Brawn to Brains: Skills are the Future of Manufacturing

You may have heard that manufacturing jobs are a thing of the past. While it’s true that old-fashioned assembly line jobs are dwindling, a new kind of manufacturing job is starved for skilled workers.

Today, over 60 percent of manufacturing employees have at least some college education, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. At the same time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the U.S. has 12.75 million manufacturing jobs which employs 8.5 percent of the workforce. These jobs pay 12 percent more than all others.

As a result, positions such as skilled machinists, equipment operators, welders and technicians are vital, and entry-level jobs in advanced manufacturing can often be difficult to fill.

With automation driving modern manufacturing, the need remains for workers who can program, manage and repair devices. Employers need trained workers to fill vacancies and Northwest State Community College works with companies in northwest Ohio to provide them with the high quality, skilled employees they need. Businesses such as Sauder Manufacturing, Automatic Feed, North Star BlueScope Steel, Spangler Candy Company and many others frequently hire NSCC graduates.

Technicians

In the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology program at NSCC, students receive the combined foundational curriculum from the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs. Graduates will gain a solid foundation in the principles of mechanics, mechanical systems, electrical concepts, and electronics through comprehensive curriculum and lab experiences. This in-depth education and training prepares graduates for immediate career opportunities, or promotions in their current employment. In fact, many 2021 STEM and Industrial Technologies graduates received job offers or were already employed prior to the program completion date.

Trades

Others careers in demand, such as welders, require skilled workers who can perform intricate, custom work. Welders typically earn a certificate or diploma to acquire the skills they need. They must learn a range of techniques for welding a variety of metals. Students in the Welding certificate program at NSCC earn the technical skills and knowledge to work in the welding field. Positions such as welder/fabricator, production welder, millwright, welding technician and welder/pipefitter all utilize multiple welding and fabricating skills. Students are trained in many welding processes, including shield metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, flux core arc, oxy fuel gas welding/cutting and plasma arc cutting. Various kinds of metals and thicknesses will be used, including mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel. Graduates are eligible to take the American Welding Society certification tests.

Another area that prepares students for great careers is Computer-Aided Design (CAD). This curriculum prepares students to create engineering drawings using CAD software. CAD designers typically work closely with mechanical or electric engineers, who provide objectives and technical advice. In addition to technical skills, this career requires excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Coursework (100 level or higher) completed in this certificate applies toward the associate degree in mechanical engineering technology with a CAD/CAM major.

Industrial Technologies is another area that leads to many opportunities.

This curriculum focuses on learning experiences that will prepare students with the technical skills needed to work within diverse technological fields in manufacturing and industrial environments. Students will be able to obtain a generalist degree, as well as have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as industrial electrical, machining/CNC programming, and maintenance/mechatronics.

Electrical Systems Technology

The Electrical Systems Technology curriculum is designed to provide training for persons interested in the installation and maintenance of electrical systems found in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. Coursework, most of which is hands-on, will include such topics as AC/DC theory, basic wiring practices, programmable logic controllers, industrial motor controls, applications of the National Electric Code, and other subjects as local needs require. Graduates qualify for a variety of jobs in the electrical field as an on-the-job trainee or apprentice assisting in the layout, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems.

Career Outlook

Welder

OH Median $21.48 hourly, $44,670 annually
Projected growth (2021-2031) 8%
Projected new job openings (2020-2030) 34,100

Machinist

OH Median $21.42 hourly, $44,560 annually
Projected growth (2020-2030) 7%
Projected new job openings (2020-2030) 29,700

Electrician

OH Median $27.36 hourly, $56,900 annually
Projected growth (2020-2030) 9%
Projected new job openings (2020-2030) 66,100

Machinists and Tool and Die Makers