The manufacturing industry continues to boom across the country. In fact, the United States is in the midst of its fourth industrial revolution, according to author and professor Klaus Schwab. Thanks to advancements in technology, equipment, and industry processes, we are building a better tomorrow – and we’re doing it faster than ever before. Considering a career in the manufacturing industry is a wise move for a bright and successful future.

If you are thinking about manufacturing careers in Connecticut, you may be wondering what’s needed to get into the field. You may also be wondering if this is a career that is worth the college education – an investment of your time and money. Why earn a degree in manufacturing, and why pursue a future in this line of work? Read on, as we explore the many reasons to pursue a career in the manufacturing industry.

Why Manufacturing?

Manufacturing offers a solid future for anyone looking for a stable career in the long run. If you have a skill, you are an asset the manufacturing industry. The role of machinists and tool and die makers, for example, is expected to grow 7 percent over the next several years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS).

There is no shortage for job opportunities, either. In fact, the latest survey by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) found that more than 4,000 manufacturers are based in the Nutmeg State. Connecticut is the perfect location for anyone looking to break into this booming industry.

Another reason to consider a manufacturing degree is because there are programs that are designed just for you. While some manufacturing firms are willing to hire high school graduates, many more are looking for candidates with advanced levels of postsecondary education and training. This investment in your future will automatically make your more desirable to employers, putting you above the competition.

In addition to the gleaming degree or certification in hand, manufacturing school can better prepare you for a role in manufacturing. A career-focused manufacturing school like Goodwin University offers students hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art facility, with direct experience working with industry technology. Graduates also acquire the must-have skills that manufacturing firms are looking for today, such as:

• Critical-thinking skills
• Geometric dimensioning
• Knowledge of CNC machining
• Programming
• Technical manufacturing skills
• And more

What to Expect in a Manufacturing Career

Manufacturing is a wide, expansive field that offers a great variety of specialties and roles. Depending on your interests, you can prepare for a number of careers in across the manufacturing industry. Some examples of titles you can achieve include:

• Automotive industry worker
• Certified Production Technician
• CNC Machining
• Logistics
• Management
• Metalworker
• Production supervisor
• Precision machinist
• Quality
• Supply Chain
• Welding
• And more

It is important to note that manufacturing is a high-tech, cutting-edge, and increasingly sustainable field. The work of a production technician, for example, looks much different than it did years ago. No longer does manufacturing mirror the old days of nitty, gritty factory life. Modern manufacturing has become an industry that offers some of the cleanest, most high-tech, and green facilities wherein to work. Safety standards are also a top priority for modern-day manufacturing employers.

Manufacturing also offers competitive salary and benefits. There are many myths surrounding manufacturing today, and low pay is one of them. In Connecticut, the average annual salary for manufacturing workers stands at $95,118. Compared to the average salary for all occupations in the United States, $56,310 annually, the pay potential in manufacturing is significant.

Get Started Today

Once you have decided that you are ready to take the next step towards a career in manufacturing, you will want to find the specialty and program that aligns best with your interests and goals.

Depending on your professional goals, you will want to decide between a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or a certification program. There are many different options when pursuing manufacturing, and the pathway you choose will help you pave the way towards a great career. For example, if you are looking to reach the management level quickly, you may want to consider a manufacturing management degree. If you are passionate about technology, you may be drawn to a Certificate in Mechatronics or even CNC Machining.

Another important factor to consider is the program flexibility. At Goodwin, we understand that students are busy maintaining other jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing their education. For this reason, many manufacturing classes are available during the day, at night, and some are even offered on weekends to accommodate varying schedules.

Take the steps to get your career started in the manufacturing industry! Contact Goodwin University to learn more about our many manufacturing programs. Call us at 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.