Traditional ideas about manufacturing have changed. More and more, manufacturing jobs are high-tech oriented, and workers who have current industry skills are more likely to maintain employment. Wages in manufacturing are among the highest for all areas of industry. In the Phoenix area, many of these jobs pay 10-50% above the average wage compared to other jobs in the region. These jobs are also in demand. Many employers, particularly in manufacturing, suffer shortages of skilled workers; and retiring Baby Boomers will only increase employment demand. Computer equipment, aerospace, and electronic instruments are some of the largest manufacturing, engineering, and technology sectors in Greater Phoenix. (Sources: O*Net 2012 and Arizona Tech Prep 2011)
Occupation
For anyone who plans to enter the job market in this field, a strong knowledge base in English, math, and science, along with critical thinking, operations monitoring, and complex problem-solving skills, are a must. High school students should meet with an advisor/guidance counselor to create an appropriate career action plan that may include high school classes in: • • • • •
Drafting Engineering Science Physics Precision Manufacturing Welding
Annual Entry-Level Wage Range* Typical Training Required
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators
$21,500 - $27,830
On-the-Job or Community College Training
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers
$32,630 - $42,580
On-the-Job or Community College Training
Industrial Engineering Technicians
$39,650 - $45,250
Associate’s Degree
Machinists
$27,480 - $34,420
On-the-Job or Community College Training
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
$25,790 - $31,320
Postsecondary Vocational Award
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011
Program MANUFACTURING Basic CAD CAD Application CAD Technology CAD/CAM/CNC I CAD/CAM/CNC II CNC Machinist Commercial Drafting CADD Level II Computer-Aided Design and Drafting CADD Level I Computer-Aided Drafting Electro/Mechanical Drafting Electromechanical Manufacturing Technology Industrial Design Technology Industrial Design Technology: Design SpecialistSolidWorks Machining I Machining II Manufacturing Engineering Technology Manufacturing Management Manufacturing Welding
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College/Skill Center Glendale Glendale Glendale Mesa Mesa Maricopa Skill Center Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa GateWay GateWay Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa
Program Manufacturing, continued Mechanical Drafting Micro Circuit Mask Design Microcomputer Servicing Production Technology Production Technology: CNC Technology Production Technology: Quality Assurance
College/Skill Center Mesa Mesa Glendale GateWay, Mesa GateWay GateWay
WELDING ARC Welder* Maricopa Skill Center Combination Welder-4 Process* Maricopa Skill Center Combination Welder-2 Process* Maricopa Skill Center Combination Welder-3 Process* Maricopa Skill Center Combination Welder-3 Process with Intro to Pipe Welding* Maricopa Skill Center Flux-Core Welder* Maricopa Skill Center MIG Welder* Maricopa Skill Center TIG Welder/TIG Fingertip Welder* Maricopa Skill Center Welding* Mesa *Also in Architecture and Construction
Career Guide | maricopa.edu