Advanced Manufacturing
For decades, the myth about manufacturing has been that it is dark, dirty, and dangerous but the truth is that modern manufacturing is safe, high-tech, and clean. The rise of automation, or “Industry 4.0,” is here, transforming factories across the globe using cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence, real-time data collection and collaborative robots in building a wide range of products to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. High-tech manufacturing (or Advanced Manufacturing) jobs continue to grow, especially in the areas of additive manufacturing, lean manufacturing, robotics and automation, industrial internet of things, digital transformation, predictive maintenance, precision machining and engineering. These changes highlight an increased importance of diversified talent, especially women, who bring an important perspective and experience to a shifting industry.
Because robots and automation take care of the repetitive work, today’s manufacturing employees have more challenging and interesting job assignments. Employers in this sector look for technicians, technologists and engineers who are both at ease in the mechanical world, and looking to take on the challenge of moving into a cyber-physical world by applying scientific and technical principles to manufacturing processes. In addition, women are critical to manufacturing’s future. Did you know that the former CEO of PepsiCo was a woman of color? And the current CEO and Chair of General Motors is also a female? Opportunities for advancement are plentiful as technological advancements make higher-skill jobs in product design, process engineering, operations, maintenance, and lab work more prevalent.
San Diego County Career Pathways & Salary Info - Hourly Rate (Salary)*
HS Diploma + Postsecondary Training (e.g., Certificate)
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $17 ($35K)
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $17 ($35K)
- Machinists $17 ($35K)
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $25 ($52K)
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $26 ($54K)
Associate Degree or Higher
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $23 ($48K)
-
Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering
Technologists and Technicians $28 ($58K) - Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $28 ($58K)
- Mechanical Engineers $37 ($77K)
*Entry-level hourly rates have been rounded up and salaries are provided as examples of what workers would make if they worked full-time (2080 hours a year)
SAMPLE OF LOCAL EMPLOYERS
- BAE Systems
- Cymer Incorporated
- General Atomics
- GKN Aerospace
- Northrop Grumman
- Orbital ATK
- Teledyne Technologies
- United Technologies Corporation
- UTC Aerospace Systems
Imperial County Career Pathways & Salary Info - Hourly Rate (Salary)*
HS Diploma + Postsecondary Training (e.g., Certificate)
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $14 ($29K)
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $14 ($29K)
- Machinists $15 ($31K)
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $21 ($44K)
- Sheet Metal Workers $21 ($44K)
Associate Degree or Higher
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $25 ($52K)
-
Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering
Technologists and Technicians $29 ($60K) - Engineers, All Other $44 ($92K)
- Mechanical Engineers $52 ($108K)
*Entry-level hourly rates have been rounded up and salaries are provided as examples of what workers would make if they worked full-time (2080 hours a year)
SAMPLE OF LOCAL EMPLOYERS
- Empire Cat
- United States Gypsum (USG)
Corporation - Helena Chemical Company
- Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
- Spreckels Sugar Co
- Rogar Manufacturing
- Imperial Pre-Mix Co
Fast Facts
- 92,660 people employed
- 1% (573) 5-year projected job growth
- 3,239 businesses
- 8% of the sector's employment in California
- $100,281 average earnings per job
- 8% of the sector's businesses in California
Programs & Schools
Cuyamaca College
APPLY- CADD Technology
- Building Design Industry
- Computer and Information Sci
- Manufacturing Industry
- Networking, Secur & Sys Admin
Grossmont College
APPLY- Computer Programming
- Computer Science/Info Systems
- Info Technology Support Specialist
- Programmable Logic Controller
Imperial Valley College
APPLYMiraCosta College
APPLY- 3D Modeling and Prototyping
- Applied Design
- AutoCAD Certified User
- Biomanufacturing
- Computer-Aided Drafting
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
- Drafting Fundamentals
- Engineering Design Graphics
- Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Design
- SolidWorks Certified User
Palomar College
APPLY- Advanced Geographic Information Systems
- Architectural Drafting
- Architecture
- Apprenticeship - Acoustical Installer
- Apprenticeship - Carpentry
- Apprenticeship - Drywall/Lather
- Apprenticeship - Inside Wireman
- Apprenticeship - Plasterer
- Apprenticeship - Sheet Metal
- Apprenticeship - Sound Technician
- Cabinetmaking and Millwork
- Case Furniture Construction/Manufacturing
- Drafting & Design CADD/CAM Technology
- Drafting & Design Technician - AutoCAD
- Drafting & Design Technician - Creo
- Drafting & Design Technician - SolidWorks
- Drone Applications and Technologies
- Drone Operations
- Drone Operator 1
- Electrical Engineering Drafting & Design Technology
- Electronic Tune-Up and Computer Control Systems
- Entry-Level Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Entry-Level MasterCAM Programmer
- Entry-Level Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Fashion Design
- Geographic Information Systems
- Guitar Making Technology
- Lathe Turning Technology
- Machining Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Drafting & Design Technology
- Multimedia Design
- Quality Control/Inspection Technician
- Table and Chair Manufacturing
- Veneering Technology
- Welding Technology
- Woodworking Fundamentals
- Woodworking Skills Technology
San Diego City College
APPLY- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technology Option
- Electricity
- Electricity - Electrical Control Systems Option
- Electricity - Electrical Recertification Preparation
- Electricity - Lineman
- Electronics
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Electronic Microprocessor/Microcontroller Design Option
- Machine Technology - C.N.C Operator
- Machine Technology - C.N.C Technology
- Machine Technology - Computer Aided Manufacturing
- Machine Technology - Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Option
- Machine Technology - Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technology Option
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Advanced Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Advanced Mechanical Design
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Electronics Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Fabrication Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Introduction to Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Lean Six Sigma
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Manufacturing Engineering Technology Option: Electronics
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Manufacturing Engineering Technology Option: Fabrication
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Manufacturing Fundamentals
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Mechanical Design
San Diego College of Continuing Education
APPLY- Electronics *
- Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding *
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding *
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding *
- * Designates noncredit classes
San Diego Miramar College
APPLY- Airframe
- Airframe & Powerplant
- Aviation General Studies
- Engine Overhaul, Caterpillar
- Engine Overhaul, Cummins
- Engine Overhaul, Detroit Diesel
- Engine Repair, Caterpillar
- Engine Repair, Cummins
- Engine Repair, Detroit Diesel
- Pilot Studies
- Powerplant
Southwestern College
APPLY- Computer Aided Design and Drafting
- Computer Aided Design and Drafting - Basic
- Computer Aided Design and Drafting- Advanced
- Construction Inspection
- Construction Management
- Design Technology
- Electronics Computer Technician
- Occupational Health and Safety
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student success story
Student Story: Sondra Winkler
Since Fifth Grade, Sondra has loved fashion and dressing up in fun, original clothing. So much so, she decided to become a fashion designer. Unfortunately, after high school, she and her family realized just how expensive design school would be. That’s when Sondra found career education classes in clothing manufacturing. Now, she is preparing to release her own clothing line featuring her original designs. Watch now to see what Sondra has put together.
