Part Two Exploring Career Options
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People in manufacturing careers pro-
duce cars, computers, appliances, furni-
ture, toys, and other products. They refine
ore and produce steel. They knit and weave
textiles. They process chemicals and foods.
They work in quality assurance, main-
tenance, installation, and repair. Health,
safety, and environmental assurance are
a part of this cluster. This cluster also
includes inventory control and logistics.
(Logistics is the process of managing, con-
trolling, and moving goods, energy, infor-
mation, services, or people from a point of
origin to a destination in the most timely
and cost-efficient manner possible.) Most
people in this career cluster work in facto-
ries or plants.
People in the manufacturing cluster
need a solid background in math, science,
and technical skills. Although entry-level
jobs exist, the next level, semiskilled labor,
requires experience and/or technical train-
ing. To qualify for most of the skilled labor
positions, workers must complete a formal
training program beyond high school, such
as an apprenticeship or community college
program. Companies and trade unions
also offer training programs.
Skilled labor positions are called skilled
trades. Examples of workers in skilled trades
are machinists, tool and die makers, drafters,
and welders. The manufacturing field also
employs people in positions such as engineers
and scientists, which require a college degree.
Due to manufacturing plants moving
toward more automation of their processes,
the employment outlook for this career
cluster will grow more slowly than other
fields. However, people with a broad range
of skills or a specific skill that cannot be
automated will experience job growth and
find their services in demand.