Parents & Caregiveres

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR THE FUTURE

As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in shaping your child’s future. The manufacturing industry offers a wealth of opportunities for young people, combining innovation, stability, and the potential for a rewarding career. Understanding these opportunities can help you guide your child towards a successful and fulfilling professional path.

As a parent, you are the cornerstone of your child’s career journey.

Your influence is profound, with more than 60% of students citing you as their primary guide in career decisions. This places you in a unique position to shape their future, and the future of every industry.

Manufacturing is an incredible industry. By understanding the industry’s technological advancements, diverse job opportunities, and potential for creativity, you can help your child explore rewarding career paths that contribute meaningfully to society. Your engagement with career guidance programs and your openness to learning about manufacturing’s innovative nature are crucial. You have the power to challenge outdated perceptions and illuminate the exciting possibilities in modern manufacturing, paving the way for the next generation of talent and ensuring the industry’s continued growth and success.

Benefits of working in manufacturing

The manufacturing sector offers excellent career stability and growth potential for young professionals. As a cornerstone of the global economy, manufacturing continues to provide steady employment opportunities even as other industries fluctuate. Many manufacturing companies offer clear career progression paths, allowing your child to advance from entry-level positions to supervisory and management roles. This stability, combined with opportunities for continuous skill development, can provide your child with a secure and rewarding long-term career.

Myth: Manufacturing jobs are disappearing due to automation.
Fact: While some roles change, new jobs are created in areas like robotics and AI, ensuring long-term career prospects.

Contrary to some misconceptions, many manufacturing jobs offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages. As your child gains experience and skills in the industry, their earning potential can increase significantly. Many manufacturing companies also provide comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and educational assistance programs. This financial stability can help your child build a secure future and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Myth: Manufacturing jobs are low-paying.
Fact: Many manufacturing roles offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages.

The manufacturing industry is at the forefront of technological innovation. By choosing a career in manufacturing, your child will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing. This exposure to advanced technology not only makes the work exciting but also ensures that your child’s skills remain relevant in an ever-evolving job market. The problem-solving and critical thinking skills developed in manufacturing are highly transferable and valued across many industries.

Myth: Manufacturing is an outdated industry.
Fact: Manufacturing is a leader in adopting and developing cutting-edge technologies.

Manufacturing offers a wide range of career paths to suit various interests and aptitudes. Whether your child is interested in engineering, design, quality control, or management, there’s likely a role in manufacturing that aligns with their passions. The industry also offers opportunities in emerging fields like sustainable manufacturing and smart factories. This diversity allows your child to explore different areas within the industry and find a career path that truly resonates with their interests and strengths.

Myth: Manufacturing only offers production line jobs.
Fact: Manufacturing careers span from research and development to marketing and leadership roles.

Popular careers in manufacturing.

Engineering Technician
Engineering Technician

Pioneer the next generation of products as an Engineering Technician in manufacturing.

Strong demand for qualified tradespeople.

– Up to $90,000 salary

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Jewellery Maker
Jewellery Maker

Start a glittering career as a Jewellery Maker in manufacturing, where your artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship will transform precious metals and gemstones into timeless pieces.

– Up to $70,000 salary

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Locksmith
Locksmith

This role combines precision craftsmanship with cutting-edge security solutions offering the opportunity to create and implement innovative locking systems.

– Up to $80,000 salary

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Storeperson
Storeperson

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, storepersons are the vital link between raw materials and finished products.

– Up to $70,000 salary

 

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Helpful Questions

Manufacturing careers: Top 10 frequently asked questions by parents

Are you a parent wondering about your child’s future in manufacturing? You’re not alone. Here are the most common questions parents have about manufacturing careers, answered with the latest industry insights.

Manufacturing job prospects are strong in 2024. Despite recent fluctuations, the sector has over thousands of unfilled positions. High-demand areas include:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Welding and fabrication
  • Sustainability-focused roles
  • Tech-skilled positions

Manufacturing offers competitive salaries:

  • Many industrial positions average nearly $100,000 annually
  • Entry-level roles often start above median wages
  • Skilled technicians and specialists earn comparable to other industries

Education requirements vary:

  • Many roles need vocational training, associate degrees, or specific certifications
  • Some companies offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training
  • Advanced positions may require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields

Modern manufacturing prioritises safety:

  • Technological advancements have significantly improved workplace conditions
  • Companies invest heavily in employee wellbeing programs
  • Safety measures include both physical safeguards and mental health support

Key skills for manufacturing careers include:

  • Technical skills: robotics, AI, data analytics
  • Digital literacy: Many jobs require advanced digital skills
  • Soft skills: problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability
  • Sustainability knowledge: for green manufacturing practices
  • Continuous learning ability: to keep up with evolving technologies

Technology has transformed manufacturing:

  • Increased automation and AI integration
  • Machinery and equipment make workplaces safer
  • Rise of “smart factories” using IoT and cloud computing
  • New roles in robotics and predictive analytics
  • More opportunities for remote work in certain positions

Yes, manufacturing offers various advancement paths:

  • Progression to supervisor or team leader roles
  • Specialisation in quality assurance or logistics
  • Management positions in production or operations
  • Engineering roles for those with technical backgrounds
  • Executive positions for experienced professionals

Manufacturing offers diverse job types:

  • Production operators and technicians
  • Quality control inspectors
  • Maintenance technicians
  • Logistics coordinators
  • Process engineers
  • Robotics specialists
  • Data analysts
  • Sustainability managers
  • Research and development roles
  • Supply chain managers

Manufacturing shares similarities with other STEM fields:

  • Strong focus on technology and innovation
  • Competitive salaries and benefits
  • Opportunities for problem-solving and creativity
  • Continuous learning and skill development
  • Potential for significant societal and economic impact

Manufacturing often offers more hands-on work and the satisfaction of creating tangible products.

Manufacturing can be excellent for children who:

  • Enjoy working with technology
  • Like solving practical problems
  • Have strong STEM skills
  • Are interested in how things are made
  • Value teamwork and collaboration
  • Appreciate tangible results from their work
  • Are adaptable and eager to learn new skills