From Welding to Workforce: A Student’s Look into Manufacturing Programs

By Nasir Brown

This summer, I worked as an intern with Catalyst Connection, where I got the chance to learn more about careers in manufacturing and meet people who are training to be part of the industry’s future.

Do you like working with your hands? If so, manufacturing might be a great fit for you. The industry offers all kinds of hands-on jobs, whether you’re building, assembling, welding, or operating machines. If you’re someone who enjoys creating something out of nothing, that’s exactly what manufacturing is all about.

Everywhere you look, there’s some kind of manufacturing job behind it—roller coasters at amusement parks, the cars we drive, the electronics we use every day. What people don’t always realize is that manufacturing isn’t just about machines; it’s also about math, science, and teamwork. These are skills you already learn in school, and they can translate directly into building a career.

The truth is, the workforce needs more manufacturers for the future, and it’s up to our generation to step up. As the world keeps expanding and upgrading, manufacturing will always be part of the move forward. The good news is that there are many programs right here in the Pittsburgh area that can train and prepare you for these careers. Manufacturing also offers strong salaries without always requiring a four-year degree. Some programs are even available while you’re still in high school, so by the time you graduate, you can already have the skills for a dependable job. And even if you start after high school, many training programs can be completed in just a few months—putting you on the path to a career much sooner.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit and interview students from Industrial Arts Workshop (IAW) and New Century Careers (NCC). Both organizations give students real-world manufacturing experience and hands-on training.

At IAW, which focuses on welding and workforce readiness for youth and young adults, I interviewed a student named Nathan Holmes of Westinghouse High School. He told me he wants to grow his welding skills because it gives him both career opportunities as well as a creative outlet. Nate described welding as “a hard art” but one that allows him to express creativity in a unique way. He also said the program feels like a welcoming and safe place where people can bond, share common interests, and learn together. In his words: “If you like art that includes metal, welding is for you.”