Why Should High School Students Consider Careers in Manufacturing
Manufacturing has been experiencing a renaissance of late. American factories are hiring once again, and manufacturers are investing in newer, faster, and more technologically advanced machines than ever before. The demand for skilled workers is higher than it’s been in decades, but getting educated in manufacturing can be challenging.
So what do you need to know about the manufacturing industry to decide if it’s right for you? This blog post will serve as an introduction to manufacturing jobs and careers. If you’re reading this because you have an interest in pursuing a career in the sector, we hope that this information helps set you on the right path.
What is Manufacturing?
Manufacturing is the process of transforming raw materials into usable goods. This can include everything from mining the raw materials, to shaping them into the parts that go into a product, to assembling everything together. Many goods we use every day are manufactured, from cars, clothes, and houses to electronics and pharmaceutical drugs. Manufacturing has a bad reputation for being dirty, dangerous, and low-paying, but thanks to technological advancements, many of those stereotypes are no longer true. Modern factories are clean, safe, and highly automated, meaning human workers spend their time monitoring machines and handling things like quality control. Consequently, many manufacturers are looking for employees who are skilled in robotics and automation engineering.
Career Path in Manufacturing
A career in manufacturing could mean a variety of things depending on the company and specific job. A manufacturing engineer might work in the design department to create the plans for a new product, while a machine operator at the same company might assemble and test that same product. Electronics engineers who work in manufacturing will design, test, and troubleshoot different pieces of technology. They’re really at the forefront of technological progress, designing the newest and best devices we all use on a daily basis. Depending on the type of manufacturing job you’re in, you might be responsible for ordering or acquiring raw materials, managing a group of employees, or even providing customer service. Manufacturers work with a wide range of materials, from metal, to plastic, to textiles, so it’s important that you have an understanding of them before entering the field.
Why Should High School Students Consider Careers in Manufacturing?
Manufacturing companies are hiring more employees than ever before, and the industry will be short more than 2 million skilled workers by 2030. If you’re looking for a stable career in a growing industry with plenty of opportunities, manufacturing might be a great fit. Other reasons high school students should consider manufacturing as a career include: - Engineering as a core competency - Manufacturing companies are increasingly looking for engineering graduates to join their teams. Engineering skills are essential for designing, building, maintaining, and improving modern production lines. - Strong employment outlook - The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment in manufacturing to grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average growth rate in other industries. As the economy continues to grow and demand for manufactured products increases, manufacturers will need more workers. - High salaries - Depending on your education level, you could be earning a six-figure salary within a few years. On average, engineers earn $81,000 annually, and electronic engineers have a median salary of $93,000.
Finding The Right Course
When you’re researching programs and courses in manufacturing, one of the first things you’ll notice is the wide range of specializations available. From computer-aided design, to robotics and automation engineering, to industrial engineering, there are many different ways to break into manufacturing. You might also notice that many colleges offer combined degrees in manufacturing and engineering. While this is a great option for some students, it’s important to understand that you won’t see a difference in your job title after graduating. You’ll be an engineer, not a manufacturer. Before you start looking for schools, think about your long-term career goals. Do you want to design products? Work in quality assurance? Become an entrepreneur? Having a general idea of which path you want to follow will make your search easier.
Benefits of a Career in Manufacturing
Manufacturing offers a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to advance. A general manager of a manufacturing plant could earn upwards of $200,000 per year. It’s important to note that salaries vary depending on your education level, experience, and the company you work for. Manufacturing also offers some extra benefits, including generous paid time off (typically two weeks per year), health and dental insurance, and retirement plans. Manufacturers are also more likely to provide tuition assistance and internships then other industries, making them an attractive employer for many students.
How to Find the Right Program for You
When it comes to choosing the right program, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not you’ll be accepted. You can use our search tool, College Choice, to find programs and universities that align with your interests, goals, and academic strengths. You’ll also want to make sure that the program you choose has a good job outlook. You can find this information on the BLS website and in our College Results pages. After that, it’s largely a matter of choosing a program that works for your schedule and fits into your budget. There are a few considerations you might want to keep in mind when choosing a program, including: - Location - Are you willing to relocate? How far are you willing to go? Does the program you want to study exist in the area you want to live? - Degree - What are your long-term goals? Do you want a bachelor’s or master’s degree? What program will get you there the quickest? - Availability and tuition - How many programs are offered online? Do you want to go to school full-time or part-time? What’s the cost of attendance? - Location and degree - Is there a local program that offers what you want to study? How difficult will it be to transfer credits to your preferred university.
Conclusion
Manufacturing is a rewarding career that offers plenty of opportunities for advancement. From designing new products to managing a production line, there are many different paths you can follow in the manufacturing sector. This article has given you an overview of what manufacturing is, what a career in manufacturing entails, and why you should consider a career in manufacturing. We’ve also explored what a career in manufacturing entails, as well as some of the benefits of a career in manufacturing. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing, it’s important to do your research. Make sure you understand the industry and what a career in manufacturing entails. From there, it’s a matter of choosing a program that fits your budget, schedule, and career goals.