Manufacturing -- mass-producing products using skilled labor and technology -- is one of the world’s most competitive businesses. As technology increases, manufacturing employees need a much higher level of education and training than the assembly line workers of years ago in order to not only keep up with advances in technology but to perform the tasks computers can’t.
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#82 The United States will need 10 million new skilled workers by the year 2020.
Source: National Association of Manufacturers
A strong background in math, science, and technology, both in high school and in post-secondary education. As the manufacturing industry becomes more technologically advanced, the ability to learn and keep up with new technology will be critical so professional development and training courses may be necessary throughout your career.
Jobs in manufacturing include:
Accountant
Administrative assistant
Human resources specialist
Information technology specialist
Machine operator
Maintenance technician
Material handler
Product designer
Robotic technician
Salesperson
Supervisor
Tool and die maker
The most rapidly growing areas in manufacturing are pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing. Pharmaceutical and medical products will always be needed, even as constant shifts in technology and the economy change the labor force. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vaccines, symptom-easing drugs, and antibiotics are just some of the life-saving and sustaining products manufactured in this part of the industry.
Industry-wide, workers with advanced technological skills and training in the latest technical equipment are needed. And those working to learn how to operate this equipment have an exciting future to look forward to.
Industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance technicians
install machines, fix equipment, or practice precautionary maintenance within the plant.
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers make sure that production runs efficiently and quality standards are met by all products.
Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders fill boxes and wrap products to prepare the final product before shipment or sale to customers (can be other companies or individuals).
Transportation and material-moving technicians use industrial trucks to transport materials within the plant or final products to customers.
Chemists and materials scientists conduct research in a variety of activities, such as analysis or preparation of new or existing materials, study of chemical processes, and formulations of items such as cosmetics, household products, or paints. They also invent new and better chemicals for specific applications and new applications for existing chemicals.
Chemical engineers develop processes for manufacturing chemicals and design equipment.
Science and engineering technicians assist engineers and chemists in research and some conduct research on their own.
Administrators and managers often have significant technical experience and good human relations and communication skills.
Engineering managers estimate costs, perform plant design feasibility studies, and coordinate day-to-day operations.
Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers inform customers of a company’s services and products in order to promote.
Office and administrative support personnel perform secretarial duties, bookkeeping, records processing, and other clerical duties.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
LINKS & RESOURCES
Here are some companies that specialize in manufacturing and offer "virtual plant tours":
How Everyday things are made (Stanford University)
Bic (pens, lighters, razors…click “how it is made”)
Steinway (pianos)
National Association of Manufacturers
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
Grocery Manufacturers of America
Engineering and Manufacturing Jobs
Regional Manufacturing Institute
INCENTIVES
List of manufacturing scholarships
Manufacturing contests & events
Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship
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