Manufacturing: Advancing Technology with Craftsmanship
How can I launch a career in manufacturing?
Does the idea of working with technology to create new products excite you?
Do you have a sharp eye for detail?
Do you enjoy thinking on your feet and troubleshooting real-world problems?
If so, a career in manufacturing may be the right fit for you. The manufacturing industry serves as the “behind-the-scenes” of the tech world by processing raw goods through heavy machinery and producing new items to be sold on a massive scale. If you enjoy hands-on work, this field offers diverse opportunities. Specialties include CNC machining, product management, and metal fabrication.
Your Pathway to Success
Read on for our comprehensive guide to manufacturing training and educational programs in Montana. Whether you're seeking rapid training programs, certificates, or advanced degrees, you'll find diverse educational pathways to help you align your studies with your career goals.
Check out our Manufacturing Career Pathways page to explore in-demand manufacturing jobs in Montana and take the first step toward a successful career in Manufacturing.
Rapid Training, Certificates, and One- and Two-Year Programs
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Digital Fabrication Certification
Program Length: 1 semester (8 credits or 15 weeks)
Description: The Workforce Certification in Digital Fabrication at SKC provides an introduction to Digital Fabrication machines including 3D printers, CNC routing, and laser cutters. After completing this program the students will be able work safely with Digital Fabrication machines, continue to build their skills, and know whether they want to seek further training in Computer Aided Manufacturing. Three of the courses, SolidWorks, Introduction to CNC Machining, and Introduction to 3D Printing will prepare the students to pass industry recognized certification exams.
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Welding Technology Certificate
Program Length: 1 year
Description: Fort Peck Community College’s Welding Technician certificate program is intended to provide the necessary instruction to enable students to enter the welding profession in an entry level position. Upon completion students will have the opportunity to take an AWS certification test. This program follows the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum. These credits fit with the American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE standards and guidelines.
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Welding Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) (pdf pg. 63)
Program Length: 1 year
Description: Aaniih Nakoda College’s welding certificate program is intended to provide the necessary instruction to enable the student to enter the welding profession in an entry-level position. The curriculum adheres to the national standards established by the American Welding Society entry level welder program. Students will learn how to select the correct electrode classification and parameters for various thicknesses of material and welding positions on ferrous and nonferrous metals; lay out, sheer, cut, form, and assemble weldments; and exhibit knowledge of workplace safety.
Industrial Trades Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Program Length: 2 years
Description: The Industrial Trades program at Aaniih Nakoda College is designed to provide a quality education in multiple fields of the building industry. The program will provide community members an education to develop skills and knowledge needed to start a career in the building industry. After completion of the program, opportunities of employment will be available in many areas throughout the state and surrounding states. Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate skills in the carpentry, welding, HVAC, CNC, machining, log working and fine woodworking areas.
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Welding Technology Certificate of Technical Studies (C.T.S.)
Program Length: 1 year (19 credits)
Description: The Welding Technology Certificate of Technical Studies at Flathead Valley Community College provides students the minimum welding skills needed to be employable, including at least two AWS certifications. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to describe and demonstrate safe use of each type of welding equipment; select and demonstrate various joining processes; demonstrate proper setup, adjustment, and use of typical cutting and welding equipment; demonstrate proficiency in OXYFUEL, SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes; visually inspect and document proper applications of welding processes; an demonstrate techniques and devices for minimizing part distortion during welding.
Industrial Machine Technology Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.)
Program Length: 1 year
Description: The Industrial Machine Technology program at Flathead Valley Community College provides instruction in the theory and operation of mills and lathes, both manual and CNC; other tools related to the machinist trade; and associated programming. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to apply quantitative skills in conjunction with trade handbook information to solve problems, demonstrate advanced machining operations performed on CNC and Swiss CNC machines, produce advanced programs using G code, demonstrate advanced techniques that are used on manual mills and lathes, and more.
Welding and Fabrication Technology C.A.S.
Program Length: 1 year
Description: The Welding and Fabrication Technology C.A.S. curriculum at Flathead Community College provides students training and experience in welding and fabrication as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy, and structural construction. The program provides education and training in common cutting and welding processes; CNC plasma cutting; OXYFUEL, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes; structural and pipe and plate welding; blueprint reading; communications; and quantitative problem solving.
Industrial Machine Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Program Length: 2 years
Description: The Industrial Machine Technology program at Flathead Valley Community College provides instruction in the theory and operation of mills and lathes, both manual and CNC; other tools related to the machinist trade; and associated programming. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to apply quantitative skills in conjunction with trade handbook information to solve problems, demonstrate advanced machining operations performed on CNC and Swiss CNC machines, produce advanced programs using G code, demonstrate advanced techniques that are used on manual mills and lathes, and more.
Welding and Fabrication Technology A.A.S.
Program Length: 2 years
Description: Flathead Valley Community College’s Welding and Fabrication Technology A.A.S. curriculum provides students training and experience in welding and fabrication as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy, and structural construction. The program provides education and training in common cutting and welding processes; CNC plasma cutting; OXYFUEL, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes; structural and pipe and plate welding; blueprint reading; communications; and quantitative problem solving.
Welding and Inspection Technology A.A.S.
Program Length: 2 years
Description: The Welding and Inspection Technology A.A.S. program at Flathead Valley Community College provides students experience in welding and inspection technology as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy, structural construction, and nondestructive testing. Nondestructive testing involves the inspection of material or a welding object in a manner that will not impair its future usefulness using one of the NDT test methods: visual inspection, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic, and radiographic testing. This program provides education and training in common cutting and welding processes; AWS welding standards; and OXYFUEL, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes. Structural, pipe and plate welding; nondestructive testing and inspection; blueprint reading and communications; and math competencies are also emphasized.
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CNC Machine Technology Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.)
Program Length: 1 year
Description: Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines such as lathes, mills, precision measuring tools and their related attachments and accessories are utilized in everything from factory settings to custom machinist shops. Students in the CNC Machine Technology program at Gallatin College MSU learn how to utilize these machines to perform functions such as cutting, drilling, shaping and finishing products and component parts. Coursework in the CNC Machine Technology program includes instruction in CNC terminology, programming, operations, troubleshooting, machining, technical mathematics, CAD/CAM systems, shop and safety practices, and more.
Program Length: 1 year
Description: Students in the Welding Technology program at Gallatin College MSU learn how to execute a wide variety of welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and flux cored arc welding – all techniques prized in a variety of industries that require welding on the market today. Welding Technology students also learn how to maintain their tools and equipment, as well as read and interpret blueprints for use on the jobsite. Upon completion of the program, Welding Technology students will be eligible to apply to be listed in the AWS National Registry of welders.
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Program Length: C.A.S. = 1 year; A.A.S. = 2 years
Description: Graduates of Great Falls College’s Welding Technology and Fabrication program are prepared to demonstrate measuring methods and apply mathematical concepts to solve problems related to welding; demonstrate the ability to follow industry safety practices; troubleshoot and critically think through problems with welding systems and processes; demonstrate the ability to produce welds that meet visual inspection criteria based on AWS codes and industry standards in all positions on the five basic joint configurations with carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW); plan, design, and fabricate a weldment to industry standards by combining skills related to the various processes taught in the program.
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Manual Machining Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.)
Program Length: 1 year
Description: Helena College’s Manual Machining C.A.S. is designed to prepare students as entry-level machinists in many areas, including aerospace, computer industries, job shop, gunsmithing, tool and die making, Students will study machining processes and procedures using lathes, mills, drill presses, cylindrical grinders, and surface grinders. Students will work from blueprints and follow exact specifications and apply practical shop math to accomplish the required tasks.
Sheet Metal Apprenticeship C.A.S.
Program Length: 1 year
Description: The C.A.S. in Sheet Metal Apprenticeship from Helena College is designed to prepare students as sheet metal workers and meets the educational goals of students who are registered as apprentices and working in the industry or pre-apprentices desiring to enter the workforce in sheet metal technology. In addition to a strong technical foundation, students will receive instruction in communication, human relations, and technical mathematics. All other courses are delivered online. The apprenticeship agreement between Montana Department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship and Training combines both the on-the-job experience and classroom related training instruction over a period of four years.
Program Length: 1 year
Description: As one of 10 nationwide regional training facilities for Miller Electric, Helena College’s Welding Technology C.A.S. offers students advanced opportunities using the newest technologies. The primary goal in the first year of the Welding Technology program is to give students the skills and instruction they need to enter the welding industry. With an emphasis on safety, students will receive hands-on, theoretical, and technical training in rigging, job estimation, blueprint reading, and layout and pattern making. In addition, students will receive extensive lab training in a wide variety of welding processes including S.M.A.W. (stick electrode), G.M.A.W. (wire processes), Pulse M.I.G., T.I.G., and plasma cutting. The focus of the training is to give the students the skills necessary to successfully pass American Welding Society (A.W.S.) certifications.
CNC Machining Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Program Length: 2 years
Description: Helena College’s CNC Machining A.A.S. is designed to prepare students as entry-level machinists. Students will study machining processes and procedures using lathes, mills, and precision grinders. Students will be prepared to enter the work force as entry-level CNC operators, CNC programmers, CAD/CAM technicians, and manual machinists. Students will be prepared for machining jobs in many areas including transportation, energy industry, aerospace, job shop, and tool and die making.
Program Length: 2 years
Description: The Metals Technology degree at Helena College is designed to prepare students as entry-level technicians in many areas. Students will study machining processes and procedures, properties of metals, blueprint reading, and inspection techniques. Welding skills (including practical, theoretical, and technical training) are taught using oxyacetylene, manual stick electrode, semiautomatic Mig, Tig (Heliarc), dualshield Mig, and various additional processes. Students will work from blueprints, follow exact specifications, and apply practical shop math to accomplish the required tasks.
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Precision Machining Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Program Length: Certificate = 1 year; A.A.S. = 2 years
Description: Train for a career as a machinist with talented instructors and industry-leading tools. Highlands College’s academic programs in Precision Machining Technology offer you two flexible levels of training experience to prepare you for many types of employment in the precision manufacturing industry. The C.A.S. prepares you for a range of entry level positions in the field by completing the required credits in just two semesters so you can enter the workforce in the shortest time possible. The A.A.S. offers you a broad training experience where you’ll develop the complete skillset required for all levels of employment in this highly technical and demanding field.
Metals Fabrication Technology A.A.S.
Program Length: 2 years
Description: The Metals Fabrication program at Highlands College offers you the training for a career in a hands-on, high-demand field constructing and repairing projects involving vehicles, heavy equipment, pipelines, manufacturing equipment, and industrial construction. You’ll learn the skills needed to machine parts for aerospace, medical, mining, and automotive industries and produce these projects by drawing and following various blueprints, diagrams, and specifications.
Program Length: 2 years
Description: In Highlands College’s two-year welding technology program you will be introduced to and provided experience in welding fabrication, pipe and structural welding, and aluminum welding. You’ll learn all the skills you need to pass AWS and API qualification and certification tests, and techniques to better prepare you for this growing and changing high-demand field.
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Precision Machine Technology Certification
Program Length: 1 year
Description: Skilled CNC machinists are in high demand locally and nationwide. Through Missoula College’s Precision Machine Technology program, you’ll learn how to use mills and lathes as well as other tools related to the machinist trade and associated programming. You can also earn National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials. Upon completion, you can work in the machining industry, pursue an apprenticeship in machining, or further your education.
Welding Technology Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Program Length: Certificate = 1 year; A.A.S. = 2 years
Description: Learn to operate and troubleshoot a variety of welding power sources and related equipment through Missoula College’s Welding Technology program. You’ll also develop computational skills and other problem-solving techniques essential to welding and steel fabrication. Beyond the development of welding abilities, you will study blueprint reading and layout, plus metallurgy. Graduates have the opportunity to become certified to American Welding Society standards.
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Welding Technology Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.)
Program Length: 1 year
Description: MSU Northern’s 9-month Welding Technology certificate prepares students for successful employment as a welder, cutter, fabricator, plant maintenance personnel, or supervisor. The program covers topics including oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, brazing, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and CNC plasma arc cutting.
Manufacturing Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Program Length: 2 years
Description: Hone your skills in welding theory, CNC machining, repair and maintenance welding and more through Montana State University Northern’s Manufacturing A.A.S. program.
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The Electro-Optics Assembly Technician Training is a 6-week program designed to equip you with the essential skills for assembly technician roles in the electrical and optical manufacturing industries. Through a blend of online sessions and in-person, hands-on training at local employer sites around Bozeman, MT, you’ll learn by doing—building real-world projects, including a remotely controlled rover. This immersive experience not only develops core technical skills but also gives you the chance to showcase your abilities to local employers, setting you on a path toward a rewarding career in manufacturing and photonics.
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Accelerate Montana serves businesses, employees, and residents who are looking for new career opportunities or training in high-demand industries. By collaborating with Montana businesses and partners in education and economic development across the state, Accelerate Montana brings Montanans the training they need to upskill, compete, and thrive. Accelerate Montana’s rapid training program offers a variety of online courses in manufacturing such as the online manufacturing adult education program and an introduction to SolidWorks and Revit software.
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One way to advance your welding career is by earning an American Welding Society (AWS) Certification. Professional Welding Certification can enhance your career, your lifetime earning potential, and provide you the opportunity to leverage your expanded knowledge and expertise across your current and future professional roles. AWS offers nine certification categories designed to address all segments of the welding and joining industry and match your goals.
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The Autodesk Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Practical CNC Machining course introduces you to the foundational knowledge in computer-aided design, manufacture, and the practical use of CNC machines. In this course you’ll begin with the basics in Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD by learning how to properly sketch and model 3D parts. Before programming any toolpaths, you’ll explore CNC machining basics to ensure you have the ground level foundational knowledge needed to effectively define toolpaths. Finally, you’ll explore the basics of setting up a CAM program and defining toolpaths to cut simple geometry. This is the same basic process that gets repeated for the design and manufacture of any part and is a critical step in learning and understanding the process.
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Skills in occupations within advanced manufacturing are validated through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials. The credentials are earned through secondary, post-secondary, apprenticeship programs and work-based curricula that include both “hands-on” performance and theory tests. NIMS credentials allow employers to hone their credentialing requirements and choose those certifications that are applicable to the needs of the company.
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The Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) is an industry certification focused on basic manufacturing concepts, demonstrating an individual's potential for high-demand, entry-level manufacturing roles. It was designed for individuals new to manufacturing who may not currently possess enough knowledge or experience for more advanced technical certifications. This might include high school students, dislocated workers, and individuals coming from other non-manufacturing sectors who wish to pursue a role as an assembler, manufacturing associate, production laborer and other entry-level manufacturing occupations. It is not required that individuals be SME members to pursue the certification.
Covering fundamental topics such as shop math, assembly, maintenance, machining, inspection, and more, this industry-driven certification demonstrates that the individual has basic knowledge of manufacturing and may be an ideal candidate for entry-level manufacturing employment.
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The University of Providence’s Argo Connect and dual credit programs are crucial in helping to increase the educational options and opportunities for currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors. Not only do these programs provide students with a unique opportunity to earn credit at the secondary and postsecondary levels simultaneously – they provide students with an early glimpse of college life; including course load, deadlines, structure, and more. Students in Dual Enrollment can take up to three 3-credit courses at no cost.
Skill Development and Certifications
Additional Career Resources
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Check out our manufacturing career pathways page to explore in-demand manufacturing jobs in Montana.
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To identify in-demand roles in Montana, our team at the Montana High Tech Business Alliance pored over workforce data from the U.S. Department of Labor, research studies, and online job listings to create a list of tech jobs projected to grow fast in the next few years. See our list of 31 hot Montana jobs projected for 2023.
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The Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) is a statewide manufacturing outreach and assistance center staffed by full-time degreed professionals with extensive experience in manufacturing and business. MMEC is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network. Driven by a mission to grow Montana’s economy by helping manufacturers succeed, the MMEC helps Montana manufacturers assess and improve their manufacturing operations, provides training and workforce development, and leverages research and technological developments at NIST Labs, DoD Labs, and the Montana University System to keep manufacturing competitive in the state.
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The “Careers in Manufacturing” infographic highlights why to choose a career in manufacturing, the top five manufacturing industries experiencing employment growth, various careers along with the average pay, and more! It can inspire the next generation of workers, motivate mid-career professionals, and raise awareness of the many opportunities the manufacturing industry offers.
Publication date: October 21, 2024
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We invite you to take advantage of Microsoft's Skills for Jobs initiative, which offers free access to LinkedIn Learning courses covering a wide range of topics, including AI and soft skills. Enhance your digital skills and empower your team and community with valuable knowledge that aligns with the evolving needs of today's economy.
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Discover summer internships and local mentorship opportunities in Billings through the Campus Billings program hosted by Big Sky Economic Development.
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CompTIA’s Career Explorer is a comprehensive resource designed to inform, inspire, and guide individuals toward their next career step in the tech industry and beyond. Explore the entire portfolio of Career Explorer resources at no cost, watch video profiles featuring diverse professionals sharing their non-traditional paths into tech careers, and gain insights into earnings potential, job outlook, employer hiring trends, remote work opportunities, and much more across the U.S. and 250 metro areas.
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Reach Higher Montana’s Work-Based Learning Collaborative website features resources for employers to grow their talent pipeline through work-based learning, materials to help educators connect their classroom learning to careers, and links to resources that will help Montana students explore their career interests through on-the-job training.
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The WBLC Data Dashboard aims to make data on work-based learning in Montana accessible to help improve workforce support, work-based learning, and educational opportunities so that young people are better prepared for employment success and employers gain skilled workers. Updates are made annually.
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Produced by the Montana Work-Based Learning Collaborative, the Work-Based Learning Toolkit for Employers provides employers with resources, tools, and guidance to successfully develop high-quality work-based learning experiences for student workers.
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The informational interviews handout from the University of Montana College of Business lists five steps for setting up successful informational interviews to learn more about a specific company or industry.
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Read “5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success in a Tech Career” to learn tips for launching a career in tech from hiring managers at Blackfoot Communications, Submittable, GL Solutions, onX, Skyfish, Cognizant, NorthWestern Energy, Pathlabs, Snapchat, and Instacart.
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In “5 Tips from Hiring Managers - How to Land a Montana Tech Job or Internship” local hiring managers from Boeing Helena, Hyundai Motor Group, and Zoot Enterprises share advice to help students stand out when applying for a Montana tech job or internship.
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See what tips you can use to give you an advantage in pursuing Tech Jobs or Internships in Montana.
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Check out MHTBA’s Great Places for Tech article series to learn more about high-tech opportunities in Montana.
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Take a look at our Jobs board that we use to post many tech jobs that are in Montana from entry level to Senior level positions.
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If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our Jobs Board, see this O*NET Career Database for additional information.
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Interested in more careers outside of Montana or outside the High-Tech Industry? Find additional occupational information with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.