Exploring Your Career Pathway in Manufacturing

EXploring Your 

Exploring Your 

Career Pathway 

in Manufacturing 

Tips on 

Choosing 

a Career 

Do you have 

the skills for 

the workplace? 

High Demand 

Careers in 

Manufacturing 

+ 

College 

or Career?? 

LEARN THE SPECIFICS 

ABOUT SEVERAL HIGH 

DEMAND CAREERS IN 

MANUFACTURING

Table of Contents 

Cost of college............................................. 3 

Earning differential and comparison........................... 4 

Choosing a Career.......................................... 5 

Preparing for Your Future.................................... 6 

Skills for the Workplace..................................... 7 

Work ethic of employees .................................... 8 

Timeline of American Manufacturing .......................... 9 

Today’s manufacturing environment......................... 10 

Exploring Your Career Pathway 


©2017 

This publication has been 

created and developed by 

Dave Shellhaas of the Midwest 

Regional Educational Service 

Center. The publication is part 

of a manufacturing workforce 

development project the Midwest 

Regional ESC has developed 

with funding from the Ohio 

Department of Education’s 

Straight A Fund. 

The publication is one of 

the materials created by the 

project to educate students and 

their parents about careers in 

manufacturing. It also outlines 

the pathways they can follow to 

pursue some of the high demand 

careers in manufacturing. 

Shortage of Workers in US Manufacturing......................11 

High Demand Careers in Manufacturing..................... 12-13 

Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool programmers 

and operators ............................................ 14 

Welding, soldering and brazing ............................. 15 

Machinists and Tool and die makers......................... 16 

Mechanics and maintenance workers......................... 17 

Engineers................................................ 18 

Ohio Means Jobs info ...................................... 19 

All photos used in the publication 

are used with permission from 

Shutterstock, Inc. d/b/a Bigstock 

BigStock.com.

Cost of College 

$9,650 

State residents at 

public colleges 

$24,930 

Out-of-state residents 

attending public 

universities 

$33,480 

Private colleges 

$7040 

2 Years at a Community College 

@ $3520 per year x 2 

4Year In-State Public University 

@ $20,090 x 4 

$80,360 

4 Year Out-of-State Public University 

@ $35,370 x 4 

$141,480 

4 Year Private University 

@ $45,370 x 4 

$181,480 

SOURCE: The College Board, Annual Survey of Colleges, October 2016. 

$1.26 trillion 

in total U.S. student loan debt 

44.2 million 

Americans with student loan debt 

Average monthly student loan payment 

(for borrower aged 20 to 30 years)= 

$351 

www.ohiocareerpathways.com 

Exploring Your Career Pathway in Manufacturing | 3

Work or College? 

So, do you have any other options than go to college and racking up student debt? Yes! 

There are careers where you can enter the workforce right out of high school or after 

completing certification programs. In fact, you may even find employers who are willing to 

pay for your college as you continue to work for them. 

Let’s look at some comparisons: 

Future Teacher 

$20,900 $20,900 $20,900 $20,900 $45,000 

(based on 4 year degree at in-state pubic university and an 

average beginning salary of $45,000. 

$45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 

$80,360 DEBT $270,000 EARNINGS 

$270,000 

EARNINGS 

$80,360 

DEBT 

$190,000 

EARNINGS 

YEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

Future Welder 

(based on entering the workforce right out of high school with a 

beginning salary of $30,000.) 

$30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 

$300,000 

EARNINGS 

$300,000 EARNINGS 

$300,000 

EARNINGS 

$0 

DEBT 

Other Possibilities and Benefits 

This example does not take into account the worker 

entering the workforce continuing their 

education. Many employers may pay for 

a two or four degree for workers who 

want to further their education while 

they continue to work. This means 

you could actually add $40,000 or 

$80,000 to the amount the worker 

would be ahead. 

You do have many 

options for your 

future. Explore ALL 

of your options for 

career and college. 

With the additional degree, the worker’s 

average salary would also increase dramatically. 

4 | Exploring Your Career Pathway in Manufacturing www.ohiocareerpathways.com

Choosing a Career 

One of the biggest decisions young people need to eventually make is 

what career they want to pursue. This is a difficult decision for many 

students. 

There are many options for today’s students and according to the 

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) many people have 10-15 different 

jobs between the ages of 18-48. On average, a person will have 12 

different careers. 

4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Career 

Your Interests 

Evaluate your skills 

Availability of Jobs 

Training and 

Think about what you 

Consider what you 

Once you begin 

Education 

enjoy doing. Take an 

are good at and what 

to consider a few 

You also need to know 

interest inventory or 

skills you have. Know 

different careers, you 

what education and 

assessment online 

what you are good at 

should research what 

training is necessary 

if you are not sure 

can help you match 

jobs are available in 

to enter the careers 

about what you are 

your skills with a 

those careers. 

you are considering. 

interested in. 

career that utilizes 

Different careers 

those skills. 

require different 

levels of education 

and you need to 

evaluate what level 

of education you will 

want to pursue. 

Great Place to Begin 

This site is Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor 

and has some great tools to help you explore careers. 

https://www.careeronestop.org 



Preparing for Your Future 

No matter what career you decide to pursue, you must prepare yourself. There are several 

paths to preparing for a future career. Some steps begin early in your schooling, while 

others occur as you progress through your education. 

Middle School (Grades 7-8) 

Career Exploration Programs 

These programs allow students to explore many careers 

that they may be interested in knowing more about. 

High School (Grades 9-10) 

Core Content Courses and Specialized Electives 

The first two years of high school will consist of students taking the required core 

courses for graduation, as well as any specific electives that may help prepare the 

students for a career field, such as engineering, vocational agriculture, etc. 


Local High School/College Credit + Courses 

Students can continue to take courses at 

their high school, as well as college credit 

plus courses. Some schools even offer a 

basic manufacturing credential course. 

Community College/University 

Students can choose to attend a 

community college or university to earn a 

2 or 4 year degree. 


Career Tech School 

Career Tech schools have wonderful 

career programs that target specific 

career areas. 

Internships/Job Shadowing 

Students may be able to participate 

in a job shadow experience or 

even an industry internship while 

in high school or college. 

Apprenticeships 

Congratulations! 

You have reached your career goal!!! 

Students can enter an 

apprenticeship to gain practical, 

job-embedded experience while you 

begin working in a career. 


Skills for the Workplace 

No matter what career you decide to choose, there are several skills that employers are 

looking for. To increase your chances of getting hired for any job, you should have a set of 

certain important skills. 

Soft Skills You Need and Employers Are Looking For 

Communication Skills 

These skills involve being able explain your thoughts and ideas in an 

effective way. Employers want employees who can communicate both 

verbally and in writing. You must develop your communication skills! 

Teamwork and Collaboration 

Employers are looking for people who can work effectively on a team and 

work together to reach goals of the team and the employer. This can include 

being a leader and/or a follower. 

Adaptability & Flexibility 

All careers require employees to adapt and be flexible. The workplace 

and technology is constantly changing. This means employees have to 

constantly learn new things and adapt to new situations. 

Problem Solving 

Today’s workplace is full of new problems and situations that require strong 

problem solving skills. Employers are looking for people who can actively 

solve complex problems and explain how they solved the problem. 

Critical Analysis 

Most careers today require employees who can look at data and know what 

questions to ask and what the data really means. This critical analysis also 

involves being able to suggest solutions based on the data. 



Work Ethic of Employees 

A strong work ethic of employees is important for a company to meet 

its goals. Employers are looking for employees who possess a strong 

work ethic. So, what goes into a strong work ethic? 

Dependability 

Employers are saying the most lacking work ethic of employees is dependability. 

They want employees who will be dependable and show up for work. This may seem a no 

brainer but believe it or not it is a problem. So, show up for work and be prompt to impress 

the employer. 

Respect and Professionalism 

These two qualities are critical to a strong work ethic. Employers 

demand that their employees respect the company, customers, clients, 

supervisors, and fellow employees. They also expect workers to be 

professional. This means dress and present yourself in an appropriate 

and professional manner. 

Determination and Dedication 

All careers have demanding tasks which must be done at a high quality. Employers are 

looking for workers who are determined to push through challenges they face to get a job 

done. They also want employees who are dedicated to doing the highest quality work 

possible. Being committed to giving attention to detail and completing a job with quality is 

very important. 

Responsibility & Accountability 

Employees with a good work ethic take responsibility for their actions and the quality of 

their work. They also are accountable and accept responsibility if they make a mistake or do 

something wrong and do not blame others. 

These qualities are very important to all employers. In many cases, employers 

say these work ethic qualities are the most important qualities they are 

looking for in an employee. The great thing about all of these qualities is that 

they will make you successful in anything you do. These qualities will make 

you a successful student, and eventually a success in any career you choose. 

Begin working on and building these important qualities TODAY! 


Timeline of Manufacturing in America 

1801: Eli Whitney Demonstrates 

Interchangeable Parts 

1820: US Industrial Revolution Begins 

1850: American System of Manufacturing 

1908: First Car Manufacturing 

in the United States 

1913: 1st Moving Assembly Line 

1930s: Lean Manufacturing 

1947: International Organization for 

Standardization Founded 

1953: First CAD Software Created 

1970: The Occupational Safety and Health Act 

(OSHA) Introduced 

1973: Industrial Robots Introduced 

1979: The Peak of American Manufacturing 

Employment 

2012: The Rise of Robotics Use in Manufacturing 



Today’s High-tech Manufacturing Environment 

Manufacturing of today has come a long way from the first manufacturing factories in the 

19th century. 

It has even changed between the 20th and 21st centuries. 

Today’s manufacturing is a high-tech industry that is 

dominated by computers and very advanced machines. If you go into 

manufacturing facilities today, you will see automated machines and robots being controlled 

by computers. Manufacturing workers now program these computers and perform 

maintenance on the high-tech machinery 


Shortage of Workers in US Manufacturing 

There have been some serious findings about the shortage of skilled workers needed 

to fill the manufacturing careers in the near future. In a report called “The skills gap 

in U.S. Manufacturing 2015 and Beyond,” there is good news and bad news. 

Bad News 

Over the next decade, nearly three and a half million manufacturing jobs likely need to be 

filled and the skills gap is expected to result in 2 million of those jobs going unfilled. 

WHY?? 

An estimated 2.7 million jobs are likely to be needed as a result of retirements of the existing 

workforce, while 700,000 jobs are likely to be created due to natural business growth. 

This lack of workers is due to fewer young people choosing 

manufacturing as a career, even though the job prospects are good. 

WHY?? 

Only 37 percent of parents in the 2015 study indicated they 

would encourage their children to pursue a manufacturing 

career. However, those who are very familiar with 

manufacturing tend to have more favorable perceptions, 

and were twice as likely as those with no familiarity to 

encourage their children to pursue a manufacturing career. 

The Good News 

This bad news is actually good news because by 2025 there will be over 2 million 

manufacturing jobs go unfilled. In 2011, there were only 600,000 jobs unfilled. 

This means there will be a lot of job opportunities in manufacturing over the next several years! 

An average manufacturing worker in the U.S. earned $77,506 in 2013 which is 20 percent 

higher than what an average worker earned in other industries. In addition, four out of five 

U.S. manufacturing companies surveyed are willing to pay more than current market rates to 

hire and retain skilled workers in order to tackle talent shortage. 

This means you can earn a very good living working in manufacturing and may not even have 

to go to college. 



High Demand Careers in Manufacturing 

Although there will be a need for most manufacturing career fields, there are a few that have 

been identified as high demand careers. These high demand careers will be identified and 

explained on these next few pages. 

These following career pages will provide information on what the career involves, the 

average salary, and education, skills, and knowledge needed in each career. 

CNC machine 

tool 

programmers 

Solders 

and brazers 

Welders 

CNC machine 

tool 

operators 


Machinists 

Mechanics 

Tool and die 

makers 

Engineers 

Maintenance 

workers 



CNC Machine Tool Programmers and Operators 

CNC Machining is a process used in manufacturing that involves the use 

of computers to control machine tools. The CNC in CNC Machining stands for 

Computer Numerical Control. Tools that can be controlled in this manner 

include lathes, mills, routers and grinders. 

*CNC Programmers 

PAY 

Ohio Average Annual Salary - $46,620/yr 

Ohio Average Hourly Wage - $22.42/hr 

*CNC Operators 

PAY 



SKILLS NEEDED 

Programming 

Monitoring 

Operation Monitoring 

SKILLS NEEDED 

Programming 


Critical Tinking 

EDUCATION 

High school diploma or equivalent 

Long-term on-the-job training 

EDUCATION 


Moderate-term on-the-job training 

KNOWLEDGE NEEDED 

Computers and Electronics 

Mechanical 

Mathematics 


Mechanical 

Mathematics 

Design 

* Information and statistics from OhioMeansJobs website, https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com 


Welders, Solderers and Brazers 

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely 

controlled equipment to join or cut metal parts. They also fill holes, 

indentations, or seams of metal products. Welders, cutters, solderers, 

and brazers occasionally must work in awkward positions using hand-held 

welding, flame-cutting, and soldering tools. 

*Solderers and Brazers 

PAY 



*Welders and Cutters 

PAY 



SKILLS NEEDED 

Quality Control Analysis 


Active Listening 

SKILLS NEEDED 

Critical Thinking 


Operation and Control 

EDUCATION 


Moderate on-the-job training 

EDUCATION 


Moderate on-the-job training 


Production and Processing 

Mechanical 

Mathematics 



Design 

Administration and Management 




Machinists and Tool and Die Makers 

Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of 

computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce 

precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. They may also fabricate and 

modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, 

applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining 

procedures. 

*Machinists 

PAY 



*Tool and Die Makers 

PAY 



SKILLS NEEDED 

Operational and Control 



SKILLS NEEDED 

Operational and Control 



EDUCATION 



EDUCATION 




Computers and Electronics 

Mechanical 

Mathematics 


Mechanical 

Mathematics 




Mechanics and Maintenance workers 

These careers repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and 

processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. They also 

reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs, 

clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery. They are also 

responsible for examining parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear. 

*Machinery Mechanic 

PAY 



*Maintenance Worker 

PAY 



SKILLS NEEDED 

Equipment maintenance 


Repairing 

SKILLS NEEDED 

Equipment maintenance 


Repairing 

EDUCATION 



EDUCATION 




Mechanical 

Engineering and Technology 



Mechanical 

Mathematics 

Design 




Engineers 

There are many different types of engineers. Each type of engineer 

has a different responsibility within the manufacturing process. In general, 

engineers evaluate systems, materials, parts, products and machines and 

design improvements and solutions to address any issues found by analyzing 

data. This page will not address all of the different engineering careers. It will focus on two 

of high demand engineering fields, materials engineers and mechanical engineers. 

*Materials Engineer 

PAY 



*Mechanical Engineer 

PAY 



SKILLS NEEDED 


Reading Comprehension 


SKILLS NEEDED 



Mathematics 

EDUCATION 

High school diploma 

Bachelor’s degree 

EDUCATION 

High school diploma 

Bachelor’s degree 



Chemistry 

Mathematics 



Mathematics 

Design 



Ohio Means Jobs 

OhioMeansJobs.com is Ohio’s premier free, virtual employment and 

career planning center. This online hub serves all Ohioans - and it has 

a special section just for students in grades K-12. For students, the 

journey begins by going to OhioMeansJobs.com and clicking on the 

K-12 icon-the cardinal in a graduation cap. From there, they can register 

for an OhioMeansJobs K-12 account. 

OhioMeansJobs K-12 can help even young students find careers 

that match their interests. They can learn what it takes to find a 

job they love, get help with their resumes, learn about internships 

and part-time jobs if they’re old enough, and plan the kind of life 

they want to have. Best of all, OhioMeansJobs highlights Ohio’s 

in-demand careers with a thumbs-up icon. In-demand careers 

pay well and have a promising future. 

Students can store all their important information in an online backpack - things like 

their budget plans, career plan, information about education and training programs, 

resumes, and job search results. They can even take free college entrance or career 

preparation practice tests. 

OhioMeansJobs K-12 is a one-stop shop for students, and for parents, teachers and 

counselors, too! 

Students! 

You have BIG dreams that you can reach! 

Thanks to OhioMeansJobs K-12, all the 

information you need is in one free, 

convenient online place. Just follow these 

simple steps: 

1. Go to OhioMeansJobs.com 

2. Click on the image of the cardinal in the 

graduation cap 

3. Register and create your personal, online 

backpack 

4. Take a short career interest survey to find 

occupations that match your interests 

5. Use a budget calculator to see what salary 

you’ll need to support the life you want 

You also can learn about in-demand 

occupations that pay well and have the 

most promising futures. You can even take 

free college entrance or career preparation 

practice tests. Save your results-and all the 

other information you find-in your online 

backpack. 



Exploring Your 

Career Pathway 



A Great Resource To Explore Career Pathways 

Find out the 

educational 

pathway for 

different 

careers 

Check out videos of 

different careers 

Website created by 

Midwest Regional 

Educational Service Center

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