MadeByMe | Hands-on careers in Allen County, Indiana

Talk to your counselor today about skilled, hands-on careers.

Earn a living working with your hands and your brain

Many of Allen County's best careers involve learning hands-on skills in manufacturing and the construction trades. Employers in these industries are hungry for your skills and certifications, and offer good-paying opportunities to work here at home.

Get Ready Now!
A college degree is a great goal, but it is not necessary for many manufacturing and skilled trades careers. You may even be able to earn an industry-recognized certificate in these highly-regarded skills in a year or less - even before you finish high school. More training leads to more certificates, and even bigger paychecks. And, you will have the opportunity to minimize college debt or avoid it altogether.

Northeast Indiana has several places where you can learn manufacturing and skills needed in the construction trades. Check out the MADEBYME training partner closest to you - or the one that best suits your needs - and talk with your school counselor about how to access those training programs.

The Quick Facts

Did You Know...Manufacturing is the second-largest-employing industry in Allen County with nearly 29,000 workers.

Did You Know...Average annual earnings (wages plus benefits) for manufacturing workers in Allen County is $76,226.

Did You Know...One in five jobs in Allen County is in either the manufacturing or construction industries.

Did You Know...In the next decade, it is estimated there will be 23,826 production job openings in Allen County and 10,068 job openings in construction.

Did You Know...Including benefits, the average annual earnings for construction workers in Allen County is $62,369.

Did You Know...In the skilled trades, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and sheet metal workers are among the top-employing occupations.

Testimonial Jon
“ An employer came to my high school (Norwell) seeking me out for future employment after I graduate from high school. That does not happen often for a high school student.... ”
Jon Dathe, precision machining student, Area 18 Career & Technical Education Cooperative
Testimonial Tyler
“ You can get a job right out of high school with no college required. And it pays pretty good. The program takes what you learn in school and shows you how to use it in the real world.... ”
Tyler Sprunger, precision machining student, Area 18 Career & Technical Education Cooperative
Testimonial Shelby
“ The training I’m receiving is very valuable because it’s given me a head start to my career. I believe it will help me advance further than I would have if I didn’t have this opportunity.... ”
Shelby Coffelt, precision machining student, Heartland Career Center
Testimonial Taylor
“ I feel that I have a big advantage over others due to the fact I can earn certifications that prove what I’ve learned. Employers will appreciate the fact I have documented proof of my skills.... ”
Taylor Wagner, welding student, Heartland Career Center
Testimonial Jim
“ These kids are not the bottom of the barrel. They’re smart, motivated and understand that skills are the key to a great future –even if they choose not to go to college.... ”
Jim Walmsley, director, Impact Institute
Testimonial Anthony
“ These students won’t have trouble finding a job. In fact, I’m having trouble keeping employers from hiring kids away from my program.... ”
Anthony Troutner, welding instructor, FWCS Career Academy at Anthis
Testimonial Luis
“ This is so much better than sitting at a desk. I already have experience, so employers will look at me differently. Welders are needed a lot, and the pay is very good.... ”
Luis Cullin, welding student, FWCS Career Academy at Anthis
Testimonial William
“ You may be scared at first, but once you get down and dirty, you’ll like it. I’m already certified and thinking about a career in underwater welding.... ”
William Hull, welding student, FWCS Career Academy at Anthis
Testimonial Brandon
“ What I’m learning is crazy good. I want to open up my own gunsmith shop and I already know how to use the most important machines.... ”
Brandon Smith, precision machining student, Impact Institute
Testimonial Francisco
“ It’s given me lots of new skills. I know the mechanics of CAD software I’d use to eventually design prosthetics.... ”
Francisco Herrera, CAD student, Impact Institute

Training Partners
Check out where you can
learn skills that lead to
a great career.
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Training Partners

Careers
What’s a job in
advanced manufacturing and skilled trades all about?

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Careers

Certification
Earning a certificate in technical
skills is the first step to a
good-paying job.
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Certification

Talk to your counselor today about skilled, hands-on careers.

The Quick Facts

Testimonial Jon

Testimonial Tyler

Testimonial Shelby

Testimonial Taylor

Testimonial Jim

Testimonial Anthony

Testimonial Luis

Testimonial William

Testimonial Brandon

Testimonial Francisco

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