Industrial and manufacturing engineering technology graduates help industrial
engineers streamline and smooth out the machines and methods that produce
and distribute products of all kinds.
Students study automation, production, inventory management, facility
planning, quality assurance and manufacturing processes.
Many schools offer programs in industrial or manufacturing engineering
technology. Whether they call it "industrial" or "manufacturing" depends on
the school, but the programs are the same. And they have lots of room for
new students.
"I think there is a perception that manufacturing is...dirty, and it is
smelly, and it is all manual. And I think that has been a real hard image
to shake," says Katherine Henry, coordinator of an industrial engineering
technology program.
In the U.S., you can get a two-year associate's degree in industrial
engineering technology or a four-year bachelor's degree in engineering technology.
The two-year program allows you to become a technician. With the bachelor's
degree, you become a technologist. Technicians may work under technologists
and earn less.
Many programs offer internships or co-op placements. You may also
be able to take some programs on a part-time basis.
Entrance requirements vary. The minimum is a high school diploma, but
that may not be good enough.
Henry says her college theoretically accepts students with marks below
university entrance standards. But she warns that students really need higher
marks to succeed.
Take courses in math and the natural sciences -- especially physics
-- when you're in high school. "Concentrate on the maths and the sciences,"
says Ted Jarrell. He chairs the mechanical and manufacturing engineering technology
program at Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina.
A good grasp of English and grammar is also important, says Henry.
That's because you write a lot of reports and recommendations. People are
more likely to pay attention if you do them right.
You must also be curious and enjoy working with your hands. Disassemble
simple devices and study them, says Jarrell. Try to visualize in your
mind how they may actually be produced, he says.
You can hone these skills by taking shop in high school. It's not
required, but it will help.
Computer literacy also helps. That's because industrial and manufacturing
technology programs expose students to CAD (computer-aided design).
The main costs are tuition and books.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Engineering
Technicians
Engineering: Your Future
Information for high school students on engineering careers
Discover Engineering
Find out what's new in the field
Careers in Technology
A general guide