Considering A Career In Manufacturing

Considering A Career In Manufacturing

For years in this country, manufacturing jobs were considered low-paying, uninteresting, repetitive, and “dirty.” Unfortunately, this mistaken mischaracterization has been the public’s and our education system’s overall perception for quite some time. In recent years that perception has begun to change. We are once again realizing the important role manufacturing plays in all facets of our society by providing worthwhile employment and interesting jobs critical to our well-being and national security. Manufacturing companies are recognized as clean and bright, focusing on manufacturing efficiencies, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability.

Our education system now emphasizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and most states have initiatives in STEM with offerings in technical training. The message is clear: Manufacturing is important! Manufacturers create challenging, team-oriented jobs that are focused on many cool-precision technologies. Their development and growth are essential to our nation’s security and success.

These jobs are often interesting and innovative, varying from robotics and machining to nanotechnology. They affect all phases of our current and future economy. Their development is necessary as we compete in the global marketplace. Manufacturing transforms ideas into products for the present and future. It improves the lives for everyone.

Below are some things to consider regarding pursuing a career in manufacturing. The statistics noted below are drawn from the state of Colorado and Colorado’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry, but they reflect the nationwide labor situation. Our country is in dire need of trained and qualified labor.

State of Colorado Manufacturing Statistics

• Manufacturing provides jobs for more than 145,000 people in Colorado.
• Over 16,000 advanced manufacturing jobs go unfilled each year.
• The average yearly manufacturing salary is $72,000 ($27,000 more than other industries).
• There are more than 5,900 manufacturing companies in Colorado.

Manufacturing Industry Job Types

• Electrical & Mechanical Maintenance Technicians  ̶  $25,000-83,000
• Engineering / R&D  ̶  $31,000-156,000
• Logistics & Supply Chain  ̶  $20,000-125,000
• Machinist Operator / Programmer  ̶  $25,000-62,000
• Production & Assembly  ̶  $25,000-83,000
• Quality Assurance / Control  ̶  $37,000-124,000
• Sales  ̶  $20,000-125,000
• Welder / Solderer  ̶  $31,000-104,000

Manufacturing Sectors

• Computer and Electronic
• Fabricated Materials
• Food and Beverage
• Machinery
• Manufacturing Staffing Agency
• Petroleum, Coal & Minerals
• Specialized Manufacturing

What Manufacturing Employers Care About

Most successful manufacturers use a sustainable business approach based on creating long-term customer and employee value.

Manufacturing companies are doing their part to make the world a better place through environmentally friendly policies and by thinking about every dimension of how the business operates in social, cultural, and economic environments. They invest in their people, technology, infrastructure, and communities as they build their businesses.

Manufacturers are dedicated to improving processes like the elimination of waste by using clean and green strategies. Lean manufacturing processes are used to achieve lower levels of waste, water, and energy usage.

Manufacturing Employers, Employees Are Good for Communities

From caring about their employees to caring about the environment, manufacturing companies have a significant, positive impact. They provide:

• Livable and/or outstanding wages
• Retirement benefits at a rate of 3 out of 4 manufacturing employers
• Education opportunities (in-house, supplemental advance training, or college)
• Healthcare programs (most manufacturing employers).

Healthy manufacturing companies provide a strong economic base for their communities and the nation. They produce products that are used locally, nationally, and globally. They not only provide jobs for families but also add to our economy’s overall economic strength. We need students graduating from high school considering a career in manufacturing.

Intrex Aerospace is always interested in people pursuing a manufacturing career. If you would like more information about our company, please click here.