How to find a role in the manufacturing industry

WANT to build the best? Then build US.

Manufacturing jobs in the US are at their highest since 2008, employing nearly 13 million Americans nationwide.

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The sector has a staggering record $2.3 trillion GDP and supports hundreds of local economies with a healthy median salary of $88,406.

By itself, manufacturing in the United States would be the eighth largest economy in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Growth areas include pharmaceuticals, electronics and aerospace, with the US accounting for nearly 17 percent of global manufacturing output.

There’s never been a better time to get the most out of a manufacturing job. Here’s how to get hired.

1. What types of jobs are there in manufacturing?

When you think of manufacturing, images of traditional blue-collar jobs like welders, carpenters, or assemblers might come to mind.

These jobs are being hired as more companies move manufacturing back to the United States. But there are also a number of more technical jobs, such as process engineers and quality assurance, and managerial jobs, such as plant managers and production managers.

In addition, there are cross-industry support activities such as HR, sales and marketing.

2. What skills do I need?

Because manufacturing is such a broad field, it depends on the task at hand.

Attention to detail, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as a feel for technology and equipment are crucial for a practical job. Some professions also require a certain level of physical strength.

The skills required for managerial positions are similar to those in other industries, but it helps if you already have experience in manufacturing processes and logistics.

3. What qualifications do I need?

With such a wide range of occupations, the types of skills needed vary greatly.

Most entry-level positions are hired through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, or community or technical colleges.

You will also receive numerous extra-occupational training courses. Higher-level positions usually require a high school diploma or related college degree.

4. How can I advance my career?

Manufacturing is a fast-moving industry, so you need to keep your skills up to date.

Take advantage of the continuing education opportunities on offer and look for additional professional qualifications that you can acquire online or with the support of your employer.

In most companies, funding comes from within. So if you see an opportunity to develop a new product or improve a process, reach out to senior management.

Also keep an eye on the jobs in different companies. Most manufacturing skills are highly transferrable, allowing you to produce diverse goods within the industry.

Are you ready to build your future? Here are the top three manufacturing companies hiring this week, from Sun Jobs.

Priority Wire & Cable, nationwide

Start into a new future with Priority Wire & Cable.

Electronics manufacturer Priority Wire & Cable, a leading provider of electrical, electronic and utility wire and cable products, has distribution centers throughout the United States and in Toronto, Canada.

With 20 warehouses covering 2.7 million square feet, the company employs people in sales, IT, training and development, finance and more.

Current openings include entry-level inside sales positions in Houston, Texas and a network systems administrator position in Little Rock, Arkansas.

ENSCO, Inc, nationwide

An excellent opportunity at one of the country’s leading space and defense companies.

Defense and space company ENSCO, Inc. provides state-of-the-art engineering, science and high technology solutions to governments and private companies across the country.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, ENSCO also has field offices and subsidiaries throughout the United States.

The company is currently recruiting for a variety of manufacturing, IT, finance and content roles, from a Senior Content Writer in Springfield, VA to an Enterprise Architect based in Colorado Springs.

Caterpillar, nationwide

Here’s a job you can really love!

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

With offices and facilities in more than 180 countries and a US headquarters in Irving, Texas, Caterpillar offers a variety of opportunities across disciplines.

From Hose Fitter in Menominee, MI to Manufacturing Project Engineer – Assembly based in Lafayette, IN.

Discover thousands of open positions across the United States now on The Sun Job Board.