Manufacturing Technology Prepares Students for Growing Job Market

The welding industry is booming in every area-manufacturing, construction and oil field. Employers have an urgent need for skilled workers in these rewarding career fields. The situation has forced employers to increase wages and offer competitive benefit packages. This is a great opportunity for welders. Most have no trouble finding a job. The American Welding Society estimates that the industry is losing thousands of skilled welders every year. The deficit could leave more than 400,000 potential jobs unfilled by 2014.

Northwest Technology Center offers training for the welding industry in its Manufacturing Technology program. Students receive training in safety in the workplace, fundamentals of welding, blueprint reading, Oxyfuel/Plasma Cuttings and lots more.

Manufacturing Technology students have the opportunity to test for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification or the Oklahoma Department of Labor Pipe Welding certification. Students also have the opportunity to work on employment skills using Northwest Tech's Academic Career Center (ACC). The ACC is open to all students at NWTC and helps them to build a resume', create a portfolio and learn interview skills.

The course work in manufacturing technology can also prepare students for careers in drafting, manufacturing and engineering as well as a variety of other technically based careers. Students can earn college credit from this program and can go on to get a degree in welding technology, weld inspection or engineering.

Students (age 18 and over) can participate in on the job training. Northwest Tech works with many shops locally to help students continue their education while still earning a paycheck.

Participating in competitions in welding and in other areas of manufacturing technology is also a way that student learn skills which will be utilized in the workplace. Students can join the SkillsUSA student organization which teaches leadership and organizes regional, state and national competitions. During the last school year, students from Northwest Technology Center placed second, third and seventh at the regional competition.

After completing the program, and receiving various certifications, students have the basic skills to pursue a career or can pursue further education at a local college or university. There are many great paying jobs and wonderful career opportunities for people with these skills and Northwest Technology Center can help you get there.

Program Description

Northwest Technology Center’s Manufacturing Technology Program works with the American Welding Society (AWS) certification program. This certification is recognized nationally. In addition to providing students with the tools to become AWS certified, the program helps students develop the skills necessary to be successful in many manufacturing jobs. Instructors help students learn basic concepts and internships provide practical training.

The main areas of focus in the Manufacturing Technology program are computer aided drafting, metal facrication and welding. Students have an opportunity to participate in internships. Safety, layout, testing and material processing are also areas of emphasis.

Length of Program

Manufacturing Technology is a 1 year, full-day program or a 2 year, half-day program for a total of 1050 hours.

Eligible Students

This program is open to secondary as well as post-secondary students.

College Credit

College credit is currently available through OSU-Okmulgee and Cowley County Community College.

Certifications

Certifications available through this program include:

• Structural Certification (AWS)
• Pipe Certification (OkDOL)

Career Opportunities

The following career opportunities are possible after completing the program:

• Machinist
• Drafting Technician
• Shielded Metal Arc Welder
• Gas Metal Arc Welder
• Flux Cored Arc Welder
• Manufacturing Equipment Sales
• Welding Inspector
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welder
• Combination Welder
• Continuing Education and Training in the fields of Applied Science, Engineering, Business or Manufacturing

Helpful Attributes

The following skills are not necessary but would allow the student to progress more quickly to achieve success:

• Analytical skills
• Computer knowledge
• Working with hand tools
• Reading and writing skills
• Math skills

Student Organizations

The students are encouraged to participate in the SkillsUSA-VICA organization which promotes leadership development and skill competition at the state and national levels.

Contact Information

For more information about the Manufacturing Technology program at the Fairview campus, contact Mr. Kenneth Hansen at 580.227.3708.

CLICK HERE to download a program brochure in pdf format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the brochure.

Manufacturing Technology Students Attend Skills Contest

Three first year students who are enrolled in the Manufacturing Technology program at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview competed in the SkillsUSA welding competition for first year students held at Autry Technology Center in Enid. The contest featured over 30 competitors from seven area schools.

Pictured (l to r) are Daniel Simmons, Manufacturing Technology Instructor, Tyler Pembrook, who is a Fairview High School junior and the son of James and Sherry Pembrook, Randy Masters who is a Fairview High School sophomore and the son of Randy and Shelly Masters, and Jake Severson, who is the son of Michael and Deana Severson and is a home school sophomore. Pembrook placed second in the competition and Severson took third place