Industry Overview- Advanced Manufacturing
Trend
Advanced manufacturing in Central California is being driven by automation, clean technology and the need for more resilient domestic supply chains. Companies are investing in robotics, precision systems, advanced materials and energy-efficient production to modernize established industries and create new opportunities. Projects such as Pacific Steel Group’s low-carbon Mojave Micro Mill, autonomous-vehicle testing at Castle Commerce Center and highly automated food-processing and cold-storage facilities demonstrate the region’s growing capabilities. Employer-led programs such as Central Valley FAME are also building a pipeline of multi-skilled technicians trained in automation, controls, robotics and industrial maintenance.
Companies
Central California is home to a diverse and growing base of manufacturers producing everything from energy-storage systems and aerospace components to steel, glass, packaging and building materials. These companies benefit from the region’s available industrial space, skilled workforce, competitive operating costs and strategic access to California and West Coast markets.

Major Manufacturing Training Programs
- Central Valley FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program — Fresno County
Employer-driven earn-and-learn program combining college instruction with more than 1,800 hours of paid workplace training. - Bakersfield College Industrial Automation — Kern County
Stackable certificate, associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs covering robotics, PLCs, instrumentation, process control and industrial systems. - Bakersfield College–Wonderful Career Center Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship — Kern County
Paid apprenticeship preparing maintenance and automation technicians for manufacturing and industrial employers. - Fresno City College Manufacturing and Maintenance — Fresno County
Training in manufacturing technology, machining, welding, metal fabrication and industrial maintenance. - Fresno City College Computer-Aided Manufacturing — Fresno County
Hands-on CNC machining, programming and precision-manufacturing training. - Reedley College Industrial and Manufacturing Pathway — Fresno County
Includes advanced manufacturing, machine technology, industrial maintenance, welding and the Central Valley FAME program. - Fresno State Industrial Technology — Fresno County
Bachelor’s and graduate-level education in automation, manufacturing systems, processing, packaging, electronics and technical management. - Lemoore College Manufacturing Automation — Kings County
Associate degree and registered apprenticeship pathways covering PLCs, robotics, process control, instrumentation and computer-aided design. - Madera Community College Industrial Maintenance Technician — Madera County
Certificate and degree training in industrial maintenance, electrical systems, machine technology and manufacturing equipment. - College of the Sequoias Industrial Automation — Tulare County
Training in PLCs, robotics, instrumentation, motor controls, industrial networks and automated-equipment troubleshooting. - College of the Sequoias Industrial Maintenance Technology — Tulare County
Covers electricity, mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, machining, refrigeration, welding and automated machinery. - Merced College Industrial Technology and Mechatronics — Merced County
Training in mechatronics, robotics, electrical systems, automation, machining, safety and equipment maintenance. - Modesto Junior College Industrial Electronics — Stanislaus County
Prepares engineering technologists and automation technicians in sensors, controls, PLCs and industrial equipment. - Modesto Junior College Manufacturing Technology — Stanislaus County
Interdisciplinary training in industrial electronics, machine-tool technology, welding and industrial agriculture mechanics. - San Joaquin Delta College Robotics and Automation Technology — San Joaquin County
Mechatronics certificate and associate degree covering industrial robotics, motors, PLCs, controls and troubleshooting. - San Joaquin Delta College Industrial Technology — San Joaquin County
Training in electrical controls, refrigeration, hydraulics, automated systems and industrial-equipment maintenance. - University of the Pacific School of Engineering and Computer Science — San Joaquin County
Engineering education supporting robotics, automation, product development and advanced manufacturing.
Customized Employer Training
Manufacturers can also work with local colleges and workforce boards to create training tailored to specific equipment, production processes and hiring needs. Particularly useful resources include:
- Madera Community College Corporate Training
- Skills Valley Manufacturing Training
- California Employment Training Panel
- America’s Job Center of California
Manufacturing is one of the cornerstones of the Central California economy. Studies have shown a growing number of companies are moving inland, to the Central California region, from the Southern California and Bay areas rather than moving out of state.
Wages
