The Advanced Manufacturing Career Cluster blends innovative technologies and practices to enhance design and production. It covers areas such as engineering, research and development, automation and artificial intelligence, equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and quality control. This Cluster aims to increase efficiency, reduce waste, ensure safety, and produce high-quality goods, driving the industry’s growth and adapting to modern demands.
Careers that use engineering principles to develop and improve manufacturing processes and systems and to design products. Professionals in this field tackle production challenges, boost efficiency, leverage advanced technologies, and contribute to the sector’s advancement. The manufacturing sector encompasses numerous types of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, biopharmaceutical, materials, and industrial. This Sub-Cluster also involves research and development and prototyping for emerging products and systems.
Example Programs of Study
Engineering & Technology
Pre-Engineering
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Engineering Technology
Careers focused on working with manual equipment, such as computer-numerical-controlled (CNC) machines, 3D printers, quality control equipment, material handling tools, maintenance and repair devices, specialized machining and surface treatment machines, fabrication equipment, and energy management systems. Professionals in this field set up, operate, maintain, and repair advanced machinery, ensuring efficient and safe performance.
Example Programs of Study
Industrial Machine Mechanics
Precision Machining
Careers centered on the hands-on management and execution of manufacturing processes. This field involves automation, overseeing production lines, quality control, assembly and product finishing, and ensuring efficient workflow. This Sub-Cluster includes specialized sectors such as processed food and beverage production and textile manufacturing, emphasizing efficiency and adherence to industry standards across diverse production types.
Example Programs of Study
Apparel & Textile Production
Manufacturing Production Process Development
Careers involved in developing, implementing, and maintaining technologies that deploy robotics. This field encompasses roles focused on programming robots; overseeing production lines enhanced by robotics, mechatronics, and smart manufacturing concepts; and ensuring that these technologies operate efficiently and safely.
Example Programs of Study
Industry 4.0
Robotics Technology
Careers dedicated to ensuring workplace safety, worker health, environmental compliance, and product quality. Professionals in this field develop and implement standards and practices to maintain safe and sustainable operations while conducting rigorous testing and inspections to uphold product integrity.
Description:
CTE Career Pathway Type/Cluster Title (IAC): Manufacturing (15.06)
The course is designed for students who want an introductory manufacturing and engineering related course. Students will learn and apply concepts of measurement in manufacturing aspects as they explore traditional and introductory high-tech equipment, processes, and tools in the fields of woodwork and metal fabrication, including basic welding. The course will set the background for understanding high technology concepts and processes. Students will learn engineering aspects of manufacturing by learning and applying 2D and 3D CAD and Fusion 360 to design their projects, 3D prints and blueprints and then fabricate those projects. Using manual equipment such as a table saw, manual metal lathe, students will manufacture what they design. This class sets the basic background needed to perform successfully on high technology equipment such as a CNC (computer numerical control) mill and lathe, 3D printing, and plasma cutting on a plasma CNC controlled table. MakerBot certification online will be an integral part of the curriculum. Individual units in other technology fields such as small engines or construction may be included based on student career needs.
MANUFACTURING DESIGN & FABRICATION
3867
1.0 Credit
Building & Moving
Certification Available
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Department:
Technology Education
Sub-Cluster:
Industrial Machinery
Prerequisite:
INTRO TO MANUFACTURING DESIGN & FABRICATION
Description:
CTE Career Pathway Type/Cluster Title (IAC): Manufacturing (15.06)
The course is designed to teach students how to operate technology that requires computers to run equipment. The course will teach the language, industry standards, what design to machine communication means, programming using M and G coding needed to operate computer-controlled equipment such as a Haas Lathe, CNC router table, and a Advanced welding techniques will be taught as well. Students will gain understanding of Industry Standards and the skills necessary for further education as well as the knowledge and skills necessary possibly leading them into a possible Youth Apprenticeships in the area manufacturers/businesses during their Junior and Senior years. Dual credit with the area Technical Colleges is a real possibility. Students through the online coursework using Certiport Autodesk Fusion 360 and Gene Haas Lathe for State and Industry recognized certification and Makerbot 3D printing Certifications. Individual units in other technology fields such as small engines or construction may be included based on student career needs.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL PREPARATION
3387
1.0 Credit
Building & Moving
Certification Available
11th Grade
12th Grade
Department:
Technology Education
Sub-Cluster:
Industrial Machinery
Prerequisite:
BOTH MANUFACTURING DESIGN & FABRICATION COURSES & INSTRUCTOR APPROVAL
Description:
CTE Career Pathway Type/Cluster Title (IAC): Manufacturing (15.06)
Third year Technology students will, with the instructor’s pre-approval, be allowed to enroll into one of the two Technology Education high school periods. Students will work independently to further enhance their knowledge and occupational skills in fields that they elect to enhance and further pursue career knowledge and skills. These might be in the fields of automotive, small engines, construction including the trades such as electrician, plumbing, HVAC, and manufacturing such as CNC. Students may not enroll unless they have taken both the Introduction to Manufacturing Design and Fabrication and the Manufacturing Design and Fabrication courses. Job Shadowing in the manufacturing, construction, and trades will be an integral part of the course.
Manufacturing
Occupations with the most projected openings
Occupation
Annual Job Openings
Salary
Required Education
Entry-Level
Experienced
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
401
$26,645
$39,720
High school diploma or equivalent
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
268
$31,135
$54,368
High school diploma or equivalent
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
203
$49,488
$75,915
High school diploma or equivalent
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
199
$31,996
$53,338
High school diploma or equivalent
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
188
$31,319
$42,938
High school diploma or equivalent
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
181
$34,964
$52,372
High school diploma or equivalent
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
153
$31,297
$51,202
High school diploma or equivalent
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
114
$35,436
$53,127
High school diploma or equivalent
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
98
$42,365
$60,740
High school diploma or equivalent
Machinists
97
$33,049
$44,059
High school diploma or equivalent
Occupations with the highest projected salaries
Occupation
Annual Job Openings
Salary
Required Education
Entry-Level
Experienced
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
65
$44,315
$79,003
High school diploma or equivalent
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
203
$49,488
$75,915
High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
11
$36,267
$70,960
Associate's degree
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
14
$45,039
$64,043
Postsecondary non-degree award
Buyers and Purchasing Agents
66
$39,143
$62,288
Bachelor's degree
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
17
$40,116
$61,933
Associate's degree
Mechanical Drafters
9
$43,273
$61,025
Associate's degree
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
98
$42,365
$60,740
High school diploma or equivalent
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
6
$38,522
$59,536
Associate's degree
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other
