Are you interested in how products and machines come together? Do you care about the quality of materials and of workmanship? Then you should explore the Manufacturing career cluster, which covers how industry and technology work together to make or package the things that we use or consume every day like cars, computers and food.
Careers in advanced manufacturing offer exciting opportunities in designing and improving products, operating high-tech tools and machinery, analyzing problems and coming up with creative solutions, and working with both your hands and your mind.
This career cluster is organized into eight career pathways:
Careers
Students in manufacturing learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.
CTE classes in this cluster will introduce you to a variety of interesting careers including:
- Production
- Manufacturing production process development
- Maintenance
- Installation and repair
- Quality assurance
- Logistics and inventory control
- Health
- Safety and environmental assurance
- Engineer in design, industrial, aerospace, quality, logistical, safety or manufacturing
- Medical appliance manufacturer
- Microchip manufacturer
- Precision inspector, tester or grader
- Technician in automated manufacturing, laser, biomedical equipment, lab, quality control, safety coordination
- Inspector
- Machine operator
- Communication system, computer or meter installer or repairer
- Industrial truck and tractor operator
Note: Each school and school district has different CTE options. Not every district has classes in every cluster, nor does every district offer CTE dual credit and Advanced Placement options.