Manufacturing is your ticket to a good living
By Holly Benson, Erie Together VISTA
Manufacturing is a career that offers high wages, low (or no) student loan debt, and a chance to build something tangible. Entry-level positions are available, and they often come with the opportunity to advance. If you are determined, ambitious, and love “hands-on” work, you can earn your place in a stable, lucrative manufacturing career!
Manufacturing is more than just a job; it is a chance to help others. Because manufacturers produce all kinds of things, from parts for medical equipment to food products and everything in between, you know your work is essential to your community, the local economy, and beyond. “You have the opportunity to build stuff you’re passionate about,” said Brian Sweeney of the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership in Columbia, Maryland, quoted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “If you like using your hands and technology, and also using your brain, manufacturing is a chance to make a difference.”
If you think you couldn’t find your passion in manufacturing, think again. This industry offers a wide range of occupations that suit a variety of interests. Besides engineering and production roles, you could get a job transporting goods, maintaining machinery, designing products, or even managing a plant. And according to BLS, manufacturing jobs are available to people from all educational backgrounds, from less than a high school diploma to a college degree and beyond. Manufacturing careers really do offer something for everyone.
The industry has changed dramatically over the years, and with the addition of new technologies and processes, manufacturing continues to evolve. Because of that, employers not only need workers that have a solid foundation in basic skills, but also people that have more advanced technical skills, the ability to problem-solve, think creatively and work as part of a larger team. They are looking for employees who are “hybrid[s] of boots-on-the-ground technician[s] and engineer[s] laser-focused on improving how things get done,” as noted in a report by Emsi, a respected labor market research firm. Having said that, there are many ways to acquire the specific skills that employers need.
One thing you can do early on is pursue career and technical education in high school where you’ll learn basic and technical skills, and become comfortable operating different types of equipment found in manufacturing facilities. While you’re in school you could also secure an internship or co-op at a local manufacturing company which would give you real-world work experience, provide you the opportunity to showcase your talents and work ethic, and help you establish a professional relationship with your employer that will help you throughout your career.
Once you turn 18 (or older), you could pursue a formal “apprenticeship” which is an “earn while you learn” opportunity. When you become an apprentice, you work at a manufacturing facility, earn a wage, and attend specific classes to develop your knowledge and skills. These opportunities are in addition to what is probably the most “recognizable” job seeker route, where you simply apply for an open position within a manufacturing company, and, once hired, learn your role through on-the-job training and other programs that help you grow your skills.
You might still be asking yourself, “why manufacturing?” so here are a few additional reasons to consider. First, there’s the earning potential. In Pennsylvania, “manufacturing offers well-paying, family-sustaining jobs, with an average wage that’s 20% higher than the average wage for all occupations in PA,” as noted by Amy Zecha of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Next is job security. Zecha notes that according to BLS reports, manufacturing offers the most stable jobs in the private sector. The demand for goods is high, and there are a lot of job openings in manufacturing. “Even though US manufacturing activity surged to a 37-year high in March, the industry has more than half a million job openings,” said Matt Egan, a CNN Business contributor. According to Egan, factories are struggling to find skilled workers. So, if you enter the field and perform well, chances are you won’t be out of a job.
Finally, there’s career mobility. The skills you develop in a manufacturing role often transfer well to other manufacturing jobs and even other industries. “Manufacturing can be a great training ground, where you can learn how things are done and take things through production,” said Brian Herrick, a manufacturing worker from Baltimore, Maryland, quoted by BLS. “Once you develop that skill set, you gain competencies you can take anywhere.” For example, after starting in a manufacturing production role, a person can further develop their skills and take on an engineering or management position. Alternatively, according to an Emsi report, the technical skills required in a manufacturing role transfer particularly well to finance, professional services, and health care.
Our community needs manufacturing workers, giving you the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career. To take the next step, talk with your school guidance counselor. Check out these informational resources. Explore apprenticeship opportunities by visiting the PA CareerLink website. And connect with local manufacturers like the ones on this site and others to learn more or pursue your new career!