Machining a Great Career Path: Matt Schowalter’s Steps to Success in Manufacturing Technology
When you ask what machining means to me, I could go on for hours with stories about how I made very complex parts on machines that are even more complicated than the parts themselves. Machining is by far more interesting than what most people know. From the challenges of implementing new complex equipment in the shop, to CNC programming, or even making complex parts in one setup. It is definitely a career choice that most don’t know how advanced it can be, especially the machining of today. Now, we can make parts in one setup that were once made in many setups on multiple pieces of equipment over a long time frame. My career is a success story in manufacturing technology as I have embraced the technology of today and here is how I made it happen with six easy steps in career success.
I started my career in metalworking when I was in high school after I enrolled in the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program. It is a program that is a partnership between the school, state, and industry. I learned all about machining from both high school shop classes and while working in a machine shop. It proved to be an excellent foundation for my career. The shop that I worked at turned out to be an excellent learning environment. The mentors were great, they encouraged me to go on in my career and do great things. – Matt Schowalter
Matt Schowalter, CMfgT (Certified Manufacturing Technologist) is Machining Group Lead at Gauthier Biomedical. He recently wrote a four-page brochure to not only tell his manufacturing story, but to reach out to high school students and their parents to inform them about machining career paths.
Schowalter feels that is his way of giving back after being rewarded with a satisfying career in manufacturing, and represents the guideline he himself would have liked to have received when he was 16 years old.
To have a great career in manufacturing I have come up with six steps that I used to develop career success. They all are building blocks to great career accomplishments and are easily obtained by applying yourself to your career goals. You can do it, here’s how:
- Get a Technical Degree -A solid educational foundation is a critical building block, you will make a lot more money in your career if you follow through with a Technical College education.
- Serve a State Sponsored Apprenticeship -This is an excellent way to learn the skills of the trade and climb the pay scale also. It also will ensure that you are viewed as a professional in your career. By finishing an apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman, you will be put in a position to make a good wage for the rest of your career.
- Never Stop Learning – Enroll in at least two specialized classes per year. It is an excellent way to build a great resume also, as it shows future employers that you are a dedicated career professional.
- Become Proficient in Working with Others – This is the most important factor of the six steps. You will have more opportunities presented to you if you have the ability to work with everyone effectively
- Gain the Ability to Turn Manufacturing Issues into Career Opportunities – some may look away from the major issues that hinder the shop. These are the challenges that build a great resume, so ask your boss how you can help fix the major issues they encounter throughout the shop.
- Become a Certified Professional in Manufacturing – Consider this the bow on your career package.It will set you apart from the others in the industry. A certification from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers ensures that you have the knowledge to make a difference in the manufacturing industry. It also challenges you to be your best, by obtaining credits for recertification.
By following these steps you will become a leader in the manufacturing industry. You may ask what is next in my career. I can tell you working with others on machining issues and keeping up on the latest technology, more technical classes too, the keys to success in the manufacturing industry.
Schowalter encourages people to read his guideline and share it with others. To obtain a printed version to distribute, please contact Matt Schowalter via email, or download a PDF of his Machining a Great Career Path – The Steps to Success in Manufacturing Technology HERE.
