Manufacturing is your best career choice today.
The idea that there is just one narrative for success- go to college and get a good paying job- is no longer a workable one. The majority of unemployed people today have some college.
Today College assures most students’ debt, but not neccessarily a high paying job.
More than 53% of the unemployed having some college, and the unemployment rate for recent college grads over 10%.
The Associated Press reported earlier this year that “about 1.5 million, or 53.6 percent, of bachelor’s degree-holders under the age of 25 last year were jobless or underemployed, the highest share in at least 11 years… Out of the 1.5 million who languished in the job market, about half were underemployed, an increase from the previous year.”
Recent college grads are actually faring worse in today’s job market than the overall youth population. And compared to the older college-educated populace, they have at least twice the rate of unemployment.
Over half of recent college graduates jobless/underemployed? In debt with no higher paying job to make the loan payments? Unable to make loan repayments waiting tables?
The Skills Solution.
Manufacturers need skilled workers.
Manufacturers are looking for people who
- Can solve problems,
- Are comfortable with math,
- Are capable of working without a lot of direct supervision.
Community colleges offer programs in CNC machining, offerring programs that award credentials and certificates for a short duration study program, as well as 2 year associate degrees for a formal course of study.
Consider Manufacturing.
- Manufacturing is recovering.
- Manufacturing has the most traction coming out of the last recession.
- Baby Boomer retirements (10,000 per day turn 65 years old !) are creating an opportunity rich environment.
I would try to get employment in advanced manufacturing and then build on that with additional training at local community colleges.
Right Skills Now is one way to get started.
There are other schools and other programs in your area.
The idea of one narrative for success- go to college and get a good paying job- is no longer a workable one.
In manufacturing, you will be making things that make a difference in people’s lives, and the quality of their lives- things like anti-lock brakes, air bag safety devices, orthopedic and medical device, aerospace parts to name a few- I would urge you to consider a job in manufacturing. It is safe, well paid, and between upgrading your knowledge and skills and the inevitable retirements of people already on the job, this might just be the best possible career wave you will find.
Alberto Gabika says:
Very good article Miles,
I truly believe you are right and manufacturing has a promising future.
I think countries with a manufacturing tradition that have gone off-shore must recover their manufacturing capabilties and invest in new equipment, R&D and training.
I fully agree college is no more the best way to find a good job and I am sure articles like yours are encouraging for many young people.
I am the MD of a small company in the Basque Country, north of Spain. The Basque Country is one of the most industrial regions in Spain and although the debt crisis in Spain is hitting us hard, we have half the unemployment rate compared to the rest of the country. This is so because our economy is based in industry and particularly in manufacturing (80% of the machine tools produced in Spain are made in the Basque Country).
We are manufacturers of thread rolling dies for the fastener industry and it is our mission to produce top quality tools. And for that, we need skilled people, even if they have not gone to college.
Best regards,
Alberto Gabika
Managing Director
HEROSLAM, SAL
speakingofprecision says:
Thank you Alberto. Making things demonstrably adds value. your company’s thread rolling solutions help people make stronger threaded connections. It’s not just an academic exercise. I am encouraged that people will embrace manufacturing once they get a chance to work in a modern shop with modern technologies. Our products make a difference in people’s lives. I am hopeful that companies like yours in our global industry will remain viable as the worlds’ “leaders” deal with our tricky currency issues.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
speakingofprecision says:
Thank you Alberto. Making things demonstrably adds value. your company’s thread rolling solutions help people make stronger threaded connections. It’s not just an academic exercise. I am encouraged that people will embrace manufacturing once they get a chance to work in a modern shop with modern technologies. Our products make a difference in people’s lives. I am hopeful that companies like yours in our global industry will remain viable as the worlds’ “leaders” deal with our tricky currency issues.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment
John Guimond says:
As a young entrepreneur within manufacturing, I cannot state how many opportunities for growth there really are. Its going to take a few years for the stigma about requiring a degree as opposed to skills, to wash through the market, however there is a definite need for skills based competencies such as NIMS/Certificates. I’m a young professional with experiences not gained in the classroom, but rather cutting my teeth in the day to day situations of a manufacturing and engineering environment. These skills are priceless to my clients, co-workers and employers, as well as the rest of the manufacturing community, as there will soon be a major shortage of knowledgeable professionals within the workforce.
I feel honored to carry on the traditions within manufacturing that my grandfathers portrayed, as well as to be consistently on the cutting edge of new products, and technology development. Manufacturing is the way forward, and I am here as a positive example for young professionals seeking a growing opportunity, and lifelong learning.
Thanks for the spotlight on manufacturing Miles, it’s great to be able to reference these articles to friends, colleagues, and students that I come across.
speakingofprecision says:
You’re welcome John. Love to connect. We just put together a career guide. I’ll drop you an email so we can send to you.