Are you interested in pursuing an exciting, hands-on career that involves creating things every day? You may be perfect for the field of manufacturing. It’s no secret that the U.S. is experiencing a resurgence in manufacturing. Some experts even say that we are in the middle of our nation’s fourth industrial revolution.
But what you may not realize is that Connecticut plays a key role in this important industry. In fact, CT manufacturers export nearly $13.5 billion in products like automobiles, medical equipment, jet engines, and more. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) latest survey found that more than 4,000 manufacturing companies call Connecticut their home. This equals about 159,000 manufacturing employees, who earn more than $95,000 a year.
There are many reasons to hop on board the manufacturing train, but when it comes to choosing a technical school or manufacturing and machining education, the choices can be overwhelming. Read on, as we explore some of the different types of schools available.
Technical/Trade School
Technical schools are postsecondary institutions that offer practical, specialized training in a specific trade or profession. They are also known as “trade” or “vocational schools”. At a technical school, students gain hands-on training in dedicated fields of study, helping them prepare for their future. Graduates of technical schools earn diplomas or certificates, and they typically earn them in less than two years.
Technical schools work best for students who know – without a doubt – what they want to do with their careers. Unlike most colleges and universities, technical schools do not require students to complete general education courses like English, Math, or Science.
Due to the fast and focused nature of technical schools, these training programs are usually limited to fields that are fully skills-based and, while they require training and preparation, do not require a formal college degree.
Career-Focused Manufacturing School
Students who are not sold on trade or technical school, but are also not really into the traditional college education, can find another option. Career-focused colleges, such as Goodwin University, offer the best of both worlds for these students. These colleges prepare students for their future, with a curriculum focused on hands-on training for in-demand careers like manufacturing. Goodwin’s manufacturing training gives students the opportunity to learn directly on cutting-edge CNC machines used in the industry today.
Unlike technical schools, however, career-focused schools go well beyond the limitations of job-specific training. In addition to skills training and specialized courses, these colleges also offer students the ability to explore various subjects as part of their education. Through “Gen Ed” courses – which are applicable to any career – students learn how to:
- Communicate effectively
- Think Critically
- Solve problems in the workplace
- Analyze both situations and data
Career-focused colleges can also offer students various levels of education. This added flexibility is extremely important when earning a degree. These schools typically offer more options when considering your own academic goals. You can find a flexible bachelor’s and master’s degree program, should you ever wish to advance your education or qualify for advanced positions. Many career-focused schools also offer a variety of internship opportunities, as well as lifetime job placement and career services to help you find success.
Choosing the right type of program requires much thought and consideration. Think about your career goals as well as your timeline. If you are set on a certain specialty within manufacturing and know you won’t want to change positions or grow into management roles, a trade school may be the right path for you. If you have a variety of manufacturing goals and would like to invest in an education that can carry you to new heights, you may want to consider a career-focused manufacturing school. Manufacturing and machining school can set you up for an exciting lifetime career. The first step is to find the right manufacturing and machining education for you.
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in manufacturing, don’t wait to get started. Contact Goodwin College at 800-889-3282 to learn why we’re a leader in manufacturing education in Connecticut. Or, visit us online to request more information about our manufacturing training programs.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.