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Career Explorations - Technologies: Manufacturing, Communications & Repair

About This Cluster:

The “Technologies: Manufacturing, Communications & Repair” cluster covers a broad range of industries that require employees with technical backgrounds. Included are technical jobs in manufacturing, the electric utilities, and telecommunications, including telephone and cable companies. This cluster also includes jobs in companies that repair automobiles, airplanes, computers and other technical products.

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Types of Jobs and Where They Are

• Engineers and engineering technicians design, develop, test and help manufacture machines, consumer products, computer software, communications systems and many other things.

• Technicians of many kinds — for example, those in engineering, communications, electronics, manufacturing, environmental, facilities systems and graphic arts — are in great demand in the state.

• People in technical sales and marketing act as industry experts, consultants and problem solvers when selling their firms’ products and services.

• Mechanics, installers and repairers have technical backgrounds but will usually specialize in one type of work, such as aircraft, autos, air conditioning or computers.

• Machinists in precision production produce metal parts and plastic molds using machine tools such as lathes, drill presses and milling machines. Today’s machinists must have a working knowledge of computers and be able to use and sometimes program computer software. Most printing press operators also need to have computer skills and are involved with the publication of books, magazines and newspapers.

To give students a picture of the exciting career opportunities in the state, we filmed people at work in a variety of careers in member companies and agencies throughout the state. The careers highlighted in the videos included jobs for graduating high school students, people with 2-year, 4-year and advanced degrees. Examples of jobs highlighted in the videos are: Skilled Machinist, CAD Technician, Electrical Engineer and Production Manager.

There is also a video available for this cluster that includes worksite footage and interviews from the following companies: Pratt & Whitney, A United Technologies Company; Otis Elevator Company; Chester Precision Company; Uniphase Telecommunications Products and Stanadyne Automotive Corp.

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SPECIAL : Science Careers for Students with Associate Degrees

Jobs in Technologies range from Manufacturers to Repairmen. While the bulk of the jobs in this category are related to non-science related careers, there are some science based jobs that make up some of the most rewarding careers in Connecticut. Click on the highlighted words to see what skills are needed for each job, how much they pay, and people you can contact for more information.

So if you're interested in finding a good job when you get out of school, but don't know what kind of job you want, or what type of education you need for it, click here.

Prospects for the Future

Businesses throughout Connecticut are creating new technical jobs daily. Many of the state’s largest manufacturing companies are hiring young employees with strong math and technical skills. New, usually small, manufacturing firms also need employees with technical backgrounds or specialized training to repair sophisticated equipment, including cars and computers.

Industries that depend on workers with technical knowledge, strong computer skills, good basic math, English and communication skills, and an interest in working in a fast-paced environment are growing in Connecticut.

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Educational Background Needed

Most of the jobs in this cluster require at least a high school background that includes courses in math, the physical sciences, technology, communications and using computers.

Many of these jobs require at least a two-year associate’s degree from a community/technical college or private occupational school and some require specialized industry certification.

A student interested in the manufacturing process might add courses in manufacturing technology, electronics, computer aided machining (CAM) or computer-aided drafting (CAD).

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Kinds of People Who Work in This Cluster

Working in technical jobs often appeals to people who:
• Enjoy figuring out how things work
• Like solving practical problems
• Can think about developing new techniques and products
• Have a special interest in computers and the way they work
• Like making things using electronics, lasers and robots

Characteristics and Skills Vital for Advancement

Employers and experts cite the following practical and academic skills as keys to advancement in the Technologies: Manufacturing, Communications & Repair Cluster and all job clusters. (Download the Industry Skills Standards for Environmental, Natural Resources & Agriculture - 15 page PDF file)
• Strong literacy and excellent communication skills
• State-of-the-art computer and technology skills
• Strong math and science skills
• Teamwork skills
• Flexibility and desire to learn new skills
• Cross-functionalism: the ability to transfer skills and learn new ones in order to perform many functions in the workplace
• Multicultural awareness
• Fluency in at least one other language, in some fields

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Education Requirements and Average Salary Levels

Note: All salary ranges listed are current industry averages. Actual jobs may pay more or less depending on a number of factors.

Level of attainment: High school diploma, college associate’s degree, or specialized training:

Facilities Maintenance Technicians/ Production/Assembly Workers $16,000-$21,000
(Environmental and safety compliance, electronic worker, Machine Operator Welder/Precision Machine Operator)
Technician Service/Repair $19,000-$42,000
(Automotive, CAD, Electronics, Engineering, Installation, Fiber Optics)
Skilled Machine Trades $19,000-$41,000
(Machinists, Patter/Mold Tool & Die Maker, Welder)
Customer Service Representative $18,000-$37,000
(Service and Sales)
Communications - Technicians $14,000-$41,000
(Graphics & Video Technicians)

For Bachelor’s, Masters or Doctorate Degrees/Other Professional Degrees & Certificates

Engineers $38,000-$70,000 (Chemical, electrical, computer, manufacturing, mechanical, research & design engineers)
Occupational Health & Safety Engineer $37,000-$64,000
(Technologist, pollution control/consultant engineer)
Marketing Specialists and Supervisors $27,000-$52,000
(sales representative/technical, scientific, national, international)
Management $38,000-$104,000
General managers, top executive, production supervisor, procurement manager)

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