You may have heard that manufacturing jobs are a thing of the past. While it’s true that old-fashioned assembly line jobs are dwindling, a new kind of manufacturing job is starving for skilled workers.

Demand for manufacturing skills increases with changing times 

Today, over 60 percent of manufacturing employees have at least some college education, according to a U.S Department of Commerce report. A 2011 report from the Manufacturing Institute estimates that 600,000 skilled manufacturing jobs are currently unfilled because employers can’t find qualified workers.

“One of the things that we noticed over the past 10 years since the recession hit is that we had a workforce that could no longer operate certain machinery. Here at York Tech we have created a practice of bringing people from the industry to tell us exactly what they’re looking for,” said SC ACCELERATE APTC Director Becky Catoe-Aikey. “We build our programs around their advice, so when we graduate students they have the skills necessary to do the job they want, at the pay level they desire.

The manufacturing field can be broken down into several sectors, and York Tech is putting forth its best efforts to meet the needs of the demanding industry. Those looking to start a career in manufacturing have the choice of entering the following subsectors:

Technicians 

Some of the modern manufacturing jobs in demand are technical, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) programmers, robotics technicians and industrial machinery mechanics. These workers are the brains behind the machines.

At Applied Manufacturing Technologies in Orion, Michigan, a company that designs and programs automated equipment for manufacturers, 10 new employees with skills in computer-controlled manufacturing were hired just this year. “And we would have hired 10 more if we could have found them,” says Diane Haig, the company’s chef knowledge officer.

These jobs typically require an associate’s degree that provides a foundation of computer or mechanical skills.

Trades

Others jobs in demand, such as machinists and welders, require skilled workers who can perform intricate, custom work.

Throughout York, Lancaster and Chester counties, manufacturing companies are opening up new jobs. With the skills and knowledge we prepare our students with at York Tech, these companies have a  large talent pool to choose from.

Welders and machinist usually earn a certificate or associate degree to acquire the skills they need. Welders must learn a range of techniques for welding a variety of metals. Machinists learn to create and use CAD blueprints and operate lathes and milling machines to produce prototypes.

Important basics

Even entry-level jobs in advanced manufacturing are difficult to fill. In Mooresville, North Carolina, NGK Ceramics USA, a supplier of emission control equipment for auto and diesel manufacturers anticipates hiring more than 80 employees for entry-level jobs says J. Todd Alexander director of administration.

Basics such as mechanical aptitude, problem solving skills and good communication are among the qualities they’re seeking in candidates.

As a result, technical colleges around the country such as York Technical College are partnering with local industries to offer training to prepare students for these jobs.

Because of the high demand for students who are skilled in technical areas of the manufacturing industry it is important for students to come out an be prepared to walk into their employers doors and be able to do the work required. One of the many ways York Tech prepares its students is through apprenticeships, co-ops and internships. Plenty of students, specifically from York Tech’s machine tool technology program have greatly benefited from these external-learning experiences, some even landing job right out of college.

“My apprenticeship has given me great experience. I can put what I learn in the classroom to use, and its great to get to show the other guys how to operate some of the machines. The instructors here are really excellent. They actually want to help you, and they take the time to make sure you understand what you’re learning,” said Mechanical Engineering student Catherine Blickley.

Source: onetonline.org

Student success story

Our Students Get Jobs: Machine Tool Technology Major Stewart Mcateer Lands Job Before Graduation

Stewart Mcateer, a spring 2014 graduate, has the opportunity most students would dream of… a job right out of college. This machine tool technology major, described by his peers and instructors as motivated and hard working, will be starting his new career with Schaeffler Group, a privately owned major manufacturer of rolling element bearings for automotive, aerospace and industrial uses.

Although landing a job before graduation is an amazing accomplishment, what is even more commendable is Mcateer’s drive to continue his education. Before Mcateer started at York Tech, he was a pharmacy technician for CVS Pharmacy. He explained that he wanted to do more with his life, which led him to the doors of York Tech.

“York Tech provided me with the training and knowledge that I need to obtain an entry-level position in the machining field. Every instructor I’ve had over the past two years has been more than eager to help me with any problems or concerns I’ve had.”

As a part of the Technical (Tech) Scholars program, Mcateer has been able to work with Schaeffler Group USA for the past 16 months while in school. He says that since being in the program, he has developed a passion and pride about being able to take something ordinary and common, like a piece of steel, and turn it into something that will serve a bigger purpose.

“The training and knowledge that I’ve gained by being a York Tech student has given me the skills I need to be successful. The staff, especially in the Industrial Technology department, did everything they could to make sure that I found a job after graduating.”

Mcateer explained that his instructors served as one of his inspirations. He described how their  knowledge and experience in the different areas of the machine tool field helped him learn and grow.

“Seeing how they have succeeded and all the knowledge that they have gained over the years has made me strive to learn all I can about machining in as many different areas as possible. I know that I would not have been able to obtain this job without earning my degree at York Tech. The machine tool field is one where experience is the most important asset”

Mcateer’s permanent position with Schaeffler Group began before he graduated from York Tech.