North Carolina's metals manufacturing pathway prepares students for careers in metal fabrication and manufacturing. Students develop expertise in metal cutting, forming, joining, and finishing operations. Growing manufacturing sector creates opportunities for skilled metals workers throughout the state.
Curriculum covers metal properties, cutting and forming processes, welding fundamentals, quality control, and safety procedures. Students operate manufacturing equipment and complete metal fabrication projects. Learning emphasizes precision, safety, and quality standards.
Graduates work as metal fabricators, CNC operators, quality control inspectors, and manufacturing technicians for fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, and industrial companies. Many advance to supervisor and technical specialist roles.
Metals Manufacturing at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
North Carolina's metals manufacturing curriculum aligns with manufacturing standards and OSHA safety requirements. Students complete 4-6 pathway units covering metal fabrication and manufacturing processes as defined by NC DPI.
Programs teach manufacturing precision standards and quality assurance. Students develop hands-on fabrication skills.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Metals Manufacturing Technology I | IM41 |
| Metals Manufacturing Technology II | IM42 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NOCTI Welding
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Inventor
- ✓MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT)
- ✓MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Fabrication Assistant
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $29,743
Metal Fabricator
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,040 - $58,080
Adjusted for cost of living: $45,719
CNC Operator
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $44,614
Manufacturing Supervisor
ExperiencedAdjusted for cost of living: $55,237
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at metal fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, and industrial companies throughout North Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps North Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
North Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with North Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as North Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in North Carolina
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