Manufacturing is a $12.3 billion industry in Austin with salaries averaging $75,000 a year to design and build things like medical devices, sensors, automation, solar energy equipment, and robotics.

"With a 2.1% unemployment rate in Austin, the advanced manufacturing industry is scrambling to find skilled workers for its high-paying jobs" says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. "To help meet the needs of the industry, ACC is partnering with business and industry to create the academic programs that provide the right skill sets."

The college established a new Manufacturing Program, under the Design, Manufacturing, Construction & Applied Technologies area of study, to meet growing demand. Students may select among four industry-identified programs: Engineering Technology, Architectural & Engineering Computer Aided Design, Welding Technology, and Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management. The college also launches new Advanced Manufacturing and Medical Devices Technology degrees this fall.

"We're trying to build multiple pathways," says Laura Marmolejo, Manufacturing department chair. "Students get hands-on experience with the same type of equipment employers use. It gives them an edge over competition and it's something employers are asking for."

To elevate awareness, ACC hosted the Skill-Up: Manufacturing Open house in partnership with the Austin Regional Manufacturing Association (ARMA) on August 3 at Riverside Campus. The event featured demonstrations, information about ACC's manufacturing programs, and opportunities to meet Austin employers who are looking to hire skilled workers. About 200 participants attended.

Listen to Dr. Rhodes discuss the rapidly growing manufacturing industry in Central Texas with guests Ed Latson, Austin Regional Manufacturing Association executive director, Garrett Groves, ACC Business & Industry Partnerships executive vice president, and Laura Marmolejo, ACC Manufacturing department chair, in the latest ACC President's Podcast.