2024 - 4 In-Demand Manufacturing Careers to Consider for Your Future

The manufacturing industry is a highly technical, innovative field offering rewarding careers with competitive salaries. As industries adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the demand for skilled professionals in manufacturing is higher than ever.

If you’re looking for a career in an essential, high-demand sector, here are four manufacturing programs at ECC and possible career paths to explore.

1.  Energy Management: Energy management is the process of monitoring, controlling, optimizing, and conserving energy to minimize adverse environmental effects. The future outlook for energy management is positive—on average, roughly 1,900 jobs are projected each year over the next decade. Below are a few job options in this field:

• Energy Manager: Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency at all stages of a building’s life, including the design/build, remodeling, and operation stages.
• Energy Analyst: Study, evaluate, and interpret data related to the production, consumption, distribution, and regulation of energy resources.
• Energy Consultant: Provide a company with support in managing all energy-related matters.

2) Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): CIM uses computer technology to turn raw materials into precision parts. In this program, you’ll gain the skills needed to succeed as a programmer in advanced manufacturing machine safety, blueprint reading, math, CAD, CAM, metrology, and proper inspection methods as part of the production and planning process. The increasing demand for automation and technology integration in manufacturing is expected to drive the growth of CIM jobs. Over 44,000  job openings are projected for the next decade. Check out some specific jobs below:

• CNC Machinist: A skilled professional who operates and programs computer numerical control (CNC) machines to produce parts and tools.
• Quality Assurance Technician: A QA Tech helps companies meet quality standards and stay in compliance with the law. 
• Applications Engineer (CNC programming): As a CNC programming applications engineer, your responsibilities include programming vertical, horizontal, and CNC turning centers for production machining systems. 

3) Automated Electronic Systems and Industrial Maintenance: In this program, students will prepare for vital roles such as Industrial Machinery, Maintenance Workers, Machinery professionals, and Millwrights. With the expansion of manufacturing in the US, there’s a growing demand for skilled personnel to install and maintain machinery. On average, there are an estimated 53,200 job openings for industrial maintenance workers projected on average year over year over the next decade. Here are two in-demand jobs in this field below: 

• Industrial Maintenance Technician: In this role, you will work to install, repair, and maintain commercial or industrial machinery in buildings, a plant, or a manufacturing setting. 
• Mechanic Technician of Vehicle Dynamics: Work as a specialized automotive technician who focuses on the mechanical aspects of how a vehicle handles and responds to road conditions, primarily by adjusting and maintaining components related to suspension, steering, and braking systems. 

4) Welding: In welding, you apply heat to the edges of the materials you want to join, which causes them to melt. Once the material liquefies, it fuses with the adjacent material, creating a joint. A filler material (often in the form of welding rods, wire, or powder) may also be introduced to strengthen the bond. The job outlook for welding fabrication technology is positive. This growth is expected due to an increase in demand for welded products, such as bridges and buildings, and the need to repair and maintain existing infrastructure. An estimated 47,600 job openings for careers in this line of work are projected each year on average over the next decade. Check out a few in-demand career paths below:

• Mobile Welder: A mobile welder is a skilled welding professional who provides on-site welding services at various locations rather than working in a fixed workshop or facility. These welders are equipped with portable welding equipment and tools that allow them to travel to construction sites, factories, farms, repair shops, and other locations to perform welding jobs as needed.
• Fabricator: A fabricator is a skilled worker who creates or assembles products, components, or structures, often from raw materials like metal, plastic, or wood. The specific tasks of a fabricator can vary depending on the industry, but they generally involve interpreting designs or blueprints, cutting, shaping, assembling, and finishing materials to produce a final product.
• Robotic Welding Technician: A robotic welding technician operates, programs, maintains, and troubleshoots robotic welding systems used in manufacturing and industrial processes. These systems are designed to perform automated welding tasks, increasing efficiency, precision, and consistency in production.

What’s better than finding a career path you love than finding one where they need your skills? Whether you're drawn to cutting-edge technology as a robotic welding technician, enjoy designing energy-related products, or want to install industrial machinery in buildings, there’s a career path for you. These roles provide stability and the chance to contribute to innovative advancements shaping the future of industries worldwide.

Now is the time to invest in your skills, explore certifications, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in manufacturing. With the demand for talent higher than ever, you can secure a bright future in this ever-evolving field. Get started at elgin.edu.