Advanced manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing in Minnesota contributed $58.8 billion to Minnesota’s economy in 2024. Manufacturing workers earned an average of $83,280 in 2024, which is 12% higher than the state’s overall average wage. Furthermore, Minnesota is expected to have more than 93,000 job openings in manufacturing through 2032.

Given manufacturing’s importance in Minnesota, the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline works with manufacturers to determine their workforce needs. One method of continuing this work is to create tools to address those needs as seen below in the competency models for in-demand occupations in the industry that are well-suited to create dual-training opportunities.

Validated pyramids and occupational competency summaries

• Computer numerical control (CNC) programmer

• Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) programmer

• Extrusion molding technician

• Flexo technician

• Food scientist/technologist

• Industrial production manager

• Injection molding technician

• Logistics and supply chain manager

• Machinist/tool and die maker

• Machinist/computer numerical control (CNC) operator

• Maintenance and repair worker

• Manufacturing engineer

• Manufacturing production supervisor

• Mechatronics technician

• Print press operator

• Quality assurance/food safety supervisor

• Quality assurance technician

• Robotics operator

• Safety technician

• Solderer

• Welder

The approach to developing competency standards is found in Minnesota law. The information that informs the development of competency standards comes from a variety of sources that include but are not limited to:  Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Minnesota laws and rules; Minnesota state agencies and licensing boards; O-NET Online; Competency Model Clearinghouse from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration; state, national and international trade associations and advocacy organizations; job postings and job descriptions; higher education resources; and input from attendees of industry forums, competency council meetings, public events and meetings conducted by DLI staff members. This work includes information from O*NET OnLine and the Competency Model Clearinghouse, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. DLI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL, ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications.

Questions?

Contact us at PIPELINE.Program@state.mn.us.