Students for In-Demand Careers
It’s becoming clear that a traditional classroom approach doesn’t always prepare students for the realities of the workforce. To meet this challenge head-on, the Downey Unified School District has embraced a robust college and career readiness initiative that includes Career Technical Education (CTE). These programs prepare students for higher education. Equip them with the hands-on skills and certifications needed to thrive in high-demand industries. Students for In-Demand Careers.
One of the standout features of Downey Unified’s CTE offerings is the courses within the Manufacturing and Product Development industry, which provides students with real-world training in areas such as machining, welding, plastics manufacturing, and mechatronics. With opportunities to earn college credits, industry certifications, and gain practical experience, Downey Unified is giving students a competitive edge—whether they decide to enter the workforce directly after high school or pursue further education.
What is Career Technical Education (CTE)?
CTE blends academic learning with practical training. To equip students with the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience that employers seek. Unlike traditional education, which focuses primarily on theoretical knowledge, CTE provides a balanced approach that prepares students for real-world careers. Whether they plan to enter the workforce directly after high school or pursue higher education in a related field, CTE helps students gain industry-specific skills that make them more competitive in the job market. Through certifications and college credits earned in CTE programs, students not only gain a head start in their careers but also save time and money on their postsecondary education.
Manufacturing and Product Pathways at the District
Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the global economy, and skills in machining, welding, plastics manufacturing, and mechatronics are always in high demand. Through hands-on training, access to industry-standard equipment, and partnerships with local colleges, Downey Unified ensures that students are ready to meet the needs of today’s workforce.
Several key manufacturing pathways are available to students in the district:
Machining & Forming Technologies: Precision in Production
Machining is one of the most essential aspects of modern manufacturing. The Machining & Forming Technologies Pathway gives students a solid foundation in both traditional and advanced machining techniques. Students learn to operate lathes, milling machines, and drill presses. Tools that create precise components for aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.
The pathway is designed to give students both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience they need to succeed. In the first year, students focus on basic machine operations, including understanding how to set up machines and calculate the appropriate settings for speed and feed. By the second year, students dive deeper into advanced topics like Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, where they program and operate CNC machines used in industrial production.
Students have the opportunity to be certified by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). Upon completion of the pathway, students are well-equipped to enter the workforce or continue their education at local colleges. Through partnerships with schools like Cerritos College, students can earn college credits in courses like CNC Milling and Machine Tool Technology, giving them a head start on their postsecondary education.
Career Opportunities: Machinists, CNC operators, tool and die makers, and production workers in a variety of industries.
Building Strong Foundations Welding & Materials Joining:
Welding is another area where there is significant demand for skilled professionals, and Downey Unified’s Welding & Materials Joining Pathway is designed to meet this need. Welding is a critical skill in industries such as construction, automotive repair, and manufacturing.
In the first year, students are introduced to basic welding techniques, safety protocols, and industry standards. They learn about different welding methods, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), which are used to join metals in various industries. In the second year, students deepen their skills by working on more advanced projects and preparing for industry certifications.
Students in the pathway can earn valuable certifications, such as OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 certifications.
Career Opportunities: Welders, welding technicians, welding inspectors, and fabricators in sectors like construction, automotive, and manufacturing.
Plastics Manufacturing & Composites: Innovation in Materials
As industries continue to rely more heavily on plastic components for everything from packaging to automotive parts, the demand for skilled professionals in plastics manufacturing is growing. The Plastics Manufacturing & Composites Pathway provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to excel in this field.
Students learn about the properties and applications of various plastics and composites, as well as the tools and equipment used to fabricate these materials. They gain experience with injection molding, a common process used to create plastic parts, and develop skills in materials selection, design, and safety procedures. By the second year, students advance to more complex topics like molding, bonding, and laminating, working with industry-standard equipment.
Through this pathway, students gain both the technical expertise and the problem-solving skills required for careers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing. They can also earn college credits in courses like Plastics Manufacturing and Composites Fabrication at Cerritos College, providing them with a pathway to higher education.
Career Opportunities: Plastics engineers, mold designers, materials specialists, and manufacturing technicians in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods.
Mechatronics (Industrial Automation): Engineering the Future
Mechatronics (industrial automation) are transforming the landscape of modern manufacturing, creating a growing need for skilled professionals who can integrate mechanical systems with advanced electronics and control technologies. The Mechatronics Pathway equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in this high-demand field.
Students learn fundamentals of computer-aided design and basic manufacturing techniques. They will develop foundational skills in mechanical design, fluid power, programmable logic controllers, networking, and measurement systems. They also explore robotics by designing structures to be manipulated using basic programming and automation. In their second year, students will expand their knowledge in control systems as they integrate more mechanical design and automation. They will also utilize CNC machining and the use of robotic arms for enhanced automation.
The Mechatronics pathway emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing students for seamless transitions into the workforce or higher education.
Students in the pathway will have the opportunity to receive Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certification
Career Opportunities: Automation technicians, robotics programmers, mechatronics engineers, and maintenance specialists in industries such as manufacturing and logistics. Students for In-Demand Careers.
Preparing Students for a Successful Future
Downey Unified’s manufacturing pathways offer students far more than just technical knowledge. These programs provide a comprehensive learning experience that includes practical training, critical thinking, and career exploration. Students in these pathways work with industry-standard equipment, gain exposure to real-world challenges, and earn certifications that increase their employability.
The demand for skilled professionals in fields like machining, welding, plastics manufacturing, and mechatronics will only grow. We are equipping our students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in these high-demand fields. Setting them up for careers that are not only rewarding but also essential to the modern economy.
Source: Students for In-Demand Careers
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