High Demand Manufacturing Careers
As of 2018, there have been over 67,000 more manufacturing jobs advertised than filled, nationwide. Locally here in Maryland, there are approximately 8,000 manufacturing jobs that go chronically unfilled. That means that manufacturers cannot find the talent they need and trained and skilled personnel are extremely valuable in the current marketplace.
Today’s manufacturing floor looks quite different from what it looked like in the past. Machines are computerized, there is less waste in the production process, and workspaces are modernized. Manufacturers need skilled people who can think on their feet and excel at teamwork and trouble-shooting. There are many ways into a manufacturing career. Some of the career pathways are explored here.
Manufacturing Career Pathways
Production
- Zone 0
- Zone 1
- Zone 2
- Zone 4
Engineering
- Zone 1
- Zone 3
- Zone 4
Maintenance
Zones Explained
ZONE 0 CAREER FIELDS require a high school diploma or GED, and some degree of on the job training (OJT).
ZONE 1 CAREER FIELDS require the completion of a limited number of courses (some awarding a certificate) and carry a prerequisite of a high school diploma or GED. Careers are annotated if some employers offer on the job training (OJT).
ZONE 2 CAREER FIELDS require completion of a ZONE 1 or other curriculum and additional coursework or work experience. Careers are annotated if some employers offer on the job training (OJT).
ZONE 3 CAREER FIELDS involve the completion of 2- year Associate’s Degree program and carry a prerequisite of a high school diploma/GED, or certifications as specified. Careers are annotated if some employers offer on the job training (OJT).
ZONE 4 CAREER FIELDS involve the completion of Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD Degree program. The Colleges have entered into several formalized articulation agreements with four-year institutions throughout the state of Maryland and the region. Articulation agreements provide the opportunity for students to enter into program-to-program transfer agreements, or course-to-course equivalencies, with partnering institutions. Students complete first two years of coursework at the Colleges, and transfer to a 4-year institution to complete their degree. Careers are annotated if some employers offer on the job training (OJT).