Five things high school students can do to prepare for a career in advanced manufacturing: 1) Take relevant math, computer, electronics, robotics, hydraulics, and pneumatics classes; 2) Participate in team sports or activities to develop soft skills; 3) Read magazines like Popular Mechanics to develop interests and skills in advanced manufacturing; 4) Get a part-time or summer job with an advanced manufacturer; 5) Earn a low-cost certificate in areas like math, programming, blueprint reading from a community college or technical school.

1. Five Things High School Students Can Do Right Now To
Prepare For A Career In Advanced Manufacturing
Take The Right Classes. Today’s educational system is primarily geared to prepare students for
college admissions. While this is a commendable goal, it ignores the fact that students can get good
jobs in advanced manufacturing without a post-secondary degree. Students interested in pursuing a
career in advanced manufacturing need to take as many relevant classes as possible, with a high
concentration of practical math and computer courses and technical skills training in the areas of
electronics, robotics, hydraulics and pneumatics. If specific programming in these areas is not
offered, classes in auto mechanics typically cover many of the same skill sets.
Participate In A Team Sport Or Activity. One of the most frequent comments advanced
manufacturing employers make regarding unsuccessful job applicants is the lack of “soft skills.”
These include personal traits such as punctuality, attention to detail, cleanliness and grooming,
respect for authority and the ability to work in a team environment. Participation in a team activity
such as band, drama, or sports can help students develop the soft skills that can benefit them in an
advanced manufacturing setting.
Read All About It. Reading publications such as Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, ROBOT and Do
It Yourself is a great, low-cost and fun way to develop an interest in and a knowledge of the types of
skills which advanced manufacturers find valuable. These magazines feature extensive “how-to”
and DIY sections with a variety of hands-on mechanical and electronics projects which can be
accessed for free online. Similarly, television shows such as “How It’s Made,” “Modern Marvels,”
and “MythBusters” often provide insight into advanced manufacturing and engineering concepts.
Get A Part-Time Or Summer Job. The best way to determine whether a career in advanced
manufacturing is for you is to actually work for an advanced manufacturer. Many of these
companies offer part-time and summer job opportunities for motivated high school-aged students.
Be sure to let the potential employer know in the cover letter and during the interview process that
you have an interest in a long-term career in advanced manufacturing. If not able to secure a
summer or part-time position with an advanced manufacturing company, consider a “hobby”
project like building a robot or refurbishing an old motorcycle or tractor.
Earn A Certificate. While the majority of advanced manufacturing jobs do not require an advanced
degree, certificate programs in areas such as Math & Measurement, PLC Programming , Blueprint/
GD&T, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) provide an opportunity for motivated students to
develop and document specific skills which are of value to advanced manufacturers. These
programs are offered at very low cost through community colleges and technical schools, and are
generally open to high school students aged 16 and older.
www.TeachingForJobs.org
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