Manufacturing employs almost 13 million people—nearly 9 percent of the labor force—and much of industry growth has been occurring in high-tech sub-sectors like automotive and aerospace manufacturing. Learn how CTE prepares the workforce in advanced manufacturing with ACTE’s updated Sector Sheet. This brief has been revised with the latest on job demand, talent shortages and exemplary CTE programs.
Manufacturing is well known for paying a family-sustaining wage, even for workers with less than a college degree. The average manufacturing employee in 2017 earned almost $85,000, including benefits, and wages can be higher in sub-sectors such as aerospace, motor vehicle parts and plastics manufacturing. However, 89 percent of manufacturers are experiencing talent shortages, with 60 percent reporting a high or very high impact on productivity. If these talent shortages continue, 2.4 million positions may go unfilled.
To engage and prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, the award-winning mechatronics program at Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, incorporates rigorous academic and technical coursework, industry certifications and dual credit. Students also graduate with Siemens entry-level mechatronics certification. The program developed from an education-industry partnership, and business and industry leaders help market the program to students and parents, which has encouraged the enrollment of female, low-income and minority students.
On the postsecondary level, Hudson Valley Community College in New York has developed a program in semiconductor manufacturing as part of its state-of-the-art TEC-SMART (Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies) facility. Students can earn an associate of applied science degree in semiconductor manufacturing technology, and be prepared to work in capacity field service, testing and manufacturing in the Hudson Valley area, which is a leading region for semiconductor manufacturing.
ACTE’s Sector Sheet series is generously supported by Pearson.
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