Students
Discover the World of Manufacturing and Skilled Trades
Manufacturing and skilled trades offer a diverse array of career paths that cater to different interests and strengths. Whether you’re interested in creating innovative products, working with cutting-edge technology, or crafting solutions with your hands, there’s a role for you in these dynamic fields.
Hands-On Learning and Career Advancement
A key advantage of these careers is hands-on learning, where practical experience builds your skills and opens doors for advancement. From entry-level to leadership roles, these fields offer clear growth opportunities with manufacturers providing you the training to excel and grow with no student debt.
Educational Pathways: Your Roadmap to Success
There are multiple ways to enter manufacturing and skilled trades:
Technical Schools
Specialized training in welding, machining, equipment repair, and more.
Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn through combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Certifications
Industry-recognized credentials grow your skills and increase your employability.
Direct Hire
Start working immediately and receive on-the-job training while gaining valuable experience.
Skills Development: Building a Strong Foundation
Success begins with a solid foundation in key areas:
Math and Science
Essential for understanding technical concepts and solving problems.
Technical Skills
Understanding tools and working with technology is essential.
The Power of Soft Skills
In addition to technical know-how, soft skills like time management, attendance, and being on time and present play a vital role in your career development.
Communication
Critical for effective collaboration.
Leadership
Initiative and project leadership are highly valued.
Teamwork
Many tasks require close cooperation.
Time Management & Attendance
Being on time and present demonstrates reliability and commitment.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
To truly excel, seek opportunities to apply your skills in real-world settings:
Internships and Job Shadowing
Gain firsthand experience by working alongside professionals in the field.
Extracurricular Activities
Join clubs or competitions to hone your leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Developing Problem-Solving Capabilities
Manufacturing and skilled trades often involve troubleshooting and finding solutions to unexpected challenges. Cultivating problem-solving skills, along with adaptability and resilience, will help you thrive in these environments.
A Bright Future Awaits
The demand for skilled workers in manufacturing and trades is on the rise, offering promising career growth opportunities. With the ongoing need for innovation and troubleshooting, your skills will be in high demand for years to come.
- Stability and Long-Term Viability: These careers are known for their stability, offering long-term job security and opportunities for advancement.
- Continuous Learning and Skill Development: As new technologies emerge, you’ll have opportunities to learn and master the latest tools, ensuring your skills remain relevant.
Work-Life Balance and Lifestyle
- The Satisfaction of Hands-On Work: There is unique satisfaction in a hands-on career. Whether building or fixing something, the tangible results are deeply fulfilling.
- Balancing Work and Life: Most manufacturing careers offer a good work-life balance, with regular hours, insurance, and retirement programs, allowing you to enjoy life outside of work.
- A Career with Purpose: In these fields, each day offers new challenges and opportunities to create something meaningful, making these careers fulfilling and purposeful.
Start Your Journey Today
If you’re passionate about working with your hands, solving problems, and building a stable, rewarding career, manufacturing and skilled trades could be the perfect fit for you. Explore the pathways, develop your skills, and seize the opportunities that await in these exciting fields.
Take the next steps...
Build Putnam
By connecting local businesses, workforce talent, and educational resources, Build Putnam aims to create a thriving environment where both individuals and businesses can succeed. This online tool allows job seekers to search and apply for available opportunities right here in Putnam County.
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing is an excellent opportunity for students to explore careers in manufacturing or skilled trades. Spending a day or more observing professionals in these fields, allows you to ask questions and you'll get a first-hand look at the daily tasks, tools, and skills required for the job.
Career Exploration
Dive into a world of career possibilities. Discover career options, industries, and trends to help you make an informed choice about your future. By combining aptitude assessments with career exploration tools, YouScience empowers students and professionals to make informed decisions about their futures. YouScience provides personalized career recommendations that you may have never considered.
Career Paths
Ohio's Career Pathways program is designed to guide students from education to employment by offering clear routes to various careers. By connecting academic learning with real-world skills, the program helps students explore different industries and identify the education and training needed for success in their chosen fields to guide them in planning for their future with confidence.
Job and Family Services/Ohio Means Jobs
Looking to jumpstart your career or achieve personal goals? Putnam County Job and Family Services (JFS) is here to help! Whether you're preparing for the workforce or aiming to sharpen your skills, we offer a range of services designed to empower you on your journey.
At Putnam County JFS, your success is our priority—let’s take the next step together!
- Need access to technology? JFS offers computer and internet resources to help you stay connected and succeed in today's digital world.
- Ready to find your dream job? Our job search and placement assistance will connect you with the right opportunities, and our experts are here to help craft the perfect resume and cover letter to make you stand out.
- Unsure of where your strengths lie? Let us provide you with skill assessments to highlight your talents and potential.
Looking for more resources?
Check out all the resources available for students in our Resource Hub