A purple shield-shaped device with chevron shaped scroll attached above the shield, edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) white border, the overall dimensions 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width, on the shield a yellow open book surmounted by a stylized pair of white dividers. On a purple scroll, the inscription "MANUAL ARTS" in white letters 5/16 inch (.79 cm) in height.
Purple and white are the school colors for Manual Arts High School. The open book, indicature of knowledge, alludes to academic studies. The dividers representative of precision and technical studies refer to manual arts, military drills and military science. The color yellow indicature of gold, commemorates the achievement of the cadets in the ROTC program.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved 11 March 1975.