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Manufacturing/Production Technician

An estimated 6.5 percent growth in manufacturing/production jobs is expected by the year 2014 in Wisconsin. This program was developed to meet the need for skilled entry level employees in production manufacturing.

Work-Based Requirements

Industry mentors are trained to teach youth apprentices the skills and knowledge needed to find entry level employment in the manufacturing/production industry.

At the worksite, youth apprentices will learn about the manufacturing process in three or more areas (see Skills Standards Checklist):

Youth apprentices also enroll in related classroom instruction at the local high school, technical college or at the worksite.

Youth Apprentices interested in the Manufacturing/Production Technician program may choose to take either one year of classroom instruction with a minimum of 450 work hours, or two years of classroom instruction with a minimum of 900 work hours.

Related Instruction Requirements

The related instruction focuses on:

• Manufacturing Fundamentals
  Introduction to concepts and skills involved in the manufacturing industry. Content includes safety, applied math, measuring and layout, interpreting drawings and blueprints, and an introduction to machine and hand tools.
• Manufacturing Materials and Processes I
  Manufacturing processes including casting, forming, machining, welding and others. The study of materials in the manufacturing process including metals and plastics. Content includes quality systems such as SPC and ISO 9000.
• Manufacturing Materials and Processes II
  This unit expands the content areas from the previous course. In-depth experiences in the manufacturing processes and the use of a wide variety of materials is introduced.
• Manufacturing and Quality
  Manufacturing organizational systems from large companies to small, self-run operations, are introduced. Systems of quality and quality standards are identified as they relate to production.

Skill Certificate and Advanced Standing

After successful completion of the requirements for a high school diploma and the school-based and work-based requirements for Youth Apprenticeship, the students receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Department of Workforce Development.  Students who complete the two-year Manufacturing/Production Technician program may receive six advanced standing credits from a Wisconsin Technical College offering related associate degree programs.

Downloadable Documents:

Skills Standards Checklist
Order Form from Dept. of Administration Document Sales Unit