Career Planning

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.

This career cluster prepares learners for careers in designing, planning, managing, building and maintaining the building environment. People employed in this cluster work on new structures, restorations, additions, alterations and repairs. Architecture and construction comprise one of the largest industries in the United States. Based on the latest statistics, this career cluster has 13.8 million jobs. In the next few years, many new jobs will be added and many employment opportunities will result from the need to replace experienced workers who leave jobs.

Broadly, individuals that work in the AV communications industry manufacture, sell, rent, design, install, integrate, operate, and repair the equipment of audiovisual communications. They are involved in the presentation of sound, video, and data to groups in such venues as corporate boardrooms, hotels, convention centers, classrooms, theme parks, stadiums, and museums. The major activity sectors in the AV communications industry are distributive service firms (AV dealers, rental companies, consultants, designers, and related firms), manufacturers of AV presentations and communications products, and large end-users. Most observers expect the job growth rate within AV industries to be at 20-30 percent for the foreseeable future. In just the AV systems technician field, the industry could expect to add 20,600 jobs annually.

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 career cluster prepares learners for careers in planning, managing and providing education and training services and related learning support services. Millions of people each year prepare for careers in education and training in a variety of settings that offer academic instruction, vocational and technical instruction, and other education and training services. A growing emphasis on improving education and making it available to more Americans will increase the overall demand for workers in the education and training career cluster. Employers are expected to devote greater resources to job-specific training programs in response to the increasing complexity of many jobs, the aging of the work force, and technological advances that can leave employees with obsolete skills. This will result in particularly strong demand for training and development specialists across all industries.

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.