Industrial Operations

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Career Information

Employment opportunities
Your specialized training will prepare you for jobs in manufacturing facilities setting up and operating automated equipment. Consumer products from automobiles to appliances are made in whole or in part by people in metalworking and plastics fabrication, so there is a wide range of industry requiring skilled operations personnel. Typical jobs include machine tool operators, set-up operators, plastic molding machine operators, tool and die makers, welders, and cutters. Many of these workers run computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.

Job outlook
Locally, there are over 20,000 manufacturing jobs, so employment potential is excellent in east central Illinois. Many opportunities are also available nationally.

Earning potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationally, median salaries for industrial machinery mechanics are about $36,000; the national average for welders is about $27,000. Starting salaries locally are at $10 per hour and up. Wages will vary based on location, additional training, and work experience. Workers are usually members of labor unions, and there is often paid overtime work.

Career advancement
With experience, you can move into a supervisory position. Continuing education courses will prepare you for lucrative management positions.

Career choices with your certificate:
• CNC operator
• Cutter
• Machine tool operator
• Plastic molding machine operator
• Setup operator
• Tool and die maker
• Welder

With experience and/or further education you may go on to:
• Foreman
• Manager
• Supervisor