Manufacturing

=How to Pursue Education and= =Training in Manufacturing= There are thousands of challenging educational and training opportunities within the high-skilled world of Manufacturing. Learners need a solid background in math, science and technical skills. Education and training can be obtained in high schools, technical colleges, two-year commu- nity colleges, four-year colleges/universities, apprenticeship programs and career technical schools/institutes. Along the way, career guidance professionals assist learners in assessing their educational goals, interests, abilities and skills to facilitate a good match to the cluster's many pathway options. Learners partici- pate in relevant educational opportunities framed in the context of the cluster. They gain knowledge and skills through coordinated workplace learning experi- ences such as site visits, job shadowing and internships. If they choose, they may achieve valuable skill certifications that lead to employment. Colleges and universities offer advanced degrees and industry certifications that prepare learners for professional and technical careers. Appren- ticeship programs prepare learners for journeyworker status. Industry plays a major role in training and career development by supporting apprenticeships, training, joint industry/school programs and industry training leading to certifica- tion and college credit.

=The Six Pathways= Production Manufacturing Production Process Development Maintenance, Installation and Repair Quality Assurance Logistics and Inventory Control Health, Safety and Environmental Assurance

=What Is the Manufacturing= =Career Cluster?= This diverse Career Cluster prepares learners for careers in planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into intermedi- ate or final products. Careers also include related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance and manufacturing/process engineering.

=Employment Outlook= Despite improvements in production technology and rising imports, manufacturing employment is expected to increase slightly as strong demand continues for high- tech electrical goods and pharmaceuticals.

=Production=

Overview
People with careers in produc- tion work on the shop floor making parts or assembling them. They work with machines, making or assembling electronic parts, constructing or assem- bling modular housing, performing welding jobs, or printing various materials.

Sample Occupations
Assemblers Automated Manufacturing Technicians Bookbinders Calibration Technicians Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers Extruding and Drawing Machine Operators Machine Operators Medical Appliance Makers Tool and Die Makers

====Credentials Most post-secondary schools and institutions offer certificates, associate degrees, or higher degrees related to manufacturing specialties. Employment Outlook Some occupations in this category, such as assemblers and machine operators, are going to grow more slowly than the average as manufac- turing plants continue to move toward more automation of their processes. Some certificates include specialties recognized by the • National Institute for Metalworking Skills====

• National Council for Skill Standards in Graphic Communications.
====However, those individuals with a broad range of skills or a specific skill that cannot be automated will experience job growth and find their services in demand. Welders, tool and die makers, and multiple machine operators are examples of these growth occupations.====