Manufacturing Technology

Explore Your Opportunities in an Exciting Career Pathway!

Manufacturing skills, and particularly CNC/machining skills, are in demand by companies such as Boeing, Boeing suppliers, Lockheed Martin, PSNS and many others. The Aerospace industry hires many with manufacturing skills, and predicts they will see significant increases in employment capacity over the next few years. In addition, many workers in this industry are approaching retirement age, which means the industry will need to fill those positions also.

Employers are looking for employees who are on time, dependable, can work well alone or in teams, have good communication skills and have a good work ethic. These important qualities are stressed in our curriculum. The certificates offer students a gateway to a broad range of careers. Students are provided with a combination of classroom, shop and workplace experiences. Students are able to visit several manufacturing employers and apply for and participate in internships as part of the curriculum. Employers are looking for applicants with the job and work skills that are learned here. Students who start this program do not need to choose a specific job goal before they begin.

Program Options

Manufacturing Technology - Certificate of Completion (39 credits)

This certificate is designed to provide students with entry-level manufacturing skills and a foundation to pursue other certificates and two-year degrees in any manufacturing or trade specialty areas. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) courses are included to provide additional high-demand skills to students completing this curriculum.

Manufacturing Technology - Certificate of Completion (25 credits)

This certificate is designed to provide students with entry-level manufacturing skills and machining skills. Students will learn about hand tools, shop safety procedures, blueprints, machinery and Computer Numerical Control (CNC).

Manufacturing Technology—CNC - Certificate of Recognition (12 credits)

This certificate is designed to provide students with entry-level manufacturing skills in Computer Numerical Control (CNC).

Composites Manufacturing Technology - Certificate of Completion (30 credits)

This certificate is designed to provide students with entry level manufacturing skills in composites and a foundation to pursue other certificates and two year degrees in manufacturing in this specialty.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, successful students will have demonstrated the ability to apply their skills and knowledge in the following ways:

• Work effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Participate and contribute to the effectiveness of teams.
• Use basic communication skills (writing, reading, speaking, listening) to meet the needs of the workplace.
• Gather, interpret and use data consistently and accurately to make decisions and take action.
• Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment.
• Apply technology to operate and contribute to business and manufacturing systems.
• Take responsibility for his/her actions and decisions, adapt to change, and update his/her skills, knowledge, and attitudes to meet new challenges.

Manufacturing Career Options

• Team Assemblers
• Sawmill Workers
• Cabinet Makers
• Shellfish Processor
• Machine Shop Assistants
• Boat Assemblers
• Furniture Production
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer

Wages

A survey of local manufacturing companies showed starting wages of $9.50 to $11.80 per hour. Most firms indicated wage progression up to $18 - $27 per hour for experienced manufacturing employees; good pay compared to many other jobs. Labor Market and wage data comes from the Washington State Employment Security Department. The most current information can be found at www.workforceexplorer.com.

Length of Employment

Surprisingly, local companies show 40% of their employees have worked for them 1 - 3 years and 40 % have worked for them 4 - 10 years. It is possible to have a possible to have a long-term career with local manufacturing companies.

Contact

Brian Petty
Phone: 360.473.2827
Email: bpetty@olympic.edu

Source: 2010 Olympic College Workforce Development "Red Book" (updated 2/21/12)
Gainful Employment 11/14/11