---
title: 6 Ways to Start a Manufacturing Career in Printing
description: Six ways to start a career in manufacturing or printing, depending on your goals and access to training.
image: https://www.tapecon.com/hubfs/Employees/IMG_4459.jpg
---

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# 6 Ways to Start a Manufacturing Career in Printing

Written by [Casey Cephas](https://www.tapecon.com/blog/author/casey-cephas)

![](https://www.tapecon.com/hubfs/Employees/IMG_4459.jpg)

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The New Year is all about a fresh start and exciting opportunities. If one of your resolutions is to begin a new career, we encourage you to consider the manufacturing and industrial printing industries.

Why? For starters, according to a report from [Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute,](https://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MI-DI-The-jobs-are-here-where-are-the-people.pdf) 2.4 million unfilled jobs are expected to be available by 2028. That skills gap means there are promising opportunities for those entering the field in the next few years. There are many other reasons [why now’s a great time to start a career in manufacturing](https://www.tapecon.com/blog/reasons-to-consider-a-career-in-manufacturing).

#### **How to start your career**

So how do you get your foot in the door for a career in manufacturing or printing? Fortunately, there are a few different entry points you can choose from, depending on your goals and access to training. Since Tapecon is a Buffalo-based company, we’re familiar with some great local and state resources, which we’ve listed below. Please note that the availability of these resources may be limited due to COVID-19, but don’t let that stop you from exploring your options.

#### **Entry-level positions**

Sometimes, learning on the job is the best way to determine if a career in manufacturing or printing is right for you. Companies routinely hire for entry-level positions that do not require previous experience. You’ll receive training from experienced workers, gain new skills, and build confidence working with equipment. Your first job also gives you a chance to prove yourself to your employer, leading to career advancements.

Buffalo resource:

- Look for company job postings, such as [Tapecon’s career page](https://www.tapecon.com/tapecon-careers-overview)

#### **Maker space programs**

A makerspace is a collaborative environment where people with various experience levels get together to share skills and knowledge. Topics will vary by location but often include both traditional crafts (such as carpentry or metalworking) and technology such as 3D printing, electronics, coding, and more.

The programs can be held in a variety of public or private spaces. Once you find a makerspace in your area, check out the calendar or program schedule to see what’s available.

Buffalo resource:

- [The Foundry](https://www.thefoundrybuffalo.org/)

#### **School programs**

If you’re in high school or college, your school may have academic or extracurricular programs for manufacturing or industrial technology. You can learn about cutting-edge areas such as additive manufacturing, 3D printing, screen or flexographic printing, sustainable packaging, and much more.

WNY resources:

- McKinley High School Printing Program

Online resource:

- Clemson University’s Sunoco Institute

#### **Workforce development programs**

Many non-profit organizations and governmental-supported initiatives offer workforce development programs for high-demand fields such as manufacturing. Depending on the program, you can take advantage of job readiness training, career planning, coaching, resume development, and more.

Buffalo resources:

- [Goodwill of WNY](https://www.goodwillwny.org/manufacture-your-future)
- [Workforce Buffalo](http://www.workforcebuffalo.org/)

New York State resource:

- [Workforce Development Institute](https://wdiny.org/Explore-Our-Work/Focus-Area-Manufacturing)

#### **Training centers**** or trade schools**

Education is always a good investment in your future. Going to a training center, trade school, or community college can help fast-track your career in skilled trades. These formal programs offer many benefits, including earning a degree or certification, low tuition and financial assistance, hands-on learning, and high job placement.

Buffalo resources:

- [Northland Workforce Training Center ](https://northlandwtc.org/training/)
- [Erie BOCES](https://www.e1b.org/en/adult-career-training/adult-career-training.aspx)

#### **Adult education courses**** **

If you want to learn new skills but don’t have time or interest in going back to school full-time, another option is joining an adult education course. The programs can be conducted by many sources, including local school districts or community schools, and can offer general courses (GED, English, etc.) or career-focused courses and professional development. Since the courses are designed for busy adults, programs typically offer flexible schedules, night classes, or online learning.

Buffalo resource:

- [UpSkill – Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division](https://www.upskill.org/)

#### **Start your career at Tapecon**

At Tapecon, we are growing and are proud to be a 2020 Best Places to Work. So if you’re looking to embark on a career in manufacturing or printing, head over to the [Careers page](https://www.tapecon.com/tapecon-careers-overview) to learn more about our culture and current job openings.

[Manufacturing](https://www.tapecon.com/blog/tag/manufacturing) [Careers](https://www.tapecon.com/blog/tag/careers)

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### [![How to Vet a Manufacturing Partner: 6 Questions That Could Save Your Product](https://www.tapecon.com/hubfs/Tapecon%20Whiteboard%20(8).png) July 31, 2025 How to Vet a Manufacturing Partner: 6 Questions That Could Save Your Product](https://www.tapecon.com/blog/how-to-vet-a-manufacturing-partner)

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