NPR reports indicate that the United States' economy has added approximately 665,000 manufacturing jobs since 2010, but it can still be incredibly difficult to get a job in this competitive field. Positive manufacturing news is becoming more common, but an estimated 7 million manufacturing jobs have been lost over the past 30 years. Some fields within the manufacturing industry have experienced significant growth, however, so if you learn which types of workers these manufacturers are hiring, you'll have a better chance of getting a job.
Many manufacturing news stories note that US manufacturing is now focused on creating high-tech products. Xerox recently announced that it intends to relocate some high-tech manufacturing from China to New York State. Many companies that manufacture medical supplies, computer parts, and other high-tech items have also decided to keep their operations within the country. While these new openings should lead to more manufacturing careers, many companies report that people who interview for these jobs don't have the skills required to operate the complicated machinery used.
Updating your manufacturing skill set should therefore be a priority. Local community colleges and tech schools are teaming up with companies in their areas to help train students for successful manufacturing careers. One program, located at Valencia College in Florida, offers a certificate and a chance at a four- to six-week paid internship after successful completion of a six-month training program. If you don't have recent experience in high-tech manufacturing, enrolling on a similar program could help you find a position.
Good manufacturing news within the auto industry could also improve your chances of finding work. American auto companies are increasing their manufacturing workforce in areas around the Great Lakes region, and foreign auto companies are employing large workforces in the south. Having auto manufacturing experience and a willingness to relocate could positively affect your job prospects.
In general, your current location will affect your job search. Currently, Houston, Louisville, and Oklahoma City are all experiencing growth within their manufacturing industries. Experts predict that Silicon Valley and Austin will soon become hotbeds for high-tech, highly paid manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing news indicates that Portland, Phoenix, Boston, Los Angeles, and Boulder will require thousands of new workers within the next five years. If you're interested in relocating, searching in these cities could improve your employment prospects.
Manufacturing news is getting better, but the new jobs you'll find are different from the manufacturing jobs they are replacing. Many positions will require you to have a current skill set that demonstrates you can operate the high-tech manufacturing tools used. Your location will also affect your job prospects. However, manufacturing news sources indicate that if you have the right skill set in a growing city, you'll have an excellent chance of finding the job you want.
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