The Importance of Manufacturing Sectors
As manufacturing continues its renaissance in the United States, creating a bright spot in our country’s recovery from the economic problems of the past seven years, more skilled workers will be needed to fill the new jobs that are being created in every region. These jobs are not only being recalled from overseas, they are appearing because of the new manufacturing projects that are being funded in several commercial and industrial sectors.
In fact, Pennsylvania has more than half a million manufacturing employees as of 2013, and that number is expected to grow each year through the end of the decade.
Manufacturing Industries That Are Growing
The top manufacturing sectors in the United States, as of 2014, include:
- Energy, Oil and Gas. The energy industry is booming as shale gas and oil production continues to drive the American economy forward, particularly in regions that have large amounts of shale available, such as Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. With fuel prices decreasing, manufacturing in this sector will continue to be more competitive.
- Automotive. This rebounding sector manufactures cars and light trucks all over the United States—not just in Detroit. The automotive manufacturing industry requires hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, such as those with an industrial technician degree, who understand powertrains, hydraulics and pneumatics, and electrical requirements. This industry has added more than 150,000 jobs to its payrolls since 2009, and the search for experienced employees is on.
- Chemical. There are more than 13,000 chemical manufacturing plants in the United States that transform raw materials through chemical processes. This sector creates products like rubber, fertilizer, paint, and cleaning compounds.
- Electronics. As computers and electronic components are built to higher-quality standards, and as prices continue to decrease, American consumers continue to purchase these products.
Each of these sectors needs to have skilled workers who are experienced in manufacturing settings. At Rosedale Technical College, our Industrial Technician students learn not only by theory, but through practical experience. All classes are taught by instructors who have a real-world experience in their subject or subjects. The hands-on opportunities we offer—whether through simulations, labs, or working with equipment—is what manufacturing employers require.
If you would like to learn more about our Industrial Technician program, call us today. You are also invited to Rosedale Technical College’s open house on April11, 2015.