From High School to Career: Pathways to Lifelong Learning and Success

For many high school students, the assumption is that the next step after graduation is a four-year college degree. While college is a great option for some, it is not the only pathway to a successful and fulfilling career. Trade careers, especially in advanced manufacturing and industries like material handling, offer exciting opportunities that combine hands-on learning, technical expertise, financial stability, and long-term growth.

The Power of Lifelong Learning

Choosing a trade does not mean stopping your education. It means shaping it differently. Trades emphasize lifelong learning, with opportunities to grow skills, earn certifications, and adapt to new technologies throughout your career. This type of learning is practical, applied, and often directly tied to innovations in the workplace. In industries such as material handling, workers are constantly learning about automation, robotics, design engineering, and systems that keep the world’s supply chains moving.

Multiple Pathways to Success

One of the greatest advantages of entering a trade is the variety of pathways it opens. Some begin as technicians or operators. Others explore apprenticeships, certifications, or industry-specific training programs. These opportunities can allow you to start earning a salary right away while continuing to develop your skills. This pathway often results in less student debt and a quicker route to financial independence.

Just like traditional college pathways, trade careers are not one-size-fits-all. You can build your career vertically by moving into leadership or specialized roles. You can also grow horizontally by shifting into different areas of the industry as your interests expand.

Careers in Advanced Manufacturing and Material Handling

The advanced manufacturing and material handling industries are at the forefront of innovation. These sectors keep products moving, from food and medicine to electronics and automotive parts, and they depend on a wide range of skilled professionals. Positions include:

• Design Engineering – developing new conveyor systems and equipment
• Research and Development – innovating and improving processes and technologies
• Controls Engineering – programming and integrating automation and robotics
• Continuous Improvement – analyzing data and processes to increase efficiency
• Skilled Trades – welding, machining, electrical, and mechanical work that powers production
• Laser & Automation – operating high-precision laser systems and advanced automation tools that transform how materials are fabricated and handled

Each role plays a critical part in keeping operations efficient, safe, and future-focused.

Earnings and Benefits

Trade careers in advanced manufacturing and material handling are competitive in pay and benefits:

• Entry-level skilled trades often start around $40,000–$50,000 annually, with potential to grow significantly with certifications and experience.
• Engineers and technical specialists in these industries can have starting salaries of $70,000+ annually depending on expertise and leadership responsibilities.
• Many positions include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for continued professional development.

These benefits not only provide stability but also allow individuals to build rewarding lives outside of work.

At Hytrol, employees have access to internal training programs and career advancement pathways designed to help them grow within the company. Many employees begin in entry-level roles and advance into positions in engineering, design, or management as their skills and interests evolve. By investing in its people, Hytrol ensures that growth isn’t just a possible—it’s expected.

Redefining Success

Success is not limited to a degree. It is about finding meaningful work, growing your skills, and contributing to industries that make a difference. For students considering their next steps, exploring trade opportunities in advanced manufacturing and material handling can open doors to rewarding, lifelong careers.

The future belongs to those who are willing to keep learning. Whether through college, a trade school, or industry-based training, what matters most is choosing a pathway that aligns with your strengths and passions.

At Hytrol, we believe our people are the priority. We demonstrate that by creating pathways for growth. Whether you’re interested in engineering, skilled trades, or automation, there’s a place for you here. Discover how you can build a meaningful career in advanced manufacturing and material handling with us by visiting careers.hytrol.com.