Manufacturing Definitions/Career Information

Looking for general information about Manufacturing? Check this out!

What Is Manufacturing?

Manufacturing is the process of changing raw or processed materials into products people can use. Workers at these companies use machines, processes, energy, and creativity to turn materials into products (1).

The entire scope of the manufacturing process includes the initial product concept and production to quality assurance and measuring the product's performance for the company. World-class manufacturing enterprises must be organized to accomplish all of the functions required to design, produce, market and service its products in a very efficient, cost-effective manner (2).

What is the body of knowledge necessary to work in Manufacturing?

MERC Online has created classifications within manufacturing education to highlight the different facets of education within this industry.

Search for Manufacturing Educational Information and Resources
           
Use the MERC Online searchable database to find educational materials for your classroom or training sessions. Use our Resource Links to find more information about national centers, grants, K-12 resources and promotional programs.

What types of careers can be found in Manufacturing?

Engineers and Engineering Technicians work in the manufacturing industry. Different engineering and technician skills are required depending upon the type of product being manufactured.

            Engineers
            Engineering Technicians
            Frontline Workers

Frontline Workers, from entry-level through first-line supervisors, work to produce a product or whose work supports production (1).

To find a specific job description, search the O*NET website using the Subindustry name, as found below.

See InDemand magazine to read about careers in Advanced Manufacturing

Testimonial: What's Cool About Manufacturing by Shawn Patterson, LFM 1994

What are Manufacturing Subindustries?

Manufacturing is divided into 14 major subindustries. While all of the subindustries have some common characteristics, each of them has unique ways of producing products (1).

Subindustries:

Chemicals
Computers & Electronic Products
Electrical Equipment & Appliances
Food & Beverage
Furniture
Machinery
Nonmetallic Minerals
Petroleum & Coal Products
Plastics & Rubber
Primary & Fabricated Metals
Printing
Textile, Textile Products, Apparel & Leather
Transportation Equipment
Wood & Paper

(1) from Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (2006). High-performance manufacturing. Peoria, IL: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.
(2) from Anderson, S. & Mott, R. (2000). Introduction to world-class manufacturing. Dayton, OH: Sinclair Community College.