Job Market at a Glance: Kansas City Metro Region

Job Market at a Glance: Kansas City Metro Region

Manufacturing Forecast Remains Strong for Missouri

While many industries had a rocky 2020, manufacturing is trending upwards. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) saw a gain of 12,000 manufacturing jobs, with some states, like Missouri, keeping a strong base of manufacturing jobs.

Most notable for Missouri is the amount of advanced manufacturing companies in the state. These technology-driven manufacturers produce products for the aerospace, semiconductor, electronics equipment and materials industries, among others. As a result, Missouri is a prime location for jobs in the BLS’ most promising categories, including machinists and maintenance technicians.

The key to these jobs for both the state and for future manufacturing professionals is skills training.

Getting Started in Manufacturing

For individuals with excellent manufacturing-related skills, Missouri offers excellent short and long term potential for great manufacturing careers.

Advanced manufacturers with a significant presence in Missouri include some of the largest manufacturing companies in the world, such as Boeing, Emerson Electric, Ford, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Energizer and many more.

All of these manufacturers, along with hundreds of smaller companies and high-tech manufacturing startups, offer bright employment prospects to highly-skilled, well-trained future team members.

The first step is to obtain excellent training in a manufacturing-related area.

Online Manufacturing Courses at Northwest Missouri University

In order to support Missouri’s manufacturing rebound and to provide manufacturing skills for learners everywhere, Northwest Missouri University’s (NMU) Professional Development program offers online courses and programs in manufacturing-related subjects.

NMU’s professional development courses are designed for focused self-study in skills that apply directly to opportunities in manufacturing.

Training for Top Manufacturing Jobs in Missouri

As in most employment markets, Missouri’s top manufacturing jobs require specific, practical skills either directly related to production or to providing critical production support.

NMU’s online courses provide skills for some of Missouri’s top manufacturing jobs, including:

Electrical Technician

Electrical technicians support advanced manufacturing by ensuring that sophisticated equipment runs smoothly and efficiently. Their work keeps entire factories operating on time and with the highest reliability.

According to recruiting site ZipRecruiter.com, manufacturing technicians can earn between $32,000 and $80,000 market. Job site Indeed.com lists over 400 manufacturing technology jobs in Missouri.

NMU’s Electrical Technician training course provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to work on advanced manufacturing equipment, including robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and electrical system safety.

Electrical Technician Training
12 Months | 120 Course Hours

Learn electrical maintenance, including inspection, quality, electrical systems, automation, motor controls and assembly.

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CNC Machinist

Machinists are among the most in-demand professionals in the advanced manufacturing environment. Those who skillfully operate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing machines are especially valued.

CNC machinists are the backbone of advanced manufacturing. They interpret designs, program and operate machines such as lathes, mills, presses, and drills, 3D printers, glass cutters and more. CNC machinists turn design documents into physical products.

According to ZipRecruiter.com, CNC machinists earn between $31,000 and $47,000 in Missouri. With specialized skills and experience, many CNC machinists earn over $50,000 per year.

NMU’s CNC Machinist course provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to join the advanced manufacturing revolution as a CNC machinist.

CNC Machinist Training
12 Months | 195 Course Hours

Learn to perform CNC machining, including workholding, math, inspection, safety, metal cutting, materials, quality, and grinding.

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Engineering Technician

Engineering technicians help manage production by solving technical problems that arise throughout the various processes. Their work involves research and development across the manufacturing domain, including machining, quality, grinding, electrical systems, automation, motor controls and more.

As they diagnose, resolve and redesign manufacturing issues, engineering technicians become highly valued members of advanced manufacturing teams. They also commonly advance to senior roles on engineering teams or build the backgrounds to become engineers.

According to ZipRecruiter.com, engineering technicians earn between $38,000 and $62,000. The recruiting site lists nearly 500 open jobs for this in-demand profession.

NMU’s Engineering Technician course provides you with the skills in product, process, and production design and management to become a valuable member of an advanced manufacturing engineering team.

Engineering Technician Training
18 Months | 330 Course Hours

Gain the skills needed for an engineering technician role, including machining, electrical systems, automation, motor controls, additive manufacturing, assembly, design.

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Skills Training Leads to Manufacturing Jobs in Missouri

Although 2020 has proven to be a challenging year across the US, manufacturing professionals are in high demand in manufacturing-intensive areas such as Missouri. NMU’s 100% online courses prepare you to take part in the bright future of advanced manufacturing.