When you think of manufacturing jobs, what do you think of? If you are in the high tech fields, you think of robotics, high skill, and high paying jobs. What do most people think? Low tech, low skill, low paying jobs. CBS News, on 3/11/08, ran a story about how untrue this is.

There are low tech, low skill, low paying jobs. You can find many of these jobs in China, Mexico, and India. There is a misperception problem in the U.S.

That all manufacturing jobs are going overseas.
There are some in the U.S., but not many.
That you won’t be paid well.
There are no jobs to be had because the economy is going into recession.
This is not true. According to CBS News, “the higher-paying, high skill manufacturing sector has grown by 37 percent. Seven million of these workers are nearing retirement, and amazingly, 90 percent of America’s manufacturers say they are short qualified workers” (Bowers, CBS News).

While U.S. companies are laying off workers right now, many manufacturing jobs, especially high-tech manufacturers are desperately looking for workers. Have you ever worked on computers? Are you decent at math (algebra)? Look at what you can do in manufacturing and you will find an exciting career that pays well. Check out the National Association of Manufacturers ad campaign Dream it, Do It.

Also check out CBS News blog on the subject of the news article by Cynthia Bowers.
If you like what you see and need training, many of the two-year community colleges can help you with the training and the job placement.