We are in the middle of another industrial revolution (our fourth, to be exact), according to author and professor Klaus Schwab. In the late 1700s, America established factories for manufacturing. In the early 20th century, we welcomed automobiles.  And after World War II, we discovered computers. Today, we are observing, creating, and realizing the future wave of manufacturing – smart technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet, green manufacturing, and more.

Each revolution has led to significant advancements in the manufacturing industry. We are producing goods with greater consistency and efficiency. The products being developed are increasingly complex and hold greater value for consumers. Manufacturers have shifted away from old, hazardous factories and into high-tech, high-quality, highly-valued work. Some say that the future of manufacturing is already here, and it’s here to stay.

Nationwide, manufacturing is experiencing a resurgence. Particularly in the state of Connecticut, the manufacturing industry has become one of the largest contributors to the state’s gross product. According to the latest manufacturing survey by the CBIA, more than four-thousand manufacturing firms currently call Connecticut home. As do 159,000 manufacturing workers, who, on average, make over $95,000 a year.

Collectively, Connecticut manufacturers export almost $13.5 billion in products – including power tools, roof racks, medical equipment, automobiles, jet engines, maybe even the computer or cellphone you’re using now. These numbers are only expected to grow. Almost every manufacturer in Connecticut expects to grow their workforce in the next three years, to help keep up with the high product demand.

The Future of Manufacturing is Bright

According to the CBIA’s 2017 Survey of Connecticut Manufacturing Workforce, 98 percent of CT manufacturers expect to hire new, full-time employees by the end of 2019. In efforts to replace retiring workers, each of these employers plans to hire an average of 22 employees per year. What does this mean for aspiring workers looking for a secure, well-paying, and possibly revolutionary, career?

It means now is the time to pursue a manufacturing career! If you are interested in a hands-on, innovative, flourishing career – one that involves technology, invention, production, precision, and possibly management opportunities – manufacturing may be the path for you.

Manufacturing offers a bright career path for Connecticut workers. In addition to job security, a comfortable paycheck, a great job outlook, and room for growth within the industry, Connecticut workers can also look forward to getting involved in the future of manufacturing as we know it. Workers can physically get their hands and feet into an evolving industry; they can contribute to ground-breaking products and processes; they can express their ideas and put their talents to practice. The future of manufacturing is (literally) in their hands.

Future Job Opportunities in Manufacturing

Right now in Connecticut, there are more open manufacturing jobs than there are skilled employees to fill them. Based on the data from the CBIA’s 2017 survey, an estimated 13,601 job openings will arise by the end of this year, 2018. These jobs will be in a variety of high-demand sectors, including positions such as: entry-level production workers, warehousing and distribution staff, machinists, CNC machinists and operators, mechanical technicians, electrical technicians, quality control personnel, and engineers.

What Manufacturers Expect of Future Workers

The demand is there, but do you have what it takes to land a manufacturing job in Connecticut? What qualifies a person for a manufacturing career today?

Because of the evolving state of the industry, manufacturers are looking for highly-skilled, educated candidates to step up to the plate. This means candidates that hold technical manufacturing skills, critical-thinking skills, knowledge of CNC machining, programming, and geometric dimensioning, as well as on-the-job experience, postsecondary education, or industry certifications.

In Connecticut, manufacturers hire both high school and college graduates, depending on the job. However, high levels of satisfaction are reported among those that hire graduates with advanced levels of education and technical training. Those who have completed college-level certificate programs, or who hold a degree in manufacturing, are largely viewed as highly qualified prospects.

The future of manufacturing in Connecticut is here, and it’s calling for future manufacturing workers!

Start your career path today at Goodwin College. Here, we offer several manufacturing program options for those interested in getting into the field – at the bachelor’s, associate, and certificate level. Whether you desire a career in CNC machining, quality management, production, supply chain, metrology, or management, Goodwin has a program for you. Our Manufacturing and Machining School has close relationships with some of the top-thriving manufacturers in Connecticut, and combined with our Career Placement Services team, job opportunities for manufacturing graduates are within arm’s reach.

Call Goodwin College at 800-889-3282 to learn why we’re a leader in manufacturing education in Connecticut. Or, visit us online to request more information about our manufacturing training programs.