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Most of us depend on others to make the clothes we wear, the food we buy, and the things we use every day. In fact, we look to manufacturers to produce the material goods we need to live. We also depend on them to advance new technologies so that products continue to become more useful, more affordable, and improve our overall standard of living.
One of the more recent challenges to manufacturing is our ability to innovate. There are three major factors critical for innovation:
technology, capital investment and people. In order to innovate we need to continue the advancement of all three. Nonetheless, they all depend on the ideas of individuals. In order to create new product and process innovations for the future, our workforce must be educated to understand the current transformations happening in technology.
There are many reasons for considering a career in this industry:
- Variety of shifts - days/nights/weekends/full-time/part-time
- Career laddering - can start at entry-level and work up
- Manufacturing businesses exist in every corner of the region
- Variety of jobs and job duties
- Many manufacturers offer healthcare benefits, vacation, holiday pay
- Many manufacturers pay wages above regional average
- Learn who the leading Manufacturing companies are in the region. (PDF)
- Learn who the leading Wood Products companies are in the region. (PDF)
Projected types and numbers of openings in Manufacturing over the next ten years.
By 2012 employment growth is expected to be 6% in Northeast Minnesota and 5% in Northwest Wisconsin. Wood Product Manufacturing is the fourth largest industry in the Northwest Wisconsin region and the second largest manufacturing industry in Northeast Minnesota. The industry includes a large variety of positions - from entry-level to management -- in manufacturing facilities producing a wide variety of products:
- Windows and doors
- Plastic components
- Building materials
- Roof and floor trusses
- Frames and framing supplies
- Medical supplies
- Paper products
- Furniture
How to get the skills and training you need for a future in manufacturing.
Many positions in the manufacturing field involve on-the-job training and/or short-term training. There are also many positions that require certification or degree. There are management and other positions within the industry where advanced training and/or degrees will be advantageous.
Links to schools
Visit these links for more specific information about Northland manufacturing career opportunities and options.
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