E-mail This Page

Automated Manufacturing

School of Industrial & Engineering Technologies
College Avenue Labs and Machining Technologies Center · (570) 327-4520

The Job Outlook

We frequently hear the question, "What kind of job can I get when I graduate?" This is an excellent question, and one that for graduates of our programs in Manufacturing has some very exciting answers. Consider this: if it wasn't grown in agriculture, then it probably was manufactured! Our department is committed to providing the high technology educational experience that leads to rewarding careers in manufacturing.

The news these days is filled with plant closings or layoffs blamed on foreign competition or the export of jobs to other countries. While there indeed have been large shifts in the manufacturing sector in this country, what is not reported in the news media by and large is the change in demographic of workers and the ongoing needs of industry for employees with the right set of qualifications. Overall economic conditions also impact manufacturers, such as consumer demand and recessions. Today, virtually no line of employment guarantees a lifetime in one locality or with one business.

"Production" jobs that are low-skilled are not only the first to be eliminated in economic downturns, but also the ones most likely to be exported. Computer technology, automation and robotics, "lean" manufacturing, quality assurance methodology, job safety and the environment, and product liability (to name a few) are all concerns of modern manufacturing companies. Students versed in the latest technology are those companies seek. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "job opportunities for machinists should continue to be excellent." (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

A recently completed alumni survey revealed that our graduates from three to five years ago are in widely different types of manufacturing jobs. Associate degree graduates are typically in more craft-oriented positions. Representative titles (reported by the two-year graduates) are

Those in the Bachelor's Degree program reported job titles such as these:

Will YOU have a job when you graduate? That depends! There is much more to the process of finding a job. Were you diligent in your college studies? What are your "soft skills" (writing, speaking, etc.) like? How flexible are you to making changes in your work or workplace? Even in the last few years of economic downturns and recession, our graduates have averaged an 85-90% positive placement right out of college!