The Pros of a Career in Advanced Manufacturing

A lot goes into choosing a career path. You want a job that’s fulfilling and that challenges you. It’s also important to choose work in a field that’s stable and that will pay the bills. 

Advanced manufacturing has a lot to offer career-seekers, from steady employment to personal and professional growth. Take a look at some of the benefits of an advanced manufacturing career. 

Advanced Manufacturing Career Options

Advanced manufacturing technology leads to the creation of new products or the enhancement of existing products. Advanced manufacturing company careers take many forms, from welding to computer-aided design (CAD). Careers are available in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

Whether you’re interested in CAD, mechatronics, or welding, here are some of the pros of considering an advanced manufacturing career.

Pro 1: Get Started in Your Career Quickly

Pursuing advanced manufacturing lets you put your career on the fast track. In many cases, you don’t need to earn a four-year degree to get started. Career certificate programs teach you the skills you need and give you the chance to get hands-on experience, often in a year or less. 

Apprenticeship programs are also often available for advanced manufacturing careers. As an apprentice, you learn as you earn. You get an entry-level position and receive training both on the job and in a classroom setting. 

Either an apprenticeship or career certificate provides a way to get your foot in the door. From there, you can earn an associate’s degree or a four-year degree to keep building your skills and moving up the career ladder.

Pro 2: Learn and Grow on the Job

Technology is always changing, so there’s never a dull moment in an advanced manufacturing career. You’ll have the chance to learn new skills as technology advances, helping you increase your marketability and move into higher-level roles. 

Once you get started in your career, you can attend advanced manufacturing expos or complete continuing education programs to keep your skills fresh.

Pro 3: Develop Your Creativity

Welders, machinists, and other manufacturing professionals need to be great at problem-solving and thinking on their feet. They also need to be creative when it comes to finding ways to use technology to advance the field or improve the production process.

If you enjoy solving problems or coming up with creative solutions, you’re likely to thrive in an advanced manufacturing career. Advanced manufacturing is also ideal for the curious, as it lets you explore new technologies and find creative ways to use them. 

Pro 4: Skip the Student Debt

The cost of a four-year degree has skyrocketed in recent years and, along with it, the total student debt. It’s not uncommon for people to graduate owing tens of thousands of dollars. 

Whether you decide to enroll in a career certificate program or start your career through an apprenticeship, you can give student debt a hard pass. 

Career certificate programs are designed to be affordable, so you don’t begin your career in the red. As an apprentice, you earn a salary while completing your training, which helps you put food on the table and pay your bills while working towards a stable career in the future.

Pro 5: Earn a Good Salary

Your exact salary will depend on the career field you choose, but you can count on it being a decent one. The median annual salary for machinists was $47,730 in 2021, while welders earned a median salary of $47,010. Electricians have a median annual salary of $60,040.

Along with a decent salary, many advanced manufacturing careers offer excellent benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement. You’ll be able to support yourself and your family while planning and saving for the future.

Learn More About Advanced Manufacturing Classes at Orange Technical College

Orange Technical College has several career certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, including welding, mechatronics, and CNC production. We also offer apprenticeship programs. If a career in advanced manufacturing sounds right for you, contact us today to learn more about our programs and the enrollment process.