Manufacturing is no longer an industry defined by physical labor or dingy factories. Rather, it is an environment where advanced technologies and computerized systems have paved new paths for skilled manufacturing workers.

Not to mention that the manufacturing industry has an array of in-demand and high-paying career paths that candidates can pursue after completing advanced manufacturing programs.

In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects thousands of job openings each year in manufacturing-related occupations.

Below, we’ll discuss the various advanced manufacturing programs available at Goodwin University in Connecticut, and explain how these educational pathways can boost candidates’ careers.

What is advanced manufacturing?

Gone are the first manufacturing days of the industrial revolution. Modern manufacturing is a cleaner, leaner, and greener way of manufacturing materials and goods. Advanced manufacturing environments are filled with new and evolving technologies, computer-aided machines, and progressive software programs.

Common examples of advanced manufacturing technology include:

• Additive manufacturing (or 3d printing): Creating physical objects from digital models, layer by layer.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): Automating tasks, improving efficiency, and optimizing processes.
• Laser machining: Precisely cutting and welding materials using lasers.
• Machine learning: Analyzing data to identify patterns and predict outcomes.
• Nanotechnology: Engineering materials at the atomic and molecular level.
• Robotics and automation: Performing tasks traditionally done by humans with increased precision and efficiency.

These technological advances eliminate a lot of laborious and historically unsafe work, and allow manufacturing professionals to focus on the things that matter most: innovation, precision, and quality.

Today’s advanced manufacturing specialists work together to imagine ideas, solve problems, and produce high-quality goods and products for every industry and every aspect of life.

Advanced manufacturing programs in CT

An evolving manufacturing industry means more manufacturing employers are looking for educated and highly skilled workers. (And no, manufacturing technicians are not being replaced by robots. Manufacturers need qualified professionals to help develop, operate, and maintain this type of advanced equipment!)

For this reason, many states, including Connecticut, and their manufacturers, manufacturing programs, and manufacturing schools are streamlining the path to pursuing an advanced manufacturing career.

Start your manufacturing journey in Connecticut today.

Advanced manufacturing certificate programs

If you are looking for a way to enter the manufacturing industry quickly but still gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, consider an advanced manufacturing certificate program.

Note that every college, university, and advanced manufacturing program will vary, so be sure to do your research.

At Goodwin University, we offer the following advanced certificate programs in manufacturing:

• Certificate in Mechatronics: This certificate program is best suited for tech lovers who want to combine mechanical, electrical, computer, and software skills. Graduates are ready to operate and maintain the electromechanical, computer-controlled systems found in automated manufacturing plants.
• Certificate in Welding Technology: Students in this program study welding safety, fabrication, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and thermal cutting.
• Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Certificate: This 18-credit basic Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Production certificate program teaches students the basics of manufacturing. Students also develop technical drawing, specification, and mathematical skills while learning about material properties and processing.
• CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology Certificate: This accelerated 22.5-week, 37-credit program gives candidates an in-depth understanding of machining, technical specifications, and manufacturing principles. Like all of Goodwin University’s manufacturing programs, it offers hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities combined with in-field training.
• Manufacturing and Logistics Certificate: This 18-credit program teaches students about modern manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and more. It also combines hands-on use and operation of logistic equipment.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD). In this 18‑credit Computer-Aided Design certificate program, students learn how to design and measure 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional parts for manufacturing using Solidworks, Mastercam, and PC-DMIS.
• Robotics and Automation. This 24-credit Robotics and Automation Technician certificate program introduces students to the robotics and automation concepts used in manufacturing, supply chain, and retail operations.

Advanced manufacturing degree programs

Advanced manufacturing degree programs offer more in-depth knowledge, training, and instruction than certificate programs. In doing so, students can truly master their craft before entering an exciting and growing field.

Goodwin University offers the following degrees in our advanced degree programs in manufacturing:

• Associate Degree in Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Machining: Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is the foundation of modern manufacturing. Candidates develop a more in-depth understanding of manufacturing materials, mathematics, and specifications, as well as experience in technical drawing and computer-aided machining.
• Associate Degree in Quality Management Systems: This associate’s degree gives students the skills and knowledge of the fundamentals of manufacturing and the principles, practices, and processes of the industry. Students will learn quality inspection techniques, calibration, statistical process control, and how to interpret engineering blueprints.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Management: Students enrolled in these programs study manufacturing safety standards and quality control to ensure their teams and consumers are safe and satisfied. These programs also enable graduates to pursue many managerial or executive roles within the industry, such as Safety Supervisor, Production Planner, and Quality Manager.

How manufacturing programs can advance your career

Our economy and population rely on manufactured goods made by skilled and knowledgeable manufacturers. These workers must be familiar with industry technologies, and as such, training is a standard expectation among employers.

By pursuing an advanced certificate or degree from these various manufacturing programs in CT, you can demonstrate to employers that you are trained and prepared for a career in the evolving manufacturing industry.

These short-term, low-commitment programs can often be completed in less than 12 months and show employers you are committed and dedicated to your future profession.

Plus, students in these programs can cater to their interests and cultivate their expertise to prepare them for their rewarding, worthwhile manufacturing careers.

Lastly, these advanced manufacturing programs provide candidates with essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, organization and management, creativity, and innovation.

Take the next step toward your manufacturing career at Goodwin University

Goodwin University is a leading manufacturing and machining school in CT, with an array of career-focused manufacturing programs that are flexible, fast-paced, and offer multiple scheduling options for motivated students.

We also offer a variety of financial aid opportunities and are still accepting applications. We offer our students grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities to help them pay for their education.

Contact us for more information about which manufacturing program is best suited to your interests and goals.