Advanced Manufacturing Technicians

There are many ways to learn more about education and careers in advanced manufacturing. Discuss opportunities in advanced manufacturing with your science teacher and school counselor. Talk to advanced manufacturing professionals about their careers. Ask the following questions, and try to come up with your own, too.

• What made you want to enter the field?
• What’s a typical day like on the job?
• What are the most important personal and professional traits for advanced manufacturing professionals?
• What do you like and dislike about this career?
• How did you train for this occupation?
• Any advice on breaking into the field?

Participate in student competitions to build your skills and meet people with shared interests. Many competitions are provided by SkillsUSA, a national membership organization for middle school, high school, and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in technical, trade, and skilled service occupations. It offers the following STEM-related competitions: Additive Manufacturing; Automated Manufacturing Technology; CNC Milling Specialist; CNC Technician; CNC Turning Specialist; Electronics Technology; Engineering Technology/Design; Mechatronics; and Robotics and Automation Technology. Visit http://www.skillsusa.org to learn more.

Join the Technology Student Association, which provides students with a chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, enter academic competitions, and participate in summer exploration programs. Visit http://www.tsaweb.org for more information.