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Manufacturing

The high school CTE Manufacturing Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process engineering.

Manufacturing
Made in Texas

pathway 01

Advanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics

The Advanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics CTE program of study focuses on the assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair of electromechanical equipment or devices. High school CTE learners may work in a variety of mechanical fields, gaining knowledge and experience in robotics, refinery and pipeline systems, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. CTE concentrators may work in a variety of fields of engineering.

Work-Based Learning

  • Participate in SkillsUSA and local STEM events
  • Work at a local business or industry apprenticeship
  • Join the American Welding Society

High School Certifications

  • C-101 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate - Basic Operations
  • C-103 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate - Robot System Operations
  • C-200 Certified Industry 4.0 Automation System Specialist I -216 Robotic System Integration 1
  • C-200 Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist I - 208 Programmable Controller- Troubleshooting 1
  • C-200 Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist I -215 Robotic Operations 1
  • Certified Manufacturing Associate
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) - CAM
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) - Additive Manufacturing
  • CNC Lathe Operations
  • CNC Lathe Set Up and Operations
  • FANUC Robot Operator 1
  • FESTO Certified Industry 4.0 Associate Fundamentals
  • Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) - Process Control Systems
  • Machining CNC Mill Operations Level I
  • Machining CNC Mill Programming Setup and Operations Level I
  • Machining CNC Milling Skills Level II
  • Machining CNC Milling Skills Level II

Advanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Electro-Mechanical Assemblers$30,160
Electro-Mechanical Technicians$56,555
Industrial Machinery Mechanics$49,816
Download the Advanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics guide ↓

pathway 02

Manufacturing Technology

The Manufacturing Technology CTE program of study focuses on the development and use of automatic and computer controlled machines, tools, and robots that perform work on metal or plastic. High school CTE learners will learn how to set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Students will also learn how to modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain individual machines, and how to use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment.

Work-Based Learning

  • Participate and compete in SkillsUSA
  • Job shadow a machinist
  • Work in a local business or industry apprenticeship
  • Join the American Welding Society

High School Certifications

  • AWS D.1.1 Structural Steel
  • AWS SENSE Level 1: Entry Welder
  • C-101 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate – Basic Operations
  • C-103 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate - Robot System Operations
  • Certified Manufacturing Associate
  • Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP)- CAM
  • Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) - Additive Manufacturing
  • CNC Lathe Operations
  • CNC Lathe Set Up and Operations
  • Machining CNC Mill Operations Level I
  • Machining CNC Mill Programming Setup and Operations Level I
  • Machining CNC Milling Skills Level II
  • Machining CNC Turning Level II
  • Machining Drill Press Level I
  • Machining Grinding Level I
  • Machining Measurement, Material, and Safety Level I
  • Machining Milling Level I
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • NCCER Core
  • NCCER Welding Level 1
  • Precision Machining - Job Ready
  • Welding - Job Ready

Manufacturing Technology Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Mechanical Engineering Technicians$57,117
CNC Machine Operators$39,250
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians$60,757
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians$60,382
Industrial Engineering Technicians$61,672
Download the Manufacturing Technology guide ↓

pathway 03

Welding

The Welding CTE program of study focuses on the development and use of automatic and computer-controlled machines, tools, and robots that perform work on metal or plastic. High school CTE learners learn how to modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain individual machines, and how to use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment.

Work-Based Learning

  • Participate in SkillsUSA and local STEM events
  • Job shadow a machinist
  • Work in a local business or industry apprenticeship
  • Join the American Welding Society

High School Certifications

  • API 1104 Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities
  • AWS Certified Welder
  • AWS D1.1 Structural Steel
  • AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding
  • AWS SENSE Level 1: Entry Welder
  • Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) - Maintenance Welding
  • NCCER Construction Technology Certification Level I
  • NCCER Core
  • NCCER Welding Level I
  • Welding - Job Ready

Welding Salary Information

OccupationAverage Salary ↕
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$41,350
Welding Soldering and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders$40,040
Download the Welding guide ↓
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