


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.
Programs of study
Expand AllAdvanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics: Robotics
The Advanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics program of study focuses on the assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair of electromechanical equipment or devices. CTE Learners may work in a variety of mechanical fields, gaining knowledge and experience in robotics, refinery and pipeline systems, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. CTE concentrators may work in a variety of fields of engineering.
Course pathways
Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
---|---|---|
1 |
8M100 8O100 |
8M100 8O100 |
2 | 8O220 Robotics I |
8O220 |
3 |
8O230 8M310 |
8M942S GRCTC (Fall) 8O900S GRCTC (Spring) |
4 |
8M470 |
8M990 GRCTC Practicum in Manufacturing - Robotics |
Potential careers
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Electro-Mechanical Assemblers | $30,160 | 951 | 9% |
Electro-Mechanical Technicians | $56,555 | 127 | 9% |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $49,816 | 3,788 | 27% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at GISD campuses and the GRCTC
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
- Do an apprenticeship at a local business or industry
- Join the American Welding Society
Advanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics: Manufacturing Engineering
The Advanced Manufacturing and Machinery Mechanics program of study focuses on the assembly, operation, maintenance, and repair of electromechanical equipment or devices. CTE learners may work in a variety of mechanical fields, gaining knowledge and experience in robotics, refinery and pipeline systems, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. CTE concentrators may work in a variety of fields of engineering.
Course pathway
Note: This program is only offered at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
Level | GRCTC pathway |
---|---|
1 |
8M100 8O100 |
2 | 8O230 Engineering Design & Presentation I |
3 |
8M940S GRCTC (Fall) 8M950S GRCTC (Spring) |
4 | 8M960 GRCTC Practicum in Manufacturing |
Potential careers
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Electro-Mechanical Assemblers | $30,160 | 951 | 9% |
Electro-Mechanical Technicians | $56,555 | 127 | 9% |
Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $49,816 | 3,788 | 27% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at all GISD campuses and the GRCTC
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
- Do an apprenticeship at a local business or industry
- Join the American Welding Society
Manufacturing Technology: Diversified Manufacturing
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 |
---|---|
1 |
8M100 8O100 |
2 | 8M220 Diversified Manufacturing I |
3 | 8M320 Diversified Manufacturing II |
4 |
8M470 |
Potential careers
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $57,117 | 453 | 9% |
CNC Machine Operators | $39, 250 | 1,319 | 12% |
Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technicians | $60,757 | 114 | 9% |
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technicians | $60,382 | 1,439 | 9% |
Industrial Engineering Technicians | $61,672 | 326 | 9% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
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
- Job shadow a machinist or welder
Work-based learning activities
- Do an apprenticeship at a local business or industry
- Join the American Welding Society
Manufacturing Technology: Precision Metal Manufacturing, Diversified Manufacturing
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
Note: This program is only offered at the Garland HS (GHS) campus.
Level | GHS pathway |
---|---|
1 |
8M100 8O100 |
2 | 8M220 Diversified Manufacturing I |
3 |
8M200 8M320 |
4 |
8M300 8M470 |
Potential careers
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $57,117 | 453 | 9% |
CNC Machine Operators | $39,250 | 1,319 | 12% |
Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technicians | $60,757 | 114 | 9% |
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technicians | $60, 382 | 1,439 | 9% |
Industrial Engineering Technicians | $61, 672 | 326 | 9% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at GISD campuses
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
- Job shadow a machinist or welder
Work-based learning activities
- Do an apprenticeship at a local business or industry
- Join the American Welding Society
Manufacturing Technology: Metal Manufacturing & Machining
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
Note: This program is only offered at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
Level | GRCTC pathway |
---|---|
1 |
8M100 |
2 |
8M220 8M200 |
3 |
8M900 (GRCTC) |
4 |
8M910 (GRCTC) 8M920 |
Potential careers
Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $57,117 | 453 | 9% |
CNC Machine Operators | $39,250 | 1,319 | 12% |
Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technicians | $60,757 | 114 | 9% |
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technicians | $60,382 | 1,439 | 9% |
Industrial Engineering Technicians | $61,672 | 326 | 9% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at GISD campuses
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
- Job shadow a machinist
Work-based learning activities
- Do an apprenticeship at a local business or industry
- 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 |
8M130 |
2 | 8M230 Welding I |
3 | 8M330 Welding II |
4 |
8M470 |
Potential careers
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% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
Education level | Options |
---|---|
HS/Industry Certification |
|
Certificate/License* |
|
Associate's Degree |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
|
Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at only the SGHS campus
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
- Job shadow a machinist or welder
Work-based learning activities
- Do an apprenticeship at a local business or industry
- 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.