Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials, components, or parts into finished goods that meet a customer's expectations or specifications. The manufacturing industry has evolved over time due to technological advances. Just a few fast facts:
- Manufacturing accounts for almost 15% of U.S. GDP
- Manufacturing contributes to almost two-thirds of U.S. exports
- Manufacturing directly employs close to 12 M U.S. workers and supports millions of ancillary jobs in other sectors
- The McKinsey Global Institute warns that the U.S. could face a 1.9 M shortfall in technical & analytical workers in the future
- NextGen manufacturing will essentially create "smart factories" which will require a new level of technical skills than is currently available.
Manufacturing Foundations - How Machines Work
Students in the SDNB have the opportunity to take a manufacturing foundations course which provides an overview of the manufacturing process as well as the machines involved. This helps general education students understand how things are made, engineering students better understand the kinds of systems they are designing solutions for, and students interested in manufacturing careers discover what part of manufacturing they are most interested in.
Students will learn about the variety of careers available as well as the education level (registered apprentice, technical degree/diploma, baccalaureate, etc.) needed to secure them.
Students will be provided hands-on opportunities to manufacture a product and take tours of local manufacturers for added enrichment. New topics related to automation systems and Industry 4.0 will be added beginning in 2018-19. Students have the ability to earn MSSC certifications in safety, quality and maintenance awareness onsite in the SDNB (which apply to the CPT certification).
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Related Coursework
For more information, please refer to our Manufacturing Program of Study in our Academic & Career Planning Guide.
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