It’s Never Too Late to Go to College

All careers in Advanced Manufacturing require you to have a strong mechanical ability, specialized skills, communication skills and computation skills. You will be required to apply problem solving, make decisions, and work in a team environment. Preparation for careers in Advanced Manufacturing must begin in the elementary grades and continue through high school allowing students to gain experience in applied, real-time manufacturing situations. Students will also find it advantageous to participate in a postsecondary program that will expand some skills in specific jobs that meet the requirements of the employer. As technology advances, each worker has the opportunity to produce more, so fewer workers are needed. However, there are excellent opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing where technology and career pathways provide for satisfying careers.

This Career Cluster prepares learners for careers in the planning, implementation, production, management, processing and/or marketing of agricultural commodities and services. This includes food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products. It also includes related professional, technical and educational services. Employment opportunities will continue to increase for those who provide and market an expanding array of food, forest, and veterinary medical consumer products to a growing world population. Continued globalization of the food, agricultural and natural resources system will increase opportunities for graduates who understand the socio-economic factors that define international markets. Graduates who know how to satisfy the diverse consumer needs and preferences in different cultures, and who have the language skills to communicate effectively, will have the best opportunities to be employed by the growing number of multinational businesses.

The Business Management and Administration Cluster prepares learners for careers in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy and require specific skills in organization, time management, customer service and communication. The business management and administration services industry is projected to be one of the fastest growing through the year 2020. Nearly half of all jobs are in managerial and professional occupations, and nearly one-fourth of all workers are self-employed. The business management and administration services industry is one of the highest-paying industries. In the next few years, many new jobs will be added and many openings will result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave jobs.

The Finance career cluster prepares learners for careers in financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management. Career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy and require specific skills in organization, time management, customer service, and communication. The finance industry is projected to increase by 10 percent by 2026. Globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue to lead to strong demand for accountants and auditors.

Government affects Americans in countless ways. In fact, virtually every occupation can be found within government. There are, however, some activities that are unique to government. The federal government defends us from foreign aggression; represents American interests abroad; deliberates, passes and enforces laws; and administers many different programs. State and local governments pass laws or ordinances and provide vital services to constituents. There are many opportunities in government in every career area. The Government and Public Administration Career Cluster focuses on those careers that are unique to government and not contained in another career cluster.

The Health Science career cluster represents one of the largest industries in the country, with more than 11 million jobs available. The health science industry includes establishments ranging from small-town private practice physicians who employ only one medical assistant to busy inner city hospitals that provide thousands of diverse jobs. More than half of all non-hospital health service establishments employ fewer than five workers. On the other hand, almost two-thirds of hospital employees were in establishments with more than 1,000 workers.

The Hospitality and Tourism career cluster prepares learners for careers in the management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel-related services. Hospitality operations are located in communities throughout the world. Travel and tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. Each year, travel and tourism employers around the world pay more than $1.6 trillion in wages and salaries and create 12.5 million new jobs. Beginning salaries depend on the employee’s skills, education and job level at a hotel, restaurant, tourism office, recreation facility, amusement park or attraction site. Salaries range from entry-level wages to six figures. This industry is known for promoting from within and for its large number of young managers.