Create, repair, and power the future of advanced manufacturing.
Explore manufacturing career pathways, compare local training options, review labor market demand, and connect with Omaha-area employers that are hiring.
Not sure where to start?
A career navigator can help you compare pathways, explore financial assistance, prepare your resume, and take the next step.
Career Progression
Start by learning to operate precision manufacturing equipment as a CNC Operator. With additional training and experience, workers can advance into Industrial Technician roles focused on troubleshooting and maintaining automated systems. Experienced professionals may continue into Millwright careers, installing, repairing, and optimizing complex industrial machinery in advanced manufacturing environments.
Now →
CNC Operator
Operate precision manufacturing equipment.
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- Have basic math and blueprint-reading skills.
- Be age 16+, with a GPA of 2.0+.
- Enroll in NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) course with an accredited agency.
- Pass the exam and performance assessments.
- Training: Up to 12 months.
Next →
Industrial Technician
Maintain and troubleshoot automated manufacturing systems.
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- Have a High School Diploma or GED.
- Mechanical aptitude and basic math and troubleshooting skills.
- OSHA safety certification.
- Lockout/tagout (LOTO) training.
- Training: 1-4 years.
Later →
Millwright
Install, align, repair, and optimize complex industrial machinery.
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- Have a High School Diploma or GED.
- 1-2 years of experience.
- Technology Skills: Autodesk AutoCAD, SAP software, Microsoft Office.
- Training: Multiple paid apprenticeship options.
Note: Salary and annual opening estimates are based on labor market analysis of occupations included within each pathway and are intended to provide a general overview of career opportunities in the Omaha area.
Employers that hire for these positions:
Explore direct hiring pages for local companies.
Programs that may help pay for manufacturing training:
Heartland Workforce Solutions can help eligible career seekers explore funding and support programs that may help pay for training related to manufacturing occupations.
Career Readiness to Eliminate Disparities (CRED)
Eligibility-Based
CRED may help eligible participants access career readiness support and training assistance for in-demand career pathways.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Eligibility-Based
WIOA programs may help eligible adults, dislocated workers, and youth pay for approved training connected to employment goals.
Not sure what you qualify for?
Next Step
A career navigator can help you understand eligibility, required documents, approved training options, and next steps. Find out what programs you qualify for today!
Funding is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility, program requirements, available resources, and whether the training aligns with approved career goals.
Manufacturing Career Pathway Examples
Below are videos with more information about what machinist/manufacturing jobs entail.