This blog series intends to shatter some "manufacturing myths". Sometimes there is a perception of manufacturing being dirty, dead-end, unskilled, monotonous and boring. The reality is, it's bright, clean, fulfilling, hi-tech, versatile and rewarding!
I had the privilege of interviewing some Zentech employees - a way of humanizing the manufacturing industry to demonstrate why you may want to consider a manufacturing career.
Nicole - Inventory and Warehouse, Zentech Dallas
Stephanie: What do you do here at Zentech?
Nicole: I work with the inventory in the warehouse.
How long have you been at Zentech?
Nicole: I have been here for a year.
Stephanie: Were you working in manufacturing before this?
Nicole: Yes I was.
Stephanie: So, what other manufacturing work have you done?
Nicole: I came from a company that built monitors. I worked next to the engineers, and I helped make their first prototypes.
Stephanie: Did you earn any special certifications?
Nicole: Yes, we regularly did onsite training for specialized certifications.
Stephanie: So, what made you decide to come to Zentech?
Nicole: During COVID, my previous employer was struggling, and I saw a job listing at Zentech on Indeed and someone also referred me. And I’ve been at home ever since.
Stephanie: Did you always want to be in manufacturing?
Nicole: It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I always wanted to be an engineer actually. I also like to work with my hands and deal with people, so this field was a great fit for me. 
Stephanie: The younger generation, it seems like their perception of manufacturing is dirty, monotonous, etc. What would you say to them?
Nicole: It’s a great career start for them. It’s not dirty or monotonous but you do have to be focused. There’s a lot of details and processes in manufacturing. And if you start in one area, you don’t have to stay there. There’s lots of possibilities.
Stephanie: There’s a lot of versatility within a manufacturing plant that I don’t think people realize. What do you think you’d like to do next?
Nicole: I’d like to learn how to operate the SMT machines – I always like a challenge. Our machines are always humming, and I like to stay busy, so I’m looking forward to learning that next.
Stephanie: Thank you Nicole for your poisitive attitude and contribution to Zentech!
If you would like to know more about careers at Zentech, visit our Zentech Careers website.
Additional Resources:
IPC Educational Foundation - Electronics Career Profiles
Creators Wanted - Find manufacturing jobs, career pathways and training programs
About Zentech:
Zentech Manufacturing, an Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) small business, is primarily focused on the defense, aerospace, and medical industries, specializing in producing highly complex electronic and electromechanical circuit card assemblies. The company has locations in Baltimore, MD, Richardson, TX, and Bloomington, IL and maintains several key electronics industry certifications. In January 2023, Zentech received the Stan Plzak Corporate Recognition Award from the IPC.
