Graduation is a major

milestone—but what comes

next? For many students, the

time after high school is filled with

uncertainty. Should you go to college?

Start working? Learn a trade?

If you’re asking yourself those

questions, you’re not alone. And if

you live in Central Minnesota, there’s a

promising path ahead: manufacturing.
 

Manufacturing: A Career with a Future

Manufacturing is one of Minnesota’s

most important industries. It

contributes 13% of the state’s gross

domestic product and employs more

than 320,000 workers. But in Central

Minnesota, it plays an even greater

role—manufacturing accounts for 16%

of all regional employment, the largest

sector in the area.
 

From medical devices and aerospace

components to custom metalwork and

automation systems, manufacturing in

Central Minnesota is modern, clean,

and driven by innovation.
 

The opportunities are real—and the

rewards are significant. The average

manufacturing wage in Central

Minnesota is about $62,000 per year,

which often exceeds entry-level salaries

in other industries. Even better, many of

these careers do not require a four-year

college degree.
 

Skills in Demand

As the current manufacturing workforce

continues to age, the demand for

skilled workers is only growing. In

Minnesota, one in four manufacturing

employees is over 55, and tens of

thousands of positions are expected to

open over the next decade.
 

In Central Minnesota, the most

in-demand roles include:

- CNC machining

- Welding and fabrication

- Mechatronics and robotics

- Maintenance and quality control

- Tool and die making

Many local employers offer paid

internships, job shadowing, or tuition

reimbursement to encourage students

and young adults to enter the industry.

Multiple Pathways to Success
You don’t need to attend a four-year
university to build a great career.
Technical colleges across Central
Minnesota offer one- and two-year
programs that lead directly into
high-demand roles. Apprenticeship
programs combine classroom learning
with paid, hands-on training. In some
cases, companies provide all the
training you need right on the job.

The average starting salary for
someone completing a registered
apprenticeship in manufacturing is
around $80,000 nationally—proof that
there are multiple ways to succeed.

Resources to Help You Get Started
If you’re unsure how to take the next
step, there’s support available right
in your community. Organizations like
Central Minnesota Jobs and Training
Services, Inc. (CMJTS) and Career
Solutions offer personalized help with
career planning, resume building,
interview practice, tuition assistance,
and job placement.

Their services are free and tailored to
help students and job seekers explore
opportunities and enter the workforce
with confidence.

See It for Yourself
The Tour of Manufacturing, held
annually across Central Minnesota,
gives students, parents, and
community members a behind-thescenes
look at modern manufacturing
facilities. It’s a great way to learn
about real jobs, meet potential
employers, and start envisioning your
future.

Check your school or local
workforce board for event dates and
participating companies.

Build a Future That Fits You
You don’t need to have everything
figured out right away. The manufacturing
industry in Central Minnesota offers real
opportunity, strong wages, and a supportive
network of educators, employers, and
advisors ready to help you succeed. Your
next step could lead to a fulfilling career—
and it might be just down the road.

Graduation is a major milestone,
but what comes next? For many students,
the time after high school is filled with
uncertainty. Should you go to college?
Start working? Learn a trade?

If you’re asking yourself those questions,
you’re not alone. And if you live in Central
Minnesota, there’s a promising path
ahead: manufacturing.


Assistance Available:

Leslie Wojtowicz, CMJTS:
763.647-5486
lwojtowicz@cmjts.org

Angie Dahle, Career Solutions:
320.308.5334
angie.dahle@csjobs.org