Launch Your Manufacturing Career
Why Manufacturing?
Today’s manufacturing industry is high-tech, hands-on, and full of opportunities to build exciting careers with advanced technology.
Modern manufacturers use:
- CNC machines
- Robotics & automation
- CAD/CAM software
- Precision measuring equipment
- Programming & advanced technology
Manufacturers across North Texas are actively looking for skilled workers, creating strong career opportunities for students entering the industry.
Why Students Choose Manufacturing
- Earn while you learn
- Paid internships and apprenticeship opportunities
- Competitive wages and career growth
- Work with advanced technology
- Hands-on, rewarding work
- Opportunities for leadership and advancement
- Career paths into engineering, programming, management, and business ownership
Many students can begin building successful careers without taking on large amounts of college debt through internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training opportunities.
Manufacturing Salaries & Career Growth
Manufacturing careers offer strong earning potential, long-term stability, and opportunities for advancement.
Many entry-level manufacturing positions in the Dallas-Fort Worth region start between $18–$25 per hour, while experienced CNC machinists, programmers, inspectors, and technicians often earn significantly more as their skills and experience grow.
Manufacturing also offers long-term career growth opportunities beyond entry-level positions. Students may advance into:
- CNC Programming
- Robotics & Automation
- Engineering Support
- Quality Control & Inspection
- Operations & Production Leadership
- Shop Supervision & Management
- Sales & Customer Support
- Entrepreneurship & Business Ownership
As employees gain experience, certifications, and technical skills, they can move into leadership positions with increased responsibility, higher wages, and long-term career opportunities.
Internship Program
The North Texas Advanced Manufacturing Internship Program connects high school and trade school students with local manufacturing companies for hands-on industry experience while students are still in school.
Students work during the school year while continuing their education, helping them gain real-world experience, build technical skills, and explore manufacturing careers before graduation.
Program Highlights
- Paid internship opportunities
- Minimum starting wage of $18/hour
- Hands-on experience in real manufacturing environments
- Opportunities to work with CNC machines and advanced technology
- Flexible schedules during the school year
- Potential workforce funding opportunities for eligible students
Students must complete introductory machining coursework prior to placement and commit to a regular work schedule during the school year.
Apply Today!
Ready to start building your future in manufacturing?
Complete the form below to apply to the North Texas Internship Program
CNC Machinist Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Optional Accelerated Career Track
From Classroom to Career
This pathway shows how students can combine school coursework, hands-on internships, and optional NTMA-U pre-apprenticeship training to build a faster pathway into high-demand manufacturing careers and future apprenticeship opportunities.
Students participating in the internship program may also choose to enroll in an optional CNC Machinist Pre-Apprenticeship pathway through NTMA-U while still in school.
This accelerated learning track includes five (5) additional online courses designed to be completed within one year alongside the student’s school curriculum and internship experience.
Coursework Includes:
- Basic Blueprint Reading
- Basic Math for Manufacturing
- Precision Machining Technology
- Quality Control, SPC & Inspection
- CNC Fundamentals
The pre-apprenticeship pathway helps students strengthen their technical knowledge, machining skills, and shop safety awareness while preparing for long-term careers in precision manufacturing.
One of the biggest advantages of the pre-apprenticeship pathway is that completed coursework counts toward a Registered Apprenticeship Program as a CNC Machinist after graduation. This allows students to continue their training without repeating courses, helping accelerate their path toward becoming a journey-level machinist.
Funding assistance or scholarship opportunities may be available to help offset the cost of NTMA-U pre-apprenticeship coursework for eligible students.
Click here to learn more about our CNC Machinist Pre-Apprenticeship Program
CNC Machinist Apprenticeship Program
After graduation, students may have the opportunity to enter a CNC Machinist Registered Apprenticeship Program that combines paid on-the-job training with continued technical education.
Apprenticeship programs allow students to continue building advanced machining skills while earning a paycheck, gaining real-world experience, and progressing toward long-term careers in precision manufacturing — often while avoiding or significantly reducing student debt compared to traditional college pathways.