You may have heard that manufacturing jobs are a thing of the past. While it’s true that old-fashioned assembly line jobs are dwindling, a new kind of manufacturing job is starved for skilled workers.

Today, over 60 percent of manufacturing employees have at least some college education, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce report. What’s more, a 2011 report from the Manufacturing Institute estimates that 600,000 skilled manufacturing jobs are currently unfilled because employers can’t find qualified workers. As a result, jobs such as skilled machinists, equipment operators, welders and technicians go begging.

John Lombardo, Associate Vice President for Suffolk’s Workforce and Economic Development, oversees the College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center and says that automation and technology is what is driving modern manufacturing. “We’re seeing students with backgrounds in engineering, graphic design and manufacturing having a major impact on industrial productivity.”

Technical Training for Evolving Opportunities 

Some of the modern manufacturing jobs in demand are technical, such as CNC programmers, robotics technicians and industrial machinery mechanics. These workers are the brains behind the machines.

Larry Lieberman, Chief Executive Officer of Vision Quest Lighting, a Ronkonkoma-based company that designs and manufactures custom lighting fixtures for clients including hotels, casinos and retail chains knows first-hand how the industry has changed. In fact, he recently purchased a new CNC machine and needed to hire a new graduate from Suffolk’s Manufacturing Technology program to operate it. “Manufacturing has evolved and, as a result, we needed to bring in a technician who is proficient in these new technologies,” says Mr. Lieberman. “Suffolk’s graduates are well-trained and understand new technology — which helps us jump-start the return on our investment. I’ll definitely look to Suffolk again for our next hire.”

These jobs typically require an associate degree or a level of technical training that provides a foundation for these kinds of computer or mechanical skills. Jobs in demand, such as machinists and welders, require skilled workers who can perform intricate, custom work.

In Saginaw, Michigan, Merrill Technologies manufactures parts for the solar, wind, gas and oil drilling and defense industries. They routinely have openings for up to
20 CNC machinists that they wish they could fill. “We have had to turn work away in the past,” says co-owner Jeff Yackel. “We have machines sitting idle because we don’t have operators.”

Welders and machinists usually earn a certificate or associate degree to acquire the skills they need. Machinists learn to create and use CAD blueprints and operate lathes and milling machines to produce prototypes. Welders must learn a range of techniques for welding a variety of metals. As part of a mission to offer workforce training programs that provide job-ready opportunities, Suffolk’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC) is now a certified Welder Training and Testing Institute (WTTI) remote test facility, offering courses that lead to an American Welding Society (AWS) certification. This certification is notable because it demonstrates that students are trained to a level of competency preferred by most industries.

Enhancing Industry Relationships

Even entry-level jobs in advanced manufacturing are difficult to fill. In Mooresville, North Carolina, NGK Ceramics USA, a supplier of emission control equipment for auto and diesel manufacturers, anticipates hiring more than 80 employees for entry-level jobs says J. Todd Alexander, Director of Administration.

Basics such as mechanical aptitude, problem solving skills and good communication are among the qualities they’re seeking in candidates. As a result, community colleges around the country – including Suffolk County Community College – are partnering with local industries to offer a range of training opportunities to prepare students for these jobs. In fact, Suffolk just initiated a new “Industry Presidents’ Roundtable” which will further enhance relationships with regional manufacturers and help ensure that the College’s workforce training programs are aligned with the current and projected needs of Long Island companies.

Drew Fawcett

Auto Technology: Get Your Motor Running!

If you’re looking to get on the road with one of today’s hottest careers, get behind the wheel of the Automotive Technology Program at Suffolk. Automotive technicians are needed both locally and nationwide. Experienced technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, with highly skilled technicians making upwards of $80,000 or more.

What’s more, Joe Imperial, academic chair and Director of Automotive Technology at Suffolk says, “Top level technicians in the Long Island area typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 – with some people even breaking the six-figure mark.”

Today’s automobiles are equipped with complex computer and electronic systems. Technicians need to be highly trained, skilled professionals who are competent in math, science and computer technology. Communication and management skills are equally important for success in the field.

Industry Recognition

“Cars are an integral part of our lives,” says Imperial. “The need for technicians will keep growing because the technology in today’s vehicles continues to accelerate.”

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the auto industry will have to fill 35,000 technician jobs each year through the end of this decade just to keep up with demand. Just as important, the automotive technician’s job is one that simply cannot be outsourced to a foreign country.

At Suffolk, you’ll find state-of-the-art equipment, top-notch factory-trained and certified instructors, outstanding training opportunities and key industry partnerships with auto manufacturers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen. As a result, Suffolk’s program has received national honors and is recognized as one of the top training programs in the region.

“Whatever direction you take in our program – and there are many options – you’ll put your education to work right away,” says Imperial.

For more information about Suffolk’s Automotive Technology Program, simply call

631-451-4100

ManuFacts and Figures

• Nearly 600,000 manufacturing jobs are unfilled today because employers are unable to find workers with the right skills.
• The U.S. is the world’s largest manufacturing economy, producing 18.2% of global manufactured products, according to the World Bank. China is second with 17.6%.
• U.S. manufacturing produces $1.8 trillion of value each year, or 12.2% of U.S. GDP. For every $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.48 is added to the economy.
• Manufacturing supports an estimated 17.2 million jobs in the U.S. – about one in six private sector jobs. Nearly 12 million Americans (or 9% of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing.
• In 2011, the average U.S. manufacturing worker earned $77,060 annually, including pay and benefits. The average worker in all industries earned $60,168.
• U.S. manufacturers perform two-thirds of all private sector R&D in the nation, driving more innovation than any other sector.