A career in manufacturing opens a door to our world.
Minnesota is home to some of the world’s most renown manufacturers for a reason. (Think Polaris, 3M, Medtronic, just to name a few.) These companies were founded by innovative “tinkers” who ended up changing how we live, work and recreate for generations to come. There is nothing stopping you from joining their ranks.
When you choose a career in manufacturing, you’ll not only be joining a high-demand industry with tons of growth potential, but you’ll also get to apply your creativity and problem-solving skills to the creation of a tangible end product.
Thanks to Minnesota’s historically strong manufacturing industry, there are many fantastic in-state postsecondary programs to choose from for those who like to work with their hands and build things. Whether you’re drawn to machining, welding, CNC’s etc, you’ll learn all the technical skills, workplace safety and interpersonal skills you need to set you up for success.
Let’s explore some of Minnesota’s top manufacturing programs that are shaping the future of our field:
Twin Cities Area
Anoka-Ramsey Technical College (Anoka, MN)
ARTC offers multiple programs to dip your toes into the world of precision manufacturing, including six specializations for welding alone.
Century College (White Bear Lake, MN)
Get a Welding certificate or an AAS in Engineering and CAD technology.
Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park, MN and Eden Prairie, MN)
Choose from a variety of degree programs to sharpen your analytical skills and become a leader in your future field of choice.
Get an AAS degree or certificate in Welding or CNC Machining.
From CNC Tool Making to Robotic Welding, learn the specific skills you’ll need for your manufacturing career through Saint Paul College’s Career and Technical Education programs.
Northern Minnesota
Lake Superior College (Duluth, MN)
Get your diploma, certificate or AAS in one of a variety of Integrated Manufacturing majors, including CAD, Machine Tool and Welding.
Northland Community and Technical College (Five locations in Northwest MN)
Choose from a variety of AAS and certification programs.
Central Minnesota
Central Lakes College (Brainerd, MN)
Choose from a diploma, certificate or AAS degree to kick-start your career.
Choose a degree option that fits your career goals, including CNC and Advanced Manufacturing, Mechanical Design and Manufacturing or Welding.
South Central Minnesota
Ridgewater College (Willmar, MN)
Get your welding certificate in as little as one semester, or launch a career in management with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
South Central College (Two locations in South Central MN)
Learn the essential skills you’ll need to navigate the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape.
East Central Minnesota
Offers various fields of study in Advanced Manufacturing, including certification, diplomas and and AAS in Precision Manufacturing.
Southeastern Minnesota
Just two hours outside of the Twin Cities, MSC Southeast has set itself apart with specialized majors including CNC Machine Tool, CAD Drafting Technologies, Welding and more.
Riverland Community College (Austin, MN)
Kickstart your career with foundational education in Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics or Welding.
More resources from MPMA
One of our most important — and favorite —tasks is connecting our network of employers with the next generation of qualified workers.
Check our workforce development page for programs accepting applications, scholarship opportunities and more.
