Pros
No experience necessary. On the job training. Upward mobility. Flexible hours. Overtime available. Fun people to work on a team with. Cool product. I came in as an Operator and now supervise a team of great people responsible for production of a legendary product for a huge client. I see our product out on the road all the time on awesome trucks and feel the pride. "Yeah, I made that. Right here where I grew up."
Cons
Machine shop can be loud. Making deadlines is stimulating but exhausting once the adrenaline wears off! You have to pay dues for a while, proving yourself as reliable and committed takes time. Honestly, I took a paycut when I first started here, but I'm so glad I stuck with it because it's grown into a great job!