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Understanding the manufacturing industry
What if we told you that there was an industry in Ohio that was actively recruiting new high school graduates, offering competitive wages and health benefits, and including training and development opportunities to drive career advancement? You might think that it is too good to be true, but we assure you it is not. These jobs do exist, and they are in the manufacturing industry.
Unfortunately, manufacturing jobs are going unfilled. This is often the result of a misconception that they are dirty, dangerous, and thankless jobs. We see it every day when we talk to parents who imagine their child working in a dimly lit, grimy factory where safety takes a backseat to profit. While this may have been true decades ago, today’s manufacturing facilities look a lot different. Today, operators and technicians handle a variety of tasks in often brightly lit, clean facilities. Safety, employee retention, and training are a priority, and the average salary is higher than the average household income in Ohio.
Entry-level and skilled workers needed
Whether your child has their heart set on earning a college degree, or they have decided to enter the workforce directly after high school, the manufacturing industry offers positions and advancement opportunities that will match their skill set and career goals.
Careers in manufacturing range from entry-level operators to senior engineers and everything in between. They include the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math, and often require on-site job training or advanced education. In most cases, employers are willing to invest in employee training and offer tuition reimbursement to help employees earn their college degrees without going into debt.
Competitive salary and benefits
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the average income for manufacturing workers in Ohio is $78,108. That is well above the median household income reported by the Census Bureau as $56,602.
In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, manufacturing facilities have also been perfecting the art of operating efficiently using lean principles. This allows them to be more competitive globally and helps ensure job stability. It also means that manufacturers are constantly implementing new, innovative technologies. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, “manufacturers in the United States perform 57.9% of all private-sector R&D in the nation, driving more innovation than any other sector.” For some, working with the cutting edge of technology can be reason enough to love going to work every day.
Encourage your child to explore a career in manufacturing
In summary, a job in manufacturing may start as an entry-level position, but it can easily lead to a long-term, fulfilling career. Want to learn more? Check out the helpful links on our resource page and encourage your child to explore a career in manufacturing. You can also contact us with any questions.
