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Exploring Your Trade School Options? Alternatives for Aspiring Manufacturing Technicians

Today, trade school isn’t the only way you can prepare for an advanced manufacturing career.

Over time, as traditional academics expanded, so have the elements of postsecondary technical education. Another manufacturing trade school option includes one notable and worthwhile alternative: Convenient and career-focused manufacturing training programs, offered at the certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree levels.

These types of programs offer future manufacturing workers accelerated and flexible training options to land careers they love, fast. Not to mention, career-focused manufacturing schools offer comprehensive support services to help ensure the success of students and graduates.

At Goodwin University, for instance, the Workforce-Ready program prepares learners for contemporary manufacturing careers. With Goodwin’s accessible academics and admissions process, prospective manufacturing students don’t need a high school diploma or GED to apply — they only need to pass a basic skills exam.

Read on to explore postsecondary manufacturing training programs and the benefits of each program (besides providing the credentials for your future career).

Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Options

Major: CNC Machining

  • Manufacturing merit: Computer Numerical Control, or “CNC” machining, uses computers to operate machines like 3D printers, drills, and lathes using specific program instruction codes.
  • The plus side of this program: Future CNC machinists study compelling subjects like computer-aided machining, manufacturing materials, drawing, and more — transferring practical skills into several manufacturing sectors.

Major: CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology

  • Manufacturing merit: A CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology curriculum covers computer numerical control machining, manufacturing, materials, processes, technical drawings, and more!
  • The plus side of this program: The CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology program is accelerated and offers full-day and part-time evening options so learners can join the workforce swiftly and on their schedule!

Interested in a career in CNC Machining? Download our Get Started CNC Machining guide to learn more!

 

Major: Computer-Aided-Design (CAD)

  • Manufacturing merit: Goodwin’s CAD certificate teaches students to design two-dimensional and three-dimensional parts for blueprint production and advanced manufacturing. With convenient CAD courses, this program can be completed in a part-time or full-time format.
  • The plus side of this program: In 2022, 94% of Computer-Aided Design students received employment offers or continued their education within six months of graduation.

Major: Industrial Service Technician

  • Manufacturing merit: Future industrial service technicians study the fundamentals of installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining complex electrical and mechanical equipment.
  • The plus side of this program: The Industrial Service Technician certificate program offers part-time and full-time format options, and the entire program can be completed in months!

Major: Mechatronics

  • Manufacturing merit: Mechatronics is an advanced manufacturing field that creates intelligent designs and streamlined solutions for complex, time-consuming tasks.
  • The plus side of this program: In just two semesters, Goodwin mechatronic students learn the electrical, computer, mechanical, and software skills to operate electromechanical and computer-controlled systems commonly found in industrialized environments.

Major: Production Technician

  • Manufacturing merit: The Production Technician certificate is delivered in a hybrid learning format and contains four modules: safety, quality practices and measurement, manufacturing process and production, and maintenance awareness. Students interested in sustainability can also enroll in Goodwin’s Green Manufacturing course.
  • The plus side of this program: Graduates earn a Certified Production Technician Certificate from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, the gold standard for frontline logistics and manufacturing workers. Six college credits earned in this program may also be applied to associate or bachelor’s degrees in manufacturing.

Major: Robotics and Automation Technician

  • Manufacturing merit: The Robotics and Automation certificate program instructs learners on automation systems used in manufacturing, retail, and supply chains. Core courses in the certificate program include computer-aided design, electrical, motor control, programable controllers, industrial robotics, and more.
  • The plus side of this program: The certificate in Robotics and Automation program can be completed in months! Classes for this major are offered on a full or part-time schedule, and students gain hands-on experience in Goodwin’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Major: Welding Technology

  • Manufacturing merit: A welder creates and modifies resources, typically metals, by compressing, melting, and cooling materials.
  • The plus side of this program: Students at Goodwin University can become a welder in as few as eight months. Full-time, part-time, day, and evening classes are available. Industry-expert instructors and modern equipment, like a virtual reality welding machine, also help students hone their skills.

Download our Welding Technology Certificate Get Started Guide today to find out how Goodwin can help jumpstart your career in modern manufacturing!

 

Advanced Manufacturing Associate Degree Opportunities

Major: CNC Machining

  • Manufacturing merit: Computer numerical control machining, or “CNC” machining, uses code to control manufacturing equipment.
  • The plus side of this program: The curriculum credits earned in Goodwin’s associate CNC Machining program can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing management!

Major: Quality Management Systems

  • Manufacturing merit: Students studying quality management systems learn manufacturing principles, quality inspection techniques, the interpretation of engineering blueprints, and more.
  • The plus side of this program: An associate degree in Quality Management Systems allows graduates to earn a nationally recognized credential as a Certified Production Technician (CPT).

Advanced Manufacturing Bachelor’s Degree Offerings

Major: Manufacturing Management

  • Manufacturing merit: Goodwin’s Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Management curriculum covers customer service, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, safety standards, team supervision, quality control, and more.
  • The plus side of this program: The manufacturing management program can be completed in the evening and online. Select classes also deliver accelerated options. Goodwin offers three concentrations so students can become experts in their area of interest — including CNC Machining, Quality Management Systems, or Supply Chain and Logistics.

Additional Advantages of Career-Focused Academics

If you’re a prospective student exploring manufacturing trade school options, researching career-focused alternatives like Goodwin University is worthwhile. The manufacturing programs at Goodwin can provide customizable scheduling options, a comprehensive curriculum, and the practical experience needed for your future career.

Workforce readiness institutions like Goodwin also offer extensive student support services, such as:

With field-expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and flexible class offerings, graduating from Goodwin opens various doors and enables viable certificate and degree-holding opportunities.

Memorable Manufacturing Mention:

Did you know?

Manufacturing students enrolled in specific programs may be eligible for scholarships saving 20-30% off tuition!

The Current Obstacle: The Manufacturing Skills Gap

In 2021, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) projected nearly four million manufacturing jobs to open nationally through 2030. However, two million jobs are expected to go unfulfilled, with not nearly enough skilled workers to meet the demand.

Similarly, on a state level, Connecticut currently faces an advanced manufacturing skills gap —48% of jobs require skills training, and only 38% of workers have the manufacturing competencies needed.

While this may sound discouraging, there is good news. There are exciting career opportunities open and available to you.

The Career Opportunity: Modern Manufacturing Occupations

In 2022, the Connecticut Manufacturing Report revealed that over 4,200 manufacturing companies are headquartered in Connecticut. And these companies are on the hunt for qualified, skilled, and trained manufacturing workers.

In October of the same year, the average manufacturing compensation in the Constitution State was listed as $101,136 annually.

Are you interested in joining manufacturing but want hands-on experience to learn more?

Free manufacturing workshops — from 3D printing and blueprint reading to laser engraving, robotics, and beyond — are available at Goodwin’s Hartford Training Center!

Captivated by a modern, creative career?

Study the skills for your future success.

Learn more about Advanced Manufacturing programs at Goodwin!