Woodward Career Technical High School
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
The manufacturing industry is one of the fastest-growing job sectors. Career pathways in manufacturing include cars, computers, cell phones, refrigerators, televisions and more. As part of a pre-engineering curriculum, students will focus on engineering solutions to manufacturing problems using computer-aided design (CAD) and “lean manufacturing” principles.
Students can achieve:
- Integrated Production Technologies, Course 1, 2, 3 and 4
- A certificate in welding
- A certificate in NCCER Core Curriculum: Level One
Skills Taught
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Drafting
- Welding
- Managing Automated Computer Controlled Equipment
Career-Based Learning Opportunities
- Career Enrichment Program (Worksite Experiences)
Credentials and College Credit Opportunities
- Up to three college credits available in:Manufacturing Processes 1
- NCCER Core Curriculum: Level One
- National Career Readiness Certificate (WorkKeys)
- Welding
Career Opportunities
- Computer Aided Drafting Technician
- Engineer
- Engineering Technician
- Line Operator
- Maintenance Technician
- Quality Technician
- Computer Numeric Control Technician (CNC)
- Certified Production Tech
- Welder
- Machinist
Business Partners Connection
This is the advisory committee that assists with planning, evaluation and instruction.
- Elite Welding Academy
- Techsolve, Inc
Manufacturing
"The clean, bright manufacturing plants of the 21st Century provide many different paths to good-paying jobs and meaningful career paths for skilled workers. These workers are in high demand in our economy."
—Dottie Pleiness, Human Resources Manager, Steinhauser Inc.
About this Career
Manufacturing is not what it used to be. It is ever-changing and evolving. The introduction of new processes, technology and equipment allows manufacturing companies to produce products more efficiently in a cleaner, more innovative environment.
Did you know job growth in this area is the best it’s ever been in the last 20 years? With new technology, such as 3-D printing, artificial intelligence and computer-aided design, a lot more innovation is expected over the next 20 years.
Jobs in advanced manufacturing may include the following:
- Assembly Supervisor
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Quality Control Inspector
- Engineering Manager
- Advanced manufacturing jobs combine new technology along with problem-solving skills, creativity and imagination.
About This Program
It is offered at Woodward Career Technical High School and is available for seniors.
GPA Required to Enter the Program
Students must have a 2.0 GPA and a recommendation from a teacher, school counselor or principal, a 93 percent attendance rate, and on-track for graduation.
Classroom Instruction
Students receive in-class training through their Advanced Manufacturing Career Tech course.
Industry Credential
Students enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Career Technical pathway have an opportunity to obtain industry credentials.
Work-Based Learning
On-the-job training at a manufacturing site can last one semester or the entire school year. To be considered for a position, students must complete an application process. If selected for employment, students must also complete the orientation session. Students will work one to two days per week, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and earn $10 an hour.
Transportation to Work Site
Round-trip transportation from school to the work site is provided.
Job Prospects After Graduation
There is a growing demand by U.S. manufacturers for skilled production workers, engineers and technicians. The resurgence in U.S. manufacturing since 2010 has already led to more than 600,000 additional jobs. The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that more than two-thirds of their sector's current skilled workforce will retire by 2030.
Expected Salary in this Field
Salaries for advanced manufacturing range from $38,000 (national average) for entry level positions to $100,000 for an experienced worker with a college degree. Like many jobs, the salary in this career depends on education, experience, location and industry.