Manufacturing industries are in need of skilled production operators and technicians with up-to-date, 21st century skills. Industries that make products from metal, plastics, wood and other materials, as well as those producing solar panels, biofuels, energy, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, semiconductors, and a host of other traditional and green products need employees capable of running and servicing sophisticated machinery. In addition, workers in these industries must understand and practice principles aimed at maintaining safety, improving quality, eliminating waste, and reducing or eliminating the impact of operations on the environment.