Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program
About the IMT Apprenticeship Program
Catalyst Connection’s Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program is a state-registered, earn-and-learn pathway designed to upskill entry-level production workers into highly capable technicians.
This 18-month program blends 3,000 total hours of training, including 2,736 hours of structured on-the-job experience and 264 hours of related technical instruction, ensuring apprentices gain both practical skills and classroom knowledge.
The curriculum emphasizes safety, technical competencies, and industry-recognized credentials such as the MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) modules. By standardizing workforce skills, manufacturers can improve retention, productivity, and long-term competitiveness.
Employers also benefit from significant cost savings, with grant funding opportunities providing up to $6,000 per apprentice to offset training expenses.
With structured support for mentors and apprentices throughout the program, the IMT Apprenticeship offers a proven model for building a stronger, more reliable manufacturing workforce.
Why Apprenticeships? Watch this video to learn more.
Tools to Help You Succeed
On-the-Job (OJT) Training
OJT follows a competency-based model that utilizes the supervision of a training mentor as IMT apprentices are assigned tasks that build their skills and competencies in the full range of the production work cycle within their company. The OJT is delivered in accordance with a carefully developed training plan. This plan, called the Job Book, spells out detailed competency levels for skills including equipment set up and operations, safety, routine equipment maintenance, use of mechanical tools and testing equipment. The Job Book allows for customization to each company’s specific systems.
Each apprentice is assigned an experience skilled mentor who demonstrates new skills, observes and provides feedback on the apprentice’s performance of the skills and signs off on the date when the apprentice shows mastery of the demonstrated skills. When the employer determines the apprentice has mastered all of the skills and competencies in the Job Book, it is then reviewed before awarding the completion credential.
Related Technical Instruction & Classroom Training
Apprentices must successfully complete courses in industrial math, industrial communications, manufacturing technology systems and processes, industrial blueprint reading, OSHA 010 and First Aid/CPR to obtain their IMT registered apprenticeship credential.
185 hours of the related instruction will be standard in the program. These 185 hours include four modules of the MSSC Certified Production Technician curriculum. Each of these modules include an exam, which once completed, earns an apprentice a Certified Production Technician certificate, which is nationally recognized. The instruction also includes courses on interpersonal skills, lean manufacturing and practical problem solving. The additional 79 hours of related technical instruction can be customized to meet each company’s specific technical needs.
Trainings occur over an 18-month period:
| Classroom Training | Hours |
| Train the Trainer | 8 |
| Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Training | 90 |
| Communication/Math for the Trades | 30 |
| Lean 101 | 8 |
| Practical Problem Solving | 8 |
| Interpersonal Skills | 24 |
| OSHA 10 | 15 |
| Apprenticeship Support | 60 |
| Customized Training | 79 |
Grant Funding: Catalyst Connection currently has grant funding to help offset the above training costs for the program.
Explore Your Path with ApprenticeshipHQ
Looking for hands-on training, stackable credentials, and real career pathways in Southwestern Pennsylvania?
Visit ApprenticeshipHQ to discover how apprenticeship programs across the region can help you build in-demand skills, advance your manufacturing career, and connect with opportunities that lead to long-term success.
Learn more at ApprenticeshipHQ.org
Need More Information?
Contact Jennifer Bosack at jbosack@catalystconnection.org for eligibility or more information.