Any individual or business that makes a physical product is considered part of the Advanced Manufacturing (formerly Manufacturing) industry cluster. At a company that makes things, employees all are in manufacturing, whether on a production line in a factory, behind a desk in an office or in a field location making sales. As with other industry clusters, jobs in manufacturing sometime overlap other categories. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s industry clusters and their economic outlook, and check out CareerOneStop’s advanced manufacturing page to continue your career exploration.
Adults using these resources to help students explore careers may also find it helpful to use the Career Journeys Supplemental Materials we’ve prepared for teachers and counselors.
Machinists turn raw metal into precision parts
Ralph Balash is a Machine Shop Training Group Leader for Aerotech, Inc., a maker of motion controls. A skilled machinist, he graduated from a program at New Century Careers. He discusses his trade and training for the field of manufacturing.
Skills as a chemist led to a career in regulatory compliance
A chemistry background helped Greg Chambers solve a safety challenge for Oberg Industries, and the solution helped pave the way for his career in regulatory compliance.
Apprentice programs offer one route to manufacturing careers
Neil Ashbaugh pursued both baseball and broadcasting before undertaking the apprenticeship that took him into manufacturing. Now, he helps others train for the field as President and Chief Executive Officer of New Century Careers.
Chemistry degree opens multiple avenues
Sarah Rossi finds that her work as a chemist with DMI Companies balances an equation that’s important to her—it provides both the solitude of the lab and the team atmosphere of the production floor.
Working seamlessly between office and shop floor
Of course, he liked math and science, but a high school robotics class became the impetus for Stephen Gerba’s career as an Automation Engineer at DMI Companies.
The evolution of a dream to work for NASA
Doing software development for NASA appeals to Nichole Boscia because she enjoys the creativity, the flexible work schedule, and the somewhat independent nature of the work.
Taking things apart as a kid led to a career designing and making them
Steve Simqu, CAD and Product Manager for DMI Companies, said he showed mechanical skills from an early age and always wanted to know how things worked.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable
To prepare for work in product development, PPG Industries Chemist Brittany Katofsky recommends taking a speech class.
Magic happens when employees drive change
As a Manufacturing Engineer with Stellar Precision, Tim Makosky had to sharpen his listening skills and learn patience. He advises students who want a career like his to enroll in a vo-tech program.
Operations in manufacturing
“Never pre-judge anybody,” is the sound advice Mike Storms, Director of Operations at Elliott Group has to share.
Technical service means working with people
A physics major now working as a Technical Service Representative for Covestro, Kaitlyn Tautkus-Berry finds her science background important, but her people skills are just as critical to the job.
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