Whether you’re a high school graduate, a college grad, or an experienced worker looking to find a new career, the manufacturing industry is a great choice. The manufacturing industry doesn’t require workers to obtain a particular degree, meaning you can get started pretty soon in an entry-level position.
Here are a few more reasons why you should consider a career in manufacturing in the United States.
Hands-On, Collaborative Work
For many people, the thought of working in an office on a computer all day is rather boring and tedious. This is why companies in the manufacturing industry pique the interest of workers from age 18 to 65: you won’t get stuck on a computer if you don’t want to!
Manufacturing companies create products ranging from pieces of machinery to computers to food. Oftentimes, it takes teams of people to create a product from start to finish. Plus, one of the best parts of working in this industry is being able to point out that you physically helped create the product. So, if you have a knack for working with your hands, the manufacturing industry may be a good fit for you.
An Array of Sectors to Choose From
As previously mentioned, manufacturing is a broad term that describes the production of thousands of products in the United States. There are several sectors within the manufacturing industry that one can work. These sectors include the production of:
- Electrical equipment
- Appliances
- Computers and other electronics
- Metal and machinery
- Food and beverage
- Textiles
- Chemicals and petroleum products
- Printing products
- Wood and paper products
- Furniture
According to The Balance, there are approximately 12 million Americans working in the manufacturing industry. These workers are spread throughout these different sectors within the industry. If you choose to pursue a career in manufacturing, you can choose a sector that you’re passionate about. If you’re a lover of video games, you could help manufacture computers and other electronic equipment. If you are interested in science and technology, you could work for a company that manufactures appliances or petroleum products.
When you choose a career that has an impact on an industry you’re passionate about, you’ll enjoy your job even more. You’ll find that you’re more interested in the company you work for and the clients they serve, making your day-to-day work life all the more exciting.
Opportunities for Advancement
When you enter the manufacturing industry, some common entry-level positions include an assembler, machinist, operator, warehouse worker, and technician. Depending on the sector of work and the company, many of these positions require little experience or education to obtain. After a short time in any of these positions, you may want to challenge yourself and reach for a higher position in your company.
The good thing about the manufacturing industry is that it offers plenty of opportunities for advancement. So, when you work for a company and sector of manufacturing you enjoy and are passionate about, you’ll find that these opportunities are all the more reachable.
The leaders of manufacturing companies are currently reaching the time for retirement in 2021, which means that more and more opportunities will be available in the upcoming years. Furthermore, manufacturing companies often have an array of job opportunities for those looking to advance their careers. These positions may require a certain amount of experience, education, and/or a particular certification:
- Welder
- Millwright
- Quality control inspector
- Production manager
- Packaging engineer
- Manufacturing manager
- Cost estimator
- Manufacturing engineer
- Assembly team leader
- Safety technician
- And more
Manufacturing companies also have an array of office jobs. So, after working your way up in a company, you may find yourself behind a desk if you so choose!
Important Work In the United States
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, manufacturing facilities helped facilitate vaccine production and distribution throughout the country. This shows how important the manufacturing industry is in the United States, meaning that the industry should continue to grow.
The manufacturing industry is crucial to the U.S. economy. Therefore, if you choose to pursue a career in manufacturing, you’ll be contributing to your country’s own economy and growth. This stimulates the production of more goods, services, and jobs in the United States.
More companies throughout the United States are focusing on improving their work culture, training, safety precautions, technology usage, and overall work conditions. So, if you choose to work in the manufacturing industry, look for a company that is thoughtful about each of these aspects of their company and facility. It’s important to find a position in a company that values your hard work, dedication, and passion for the job as well as helps you advance your career.
Find a Position Now
The manufacturing industry will continue to grow in the coming years. More goods will be manufactured in the United States, and technology, safety, and work conditions will continue to improve. This will bring about more manufacturing opportunities for workers throughout the country who want to find a line of work they are proud to be a part of.
