That is unfortunate. I have been in almost every kind of factory you can be. There are definitely ones I would not want to work in, but for the most part, there a pretty good gig.
Lets start with there are no backbreaking factory jobs anymore. No one lifts stuff. Hurt backs are expensive. Most operators - the lowest level of actual production person in most US factories, monitor one or more machines. They may load or unload bins, usually small parts. They might cycle or restart machinery if there is an issue. Mostly there simply keeping an eye on the machine to make sure its operating as intended, and not making bad parts, so they may inspect or measure things throughout there shift.
If its assembly, they may install certain small parts, but the majority of those jobs have been replaced by robots, or at minimum operator controlled assists. For example if a bolt needs to be installed manually - an operator may start the bolt, then move a suspended impact gun, preset to proper torque, into position and actuate it.
Operators in steel mills sit in air conditioned operator rooms, and mostly watch screens and HMI's. There are windows they can look out at the actual process, but unless something goes wrong, the hardest part is staying awake. The factories know this, so they cycle operators pretty regularly - they switch spots often. The upside is everyone is cross trained and no one does the same job for too long at once.
Long gone are burly men moving heavy stuff around. In fact I would say in the more technical plants the majority of operators are often women. Not saying women can't lift heavy things, but the point being they no longer need to.
If I had a child that didn't know what they wanted to do after high school - I would tell them to go get a factory job. They will start at $18-20 an hour and have to work nights, but in a year they will likely be moved up and making closer to $30. Or they can apply around and move to the next factory. Factories have a hard time finding staff. I am told there biggest issue is finding someone that can pass the drug test, show up on time, and show up sober.
