water/sewer services, and gas companies.
Some of the jobs opportunities available in this career path are:
- Installers on the job
- Operators of plants
- Engineer
- Inspector of utilities
Technician in Wastewater Treatment
The pharmaceutical sector employs a considerable number of individuals each year. However, this industry requires only the most well-qualified and skilled individuals. They get paid quite well, depending on the level of professionalism.
Some of the jobs available in this sector are:
- Agronomist
- Animal scientist
- Food scientist
- Plant scientist
Mining
A mineral is an essential raw material that all industries need. The mining industry involves two phases.
One is the exploration stage, where minerals are found. Then there is the construction and planning aspect. This involves obtaining permits and making plans for mining.
Some of the available jobs are:
- Purchase Officer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Mining Engineer
Textile Production
People who work in textile production are typically employed in textile mills. These are the places where cotton and other fibers (some natural, some synthetic) are converted into thread or yarn, then used to produce fabric, which is widely used to make all kinds of things, from clothing and bedding to flooring and upholstery.
Some of the basic industry textile jobs are:
- Machine operator
- Textile converter
- Textile designer
- Textile technician
Wood/Pulp Production
Forest products are harvested and put through a manufacturing process to create the finished wood used to build structures, furniture, and other items.
Some trees are harvested for paper production, which can also be done with what is left over after sawmills convert larger trees into boards.
Paper production starts with pulp production, which is then used to manufacture all types of paper products. Jobs in this basic industry sector are
- Logger
- Sawyer
- Woodworker
- Pulp/paper mill operator
How Many Jobs Are Available In Basic Industries?
Basic industries are a wide field. As such, there is a lot of job opportunities related to this career. The basic industries created over 22,000 employment opportunities in 2020. Bear in mind that basic industries do not compile just one company.
The industries in this field are numerous and broad; they can encompass any industry where the output is not employed to bolster the local economy.
If you want to consider a career path in basic industries, you can rest assured that there are quite several job opportunities waiting for you to choose from.
What are the Career Options in Basic Industries?
As stated earlier, basic industries are a very wide field. If you are considering a career path in basic industries, there are a lot of career options open to you.
Some of the career options you could consider are:
Agronomists
Agronomists collaborate with farmers to produce and harvest crops and plants on a large-scale basis.
This career path pays an average wage and in addition to providing consistent and worthy work, would also apply to your management abilities throughout your career.
Drilling Engineers
Drilling engineers are one of the highest-paying jobs in basic industries. Their job is all about helping petroleum geologists up supervise and manage the natural gas and oil extraction process.
They can make six figures a year just by doing this. To get a job in this career path, you need to have excellent communication skills in addition to practical, on-the-job knowledge.
Metallurgists
As implied by the title, this expert works with a variety of metals. They work alongside miners and frequently visit the processing plants where the mines’ resources are processed.
These persons should possess an in-depth understanding of metals, chemistry, and the necessary safety abilities for this vocation.
Officers of Health and Safety
When new employees in basic industries begin their training, they are frequently advised about the risks and hazards associated with their jobs.
Those who operate with metals, heavy farm equipment, or any form of chemical must understand how to do so safely or risk injury.
Health and safety officers are responsible for supervising training methods and practices for on-the-job safety at each location, as well as documenting work-related accidents.
Additional Business Services
When you have studied business, and you are considering a field in basic industries, you can get it.
The basic industries require individuals with a comprehensive understanding of business, manufacturing, marketing, and finance. If you are good in any of these fields, you can sure get a job in basic industries.
Which Are The Best Paying Jobs In The Basic Industries To Make A Good Career Path?
There is no dearth of jobs in the Basic industries. You might wonder what do basic industries jobs pay. Some jobs pay better than the rest. The highest-paying jobs in basic industries are-
- Petroleum Geologists- 100,000$
- Drilling engineer- 100,000$
- Metallurgists- 100,000$ +
- Pipefitter- 90,000$
- Synthetic chemist- 80,000$
- Health and safety officer-77,000$
- Forensic scientist-60,000$
- Truck driver-64,000$
- Agronomist-60,000$
- Steel fabricator-40,000$
- Electrician-48,000$
What Should You Expect While Working For Basic Industries?
A career in basic industries is not as easy as it may sound. If you decide that it is a good career path, some of the things you should know are that-
You must be Highly Trained
Choosing basic industries as a career option is not a bad idea. Due to its competitive nature, only those who are highly trained and well skilled in the field are accepted.
The job is also hazardous so you must be keen to take instructions and know what to do in the event of a hazard falling out.
Physical Nature of the Job
Whatever job you choose from the field of basic industries, you can be sure that there is a lot of running around to do. Whichever job you choose; you will be required to do some running around.
There is standing, carrying weights, running around, bending, and stretching tasks waiting for you. People who want desk jobs cannot do well in the basic industries.
Hazardous
Basic industries release any harmful by-products. These affect the environment too. Sometimes the health of the employees suffers. You must keep this in mind while looking for a job there. The people living around the complex remain at risk too. If you do not have a problem with this, you may look for a job in basic industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do basic industries jobs pay?
Basic Industries mostly pays an average hourly rate of $54 and hourly wages range from a low of $47 to a high of $63. Individual pay rates will, of course, vary depending on the job, department, location, as well as the individual skills and education of each employee.
2. What do basic industries do?
Basic industries are simply the industries that supply raw materials to other fields of manufacturing and production. Raw materials such as iron and steel. Forestry, logging, and mining.
3. What are non-basic industries?
Non-basic industries comprise primarily small businesses that sell to local customers, including basic and non-basic businesses.
4. Is Amazon a basic industry?
No. Even though they also bring in income from outside, they are a non-basic industry.
5. Is a doctor basic or non-Basic?
This may be one of your many questions leading to this investment. Healthcare is a non-basic industry meaning it provides services to communities. Healthcare provides services like medicine and care for the patients.
Conclusions
Often youth today face a tough choice when it comes to career choices. They are confused about which career option would work for them.
Nowadays, many of them mull over is basic industries a good career path. This is because such jobs are not hyped much in their circles.
Basic industries are those which supply raw materials to the other industries. Their jobs are different but immensely fulfilling.
References
- https://totempool.com/blog/basic-industries-career-path/
- https://kylonpowell.com/is-basic-industries-a-good-career-path/
- https://webnews21.com/is-basic-industries-a-good-career-path/
- https://techclient.com/is-basic-industries-a-good-career-path/
- https://slidebusiness.com/is-basic-industries-a-good-career-path/
- https://www.harisg.com/what-is-a-good-career-path-for-someone-starting-out-in-basic-industries/
- https://careerkarma.com/blog/what-companies-are-in-the-basic-industries-field/
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