Just as there are countless career opportunities in the manufacturing industry, there are even more trajectories towards getting to each one. Some positions require technical education through high school courses, vocational schools, or community colleges while others require more formal education from a university. There are even positions available that begin with on-the-job training.
Idaho offers training and education opportunities at for job-seekers at every level to get into a manufacturing career. See below to get a sense of what’s available to help you get the appropriate credentials needed for your career interest.
Career Technical Education
Career Technical Education is curriculum taught in middle school, high school, and post-secondary levels that focus on specific career skills that lead to jobs in high-demand occupations. Throughout each region of Idaho, there is a technical college, center for adult education, workforce training center, and center for new directions that all teach and offer CTE services. To learn more about CTE in Idaho, visit cte.idaho.gov
- Idaho has seen a 14% increase in CTE programs available between 2016 to 2020, jumping from 640 to 731
- In 2020, 70% of post-secondary students in CTE capstone courses obtained employment related to their CTE training
- In 2020, 70% of all Idaho HS students are enrolled in CTE programs
- In 2018, 96% of high school juniors and seniors in capstone CTE courses graduated, 94% went on to postsecondary education, the workforce, military, or an apprenticeship
- In 2018, 71% of post-secondary students in CTE capstone courses earned an industry-recognized credential, certificate, or degree and 95% went on to the workforce, the military, or an apprenticeship
Post-Secondary Career Technical Schools in Idaho
Idaho Advanced Opportunities
Allows students in grades 7 – 12 to apply state funding toward CTE classes or workforce training programs which can include registered apprenticeships, dual-credit courses, technical competency credits, and more. Students participating in Advanced Opportunities can also take more academic courses and exams to move them further ahead in their pursuit of a college degree towards a manufacturing career.
Skills Required for Manufacturing
In addition to the formal and technical education and training needed to pursue a career in manufacturing, individuals need to display soft skills and workplace skills appropriate for the job and company. There is no set standard for these traits across the industry, but generally, workers should be able to communicate effectively, operate well with a team, be dependable and accountable, and have an ability to problem solve or think critically.