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Manufacturing
Learn about the Manufacturing career cluster.
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The Manufacturing Career Cluster® focuses on planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process engineering.
Need a hard copy? See the 24-25 Manufacturing Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllRobotics and Automation Technology
The Robotics and Automation Technology program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with the assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair of electromechanical equipment or devices. This program of study includes exploration of a variety of mechanical fields, including robotics, refinery and pipeline systems, deep ocean exploration, and hazardous waste removal.
Course pathways
| Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Manufacturing Principles of Applied Engineering | |
| 2 | Robotics I Programmable Logic Controller I | Manufacturing Engineering Technology I- Robotics Manufacturing Engineering Technology I |
| 3 | Engineering Design & Presentation I
| Robotics II Manufacturing Engineering Technology II |
| 4 | Practicum in Manufacturing | Practicum in Manufacturing - Robotics Practicum in Manufacturing |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $46,353 | 1,146 | 10% |
| Semiconductor Processing Technicians | $36,902 | 621 | 9% |
| Industrial Engineers | $100,000 | 1,898 | 26% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- C-101 Certified Industry 4.0 Associate - Basic Operations
- FESTO Certified Industry 4.0 Associate Fundamentals
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining an organization such as SkillsUSA
Exploration activities
- Tour a manufacturing facility
- Participate in SkillsUSA or TSA
- Build a robot and participate in a robotics competition
Work-based learning activities
- ern with a robotics technician working at a manufacturing plant
- Shadow a PLC programmer
Manufacturing Technology
The Manufacturing Technology program of study focuses on the development and use of automatic and computer-controlled machines, tools, and robots that perform work on metal or plastic. CTE learners will learn how to set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Students will also learn how to modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain individual machines, and how to use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment.
Course pathway
| Level | Campus pathway | GHS pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Principles of Manufacturing Principles of Applied Engineering | Principles of Manufacturing Principles of Applied Engineering | |
| 2 | Diversified Manufacturing I | Diversified Manufacturing I | Metal Fabrication and Machining I |
| 3 | Diversified Manufacturing II | Precision Metal Manufacturing I Diversified Manufacturing II | Metal Fabrication and Machining II |
| 4 | Practicum in Manufacturing | Precision Metal Manufacturing II/Lab Practicum in Manufacturing |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $57,117 | 453 | 9% |
| CNC Machine Operators | $39, 250 | 1,319 | 12% |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $60,757 | 114 | 9% |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technicians | $60,382 | 1,439 | 9% |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians | $61,672 | 326 | 9% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- 843 Machining Mill Operations Level 1 NIMS
- 845 CNC Lathe Operations
- 850 Machining Measurement, Material, and Safety Level 1 NIMS
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join SkillsUSA
- Participate in local STEM events
- Job shadow a machinist
Work-based learning activities
- Work at a local business or take an industry apprenticeship
- Join the American Welding Society
Welding
The Welding program of study focuses on the development and use of automatic and computer-controlled machines, tools, and robots that perform work on metal or plastic. CTE learners will learn how to modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain individual machines, and how to use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment.
Course pathway
Note: This program is offered only at the South Garland HS (SGHS) campus.
| Level | SGHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Welding |
| 2 | Welding I |
| 3 | Welding II |
| 4 | Practicum in Manufacturing |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $41,350 | 6,171 | 9% |
| Welding/Soldering/Brazing Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders | $40,040 | 280 | 9% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- 340 AWS D1.1 Structural Steel
- 350 AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding
- 100 API 1104 Welding Pipelines
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join SkillsUSA
- Participate in local STEM events
Work-based learning activities
- Work at a local business or do an industry apprenticeship
- Join the American Welding Society
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Business & Industry
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
Note: STEM endorsement may also be earned if math and science requirements are met.
Contact us
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