Many manufacturing jobs can be started with a high school diploma and employer provided on-the-job training. There are also many opportunities for people with college degrees in science, technology, math or engineering.
One way that Minnesota helps prepare middle and high school students interested in a career in manufacturing for working in the industry is through Career and Technical Education offerings. Course offerings may vary by district and school but a general overview of CTE in Minnesota can be found here.
One example of how manufacturing employers are connecting with educators and career counselors to raise awareness about employment opportunities with students and job seekers is in the K12 Navigator initiative in Central Minnesota. The K12 Navigator aggregates work-based learning resources that educators and counselors can integrate into classrooms and/or workforce development programs. You can find out more on the K12 Navigator website.
There are many opportunities for post-secondary education in manufacturing in Minnesota. Some are on the cutting edge. For example, the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence is an innovative, collaborative effort between education and industry to recruit, educate, and train workers for dynamic careers in advanced manufacturing. Find out more.
In addition, Manufacturing employers have a variety of potential funding sources for training workers, including Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership training.
State agencies, educators and employers are working together to raise awareness about the many Manufacturing employment opportunities – and provide the education and training needed to prepare people for them.
