What is manufacturing technology?

Manufacturing technology, vital for transforming raw materials into finished goods, constantly evolves with advancements in key areas. These include machining and machine tools, additive manufacturing (3D printing), casting and molding, joining and assembly, automation and robotics, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), materials technology, quality control, lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, and sustainable manufacturing. This technology significantly impacts the production of both consumer and industrial products.

What is ‘advanced’ manufacturing technology?

Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) encompasses innovative methods and technologies in manufacturing to boost efficiency, productivity, and quality. It integrates sophisticated techniques such as automation and robotics for tasks like assembly and packaging, enhancing speed and precision. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) aids in complex product design and efficient production planning.

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) allows for layer-by-layer construction of customized items, while Precision Machining and CNC Machining provide high accuracy in part production. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Manufacturing involve sensor-integrated equipment for real-time process optimization. Advanced materials like composites improve product performance, and quality control technologies ensure product standards. Finally, supply chain integration and management optimize material sourcing and distribution.

How studying AMT online can prepare you for the future economy

Advanced Manufacturing Technology is crucial in modern industry as it enables manufacturers to produce high-quality products at a lower cost, with greater flexibility and in a more environmentally friendly way. It plays a significant role in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare.

As futurist Bernard Marr says in Forbes, “You’ve heard of the Internet of Things; well, now we have the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), where interconnected devices are used in manufacturing and industrial settings to collect data—data that can then be used to enhance the manufacturing process. Data…on factory machines can help manufacturers understand how machines are performing, optimize the maintenance process, reduce machine downtime and even predict when things will go wrong. ”

Marr predicts that technology advancements such as 5G and edge computing, predictive maintenance, digital twinning (visualizing and simulating), robots and cobots and Web3 and blockchain technology (among other trends), will redefine the industry as well as the education students will need to become equipped for the evolution of global manufacturing.

What is an associate degree in manufacturing technology?

The online associate degree in technology manufacturing is a two-year, cutting-edge program that prepares students for different tracks in the manufacturing industry of tomorrow. This is not yesterday’s assembly line management, but education for people who want to tackle technology in the industrial manufacturing workplace.

As technology dominates our work and personal lives and changes how we manufacture products and use the workforce, certain skills will be needed to help make products and services needed in our everyday lives. Keeping industrial manufacturing abreast of technological advancement will be necessary for economic growth and sustainment. An associate degree in industrial manufacturing may put you at the forefront of change and upgrades as the industry explores AI technologies, robotics and automation that can produce and maintain products faster, better and more efficiently.

What can you do with an associate degree in manufacturing?

The 2-year online programs in advanced manufacturing technology usually offer a couple of different paths in which you may choose to focus your studies: manufacturing machining or technical design. Most of these programs will have a hybrid curriculum, where you can take your academic coursework online but need to attend a campus or other facilities to complete hands-on vocational training.

Considering the program curriculum and specializations is a decisive factor for success in the field. Some paths to consider are:

• Mechatronics/automation
• Technical design
• Precision machining
• Metal fabrication

A manufacturing associate degree online may prepare you to work in planning, design or manufacturing in industries such as aerospace or high-tech manufacturing where you may hold job titles such as:

• Aircraft mechanic or service technician
• Mechanical drafter
• Aerospace engineering technician
• Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmer

What to expect in an online manufacturing associate program

Your program will take approximately two years to complete, will be a hybrid of online coursework and hands-on training and should provide some work experience or internship that aligns with your chosen occupation or trade. Here are examples of the types of courses you may take in each track:

CAD, or computer-aided design has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, allowing for more precise design representations and optimization of product engineering and manufacturing processes.

PLC programming, or programmable logic controller programming is essential for automating and controlling industrial processes, ensuring the efficient use of raw materials and enhancing process control.

CNC machining, which involves using computer-controlled machines, such as CNC machine tools, to create precise and complex parts using various machine tools.

These skills are highly valued in the manufacturing industry and may lead to rewarding career opportunities. Beyond the core technical skills, manufacturing technology online associate degree programs also provide specialized training in areas such as:

• Quality control
• Automated manufacturing
• Electronics
• Blueprint reading
• Safety
• Robotics
• AI and machine learning

Once you complete your coursework, you’ll also complete a capstone project and a work-study orientation. You’ll then be assigned a faculty advisor who will be your sponsor during your hands-on work-study program with a local employer.

Browse our vetted selection of online associate programs

How to choose the right program for you

Online associate programs are available at colleges, universities and trade and vocational schools. Many professional agencies may offer education programs, but these may be more akin to an online bootcamp or perhaps a certificate program and may be prep for an apprenticeship or other entry-level career in manufacturing technology and not result in a degree credential. Some things to consider as you research your online degree are:

• Does your online manufacturing technology associate degree program provide you with flexible learning options to gain technical and soft skills for a successful career in the manufacturing industry?
• What job placement, portfolio prep and resume services are there? Do graduates have access to entry-level positions after graduation?
• Have you assessed your personal goals and interests and compared programs to see which provides the best fit?
• Is there any financial or tuition assistance available from the school, or do they provide resources to help you pay for your associate degree?
• Is the program accredited? It will need to hold accreditation if you decide to pursue federal financial aid—and accreditation ensures quality, and some employers may prefer that your program was accredited. Look for regional accreditation or ABET-accredited schools.

Tips for success when earning your associate in manufacturing

Since you’ll be largely working remotely, how well you do in your program will be entirely up to you. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some ways to maximize your time and minimize distractions. Consider these tips:

Prioritize tasks: It may seem obvious, but it’s important that you identify the tasks that are the most important and work on those first. Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix are good visual planners that can help you determine in what order they should be completed.  

Limit distractions: Identify things that distract you from working. This might be texting, social media, housework and laundry, pets, emails, television or even the weather. It’s not realistic to eliminate all distractions but try to avoid or ignore them as much as possible so you can focus when it’s time to study. Consider a private quiet space in your home or apartment where you can eliminate the outside world for a few hours.

Plan long-term: Don’t just look at the next hour or day’s tasks. Use a digital planner to help manage your longer-term tasks or obligations too. Think about the finish line and what you’ll need to do to get there. This includes writing papers or planning for hands-on experience coursework.

Break up your workload: Break up study time into manageable chunks. Work consistently for a set amount of time (30 minutes or an hour for example), then take a 10-minute break. Rest your eyes, stretch or eat something healthy. These times aren’t set in stone, and you can pick any time intervals that works for you, but be consistent and diligent.

Advancing your manufacturing career

Industrial manufacturing technology technicians have a couple of options to advance in their careers. Much of the career ladder will be reliant upon continued learning of new technologies and time in the field, but they can progress from technician to team leader or engineer, depending on their title at entry. Once they have established themselves, advancement might take them into operations supervisor or project engineer.

The highest rung of the ladder would include management positions such as plant manager, operations manager, project engineering manager or manufacturing manager. To achieve these titles, techs would need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree or complete professional certifications and accrue years on the job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are some soft skills I should have or develop to succeed in manufacturing technology?

You’ll likely be working as part of a team in this field, so communication skills are key. Other skills you should have include adaptability, as the field is dynamic; Attention to detail is critical as your work will require precision, measurements and mathematical calculations; critical-thinking skills and the ability to problem solve will also be useful to cultivate.

What are some future trends in manufacturing technology? Where should I develop more hard skills?

New and emerging technologies are the wave of the future in manufacturing technology, with Snaplogic noting that “artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, code manufacturing and integrated workflows, processes and data pipelines” are key. But, they say, the major factor affecting change in manufacturing is in customer experience. This means “a move to the cloud,” and it also means “understanding integration in order to weave the network of systems, applications, tools and resources to drive efficiency, speed up product development, ensure adequate production and most critically, meet customer expectations.” Therefore, you may choose to incorporate bootcamps in AI technology or other computer technologies, into your coursework.

How much can I expect to earn in manufacturing technology?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorized manufacturing technologists under Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians and reports a median annual wage of $64,790. They also report the highest level of employment is in the semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing sector where the median pay equates to $63,160.

How about job growth?

The BLS anticipates national job growth of 1.7% through 2034. This aligns exactly on average with all other careers combined and estimates around 6,500 new job openings will be added every year.

Are there any apprenticeships or associations I should join? Is there a union?

There are several professional associations dedicated to the welfare of manufacturing employees. The main union is the AFL-CIO, whose Working for America Institute offers apprenticeships for manufacturing workers. Some of the apprenticeships you may pursue include:

• IMT Apprenticeship
• Partnership for Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship
• MII Project

Other opportunities include:

• Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint: offered by the U.S. Department of Labor with the White House and the Department of Commerce
• Manufacturing USA’s Manufacturing Workforce Development

Getting started

If you’re intrigued by the rapid advancement of technologies in the manufacturing sector, there’s no better time to enter the field than right now. With AI, robotics and machine learning changing the way products are made, there is a huge opportunity for those with the right skills to enter this reinvented frontier. Even better is you can earn the education you need in two years or less in an online associate degree program.

Whether you want to help create efficiencies or do the actual assembly of electronic components or other products using new technologies, there’s a place for your skills and critical thinking abilities. All you need to do is click Find Schools and start researching accredited online associate degree programs that can help get you started in the right direction.

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