Career Advancement in Manufacturing
No one wants to find themselves 5 years into a career just to discover their path has reached a dead end. In fact, according to a poll conducted by Medium.com, “76% of employees prioritize opportunities for career growth,” when searching for a new position. While this may not come as much of a surprise, the simple fact is that many jobs in various industries simply don’t offer upward mobility.
In the manufacturing industry, the statistics tell much of the story in regards to personal and professional growth. The average entry level position begins with an hourly wage of approximately $18.50. By year number four for employees in manufacturing, the average hourly wage grows to $35 an hour. It isn’t just the salary, though, that attracts people into these careers. With the variety of training, apprenticeship and leadership programs offered in the field, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program (AMTEP), the opportunity to gain more responsibility is always within reach.
Work-Life Balance
No matter how much we all enjoy our jobs, a healthy work-life balance is essential to our overall quality of life. Whether we have family’s waiting for us at home, or interests and passions we want to pursue, spending a disproportionate amount of time at work can drain us of the energy needed to lead complete, fulfilling lives.
According to a research study conducted by doctorate students at Kansas State University on the differences between white-collar and blue-collar careers, “more blue- collar workers than expected have access to (flexible) schedules, resulting in improved satisfaction with work-family balance.” These findings highlight a new ideology that is taking hold of the manufacturing industry; work hard, get the job done right, and enjoy your life outside of the facility.
Training and Education in the Field
Entry level positions in manufacturing are available in surprisingly high numbers, in part due to a boom in the industry over the last few years. While there isn’t a universal amount of education required for job seekers to begin a career in the field, having a strong knowledge of the systems, processes and procedures on the factory floor can put you a giant step closer to achieving your goals.
The Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program, which we alluded to in an earlier paragraph, is designed to help train potential manufacturing employees in order to equip them with the tools and skills necessary to begin a rewarding career in the industry. No experience is required to sign up for the courses, just a willingness to learn and a desire to take control of your career path.
Today, manufacturing is not the same field that your grandfather may have known. With legitimate opportunities for career advancement, a healthy balance between work and life, and higher-than-ever earning potential, these jobs have become the most efficient route to take in order to achieve the american dream.
Explore the cost-free AMTEP courses today to take your next step towards a better future.