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Do I Need a College Degree to Work in Manufacturing?

Do I Need a College Degree to Work in Manufacturing?

One of America’s most historic careers, manufacturing has provided generations of workers with the ability to provide for their families through a consistent and respectable line of work that does not require a four-year degree. And while those in the manufacturing industry are still able to make an honest living with little to no higher education, in today’s increasingly competitive job market, many employers favor some form of post-secondary education in technology.

Common Types of Manufacturing Jobs

A majority of manufacturing jobs generally fall into two categories:

  1. Operators – Includes machinists and CNC machine programmers
  2. Tradesman – Skilled trade positions like a welder or an electrician

Quite often, these positions are very much in demand and require a fair bit of training to perform. Therefore, it would serve you well to pursue some form of further education to advance in any of these trades.

Manufacturing Education and Training Options

The Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County is your source for education and training programs for the manufacturing industry designed to meet the existing and emerging workforce needs of local manufacturers. We help prospective manufacturers of all ages and skill levels train for the most exciting opportunities in the field today and prepare for the advances of tomorrow.

We offer comprehensive college and career training courses, which include:

  • Applied Welding Technologies – 12 months at Erwin Technical College or the Ybor City Training Center, followed by AWS Certification testing.
  • Welding and Fabrication – 7 weeks at Career Source Tampa Bay.
  • Engineering Technology Associate’s Degree – At Hillsborough Community College, Brandon campus.
  • Industrial Machine Maintenance Program – 4 weeks at Career Source Tampa Bay.
  • Various Internships – We can assist you with locating internships and apprenticeships with local manufacturers for direct, on-the-job experience.

Advance Your Manufacturing Career With Manufacturing Alliance

The Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County cultivates the next generation of workers and leaders that will fuel the growth and longevity of our manufacturing sector. By providing access to talent and resources, we help Hillsborough County businesses flourish and position the area as a vital manufacturing hub today and well into the future.

If you want to help us prepare the next generation of leaders for success or are interested in taking the next step in your own manufacturing career by signing up for our training courses, then contact the Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County today to learn more.

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