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Manufacturing and Product Development

Prepare for a career in Product Innovation and Design or Welding and Materials Joining.

“We feel that there’s a lot of times a perception that manufacturing is predominantly a male role, and it’s important that our female students see women doing these roles and doing them well.”

Tara Kaitfors
Former CTE Business Engagement Coordinator

Overview

Pathways in the Manufacturing and Product Development sector prepare graduates to work in manufacturing as welders, CNC machinists, industrial designers, robotics engineers, and more.

Students may have the opportunity to receive college credit and industry recognized certifications as well as participate in paid and unpaid internships.

Manufacturing and Product Development

Sample Manufacturing Courses

Note: Course availability varies by school and program.

Examples of Manufacturing Careers

Occupation Education Level Median Annual Earnings in CA
CAD/CAM Programmer or CNC Machinist Postsecondary certificate $72,720
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Tool Operator High school diploma or equivalent $42,640
Industrial Designer Bachelor's degree $80,620
Industrial Production Manager Bachelor's degree $116,100
Manufacturing Engineer Bachelor's degree $101,720
Robotics Engineer Bachelor's degree $113,510
Tool and Die Maker Postsecondary certificate $61,820
Welder, Cutter, Solderer, and Brazer High school diploma or equivalent $45,930

Source: US Dept of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics for California

Innovative Design and Applied Technology Academy (IDATA)

Manufacturing and Welding are programs offered exclusively at Duncan Polytechnical High School.

Manufacturing and Product Development

Students learn various manufacturing skills such as machining, programming, and product development. Students have the opportunity to earn several industry certifications, including OSHA-10, National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), credentials in CNC milling and CNC turning, and Safety and Pollution Prevention Training (S/P2). College credit, internships, and apprenticeships are also offered through the program. Graduates can go straight to work in entry-level positions.

Welding Fabrication

Students learn to hand weld, flame cut, hand solder, and more, in order to prepare for careers building or repairing machinery, heavy equipment, pipes, and even ships. Through hands-on projects, students learn different types of arc welding, CNC plasma cutting, and oxy-acetylene welding, brazing, and cutting. Students have the opportunity to earn several industry certifications, including OSHA-10, American Welding Society (AWS) and Safety and Pollution Prevention Training (S/P2). College credit, internships, and apprenticeships are also offered through the program. Graduates can go straight to work in entry-level positions.

Linked Learning Silver Certification

Linked Learning Silver Certification is a standard of excellence for college and career preparation. We have achieved Silver Certification by demonstrating that our pathways have integrated academics with career-themed coursework, feature meaningful work-based learning, and include effective supports for students.

linked learning silver seal

Duncan Innovative Design and Applied Technology Academy (IDATA)