Pre-Apprenticeships


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About the Program:

 

Prepare high school students for in‑demand manufacturing careers with Catalyst Connection’s state‑registered IMT and Advanced IMT pre‑apprenticeships. Participants build job‑ready skills, earn nationally recognized, stackable credentials, and connect with local employers through coaching, tours, and guaranteed interviews tied to online certifications.

  • Two State Registered Programs:
    • Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Pre-Apprenticeship
    • Advanced Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Pre-Apprenticeship
  • Up to 7 industry‑recognized certifications upon completing both programs

Key Benefits for Students:

  • Earn stackable credentials that build a strong foundation for multiple manufacturing career pathways.
  • Gain nationally recognized, industry certifications that are valued by employers across the country.
  • Explore careers in manufacturing through hands-on activities, plant tours, and engagement with local companies.
  • Receive personalized career coaching to guide your next steps toward a high-demand manufacturing role.
  • Expand your network by connecting with other pre-apprentices from school districts across Southwestern Pennsylvania.
  • Secure a guaranteed job interview after completing the two required online certifications.
  • Transition into full-time employment—once hired, apprentices enter the workforce as regular employees with long-term career growth potential.

Schools Currently Involved:

  • Baldwin-Whitehall School District
  • Blackhawk School District
  • Burrell School District
  • City Charter High School
  • Forest Hills School District
  • Keystone Oaks School District
  • Laurel Highlands School District
  • Pittsburgh Public School District
  • Quaker Valley School District
  • Sto-Rox School District
  • Woodland Hills School District

Online Curriculum:

  • Safety
    1. Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing
    2. Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things
    3. Safety Responsibilities
    4. Practicing Safety in the Workplace
    5. Types of PPE
    6. Hazardous Materials Standards
    7. Hazardous Material Handling and Storage
    8. Machine Safety
    9. Equipment Safety
    10. Material Handling and Robot Safety
    11. Safety Inspections and Analysis
    12. Work Area Safety
    13. Training
    14. Fire and Electrical Safety
    15. Emergency and Accident Response
    16. Introduction to Communication
    17. Receiving Communication
    18. Communication Methods
    19. Communicating Feedback
    20. Introduction to Teams
    21. Production Team Communication
    22. Team Ideation
    23. Workplace Behavior
  • Quality Practices & Measurement
    1. Introduction to Quality
    2. Dimensional Measurement
    3. Measurement Conversion
    4. Introduction to Print Reading
    5. Multiview Drawings
    6. Blueprint Dimensions and Notes
    7. Manufacturing Drawings and Scales
    8. Welding Symbols
    9. Tolerancing
    10. Caliper Measurement
    11. Micrometer Measurement
    12. Indicator Measurement
    13. Quality Inspections and Audits
    14. Introduction to Quality Tools
    15. Preventive and Corrective Action
    16. Basic Statistical Concepts
    17. Introduction to Control Chart

Advanced IMT Pre-Apprenticeship Online Curriculum

  • Manufacturing Process and Production
    1. Principles of Manufacturing Automation
    2. Industry 4.0 Technologies
    3. Advanced Manufacturing Materials
    4. Advanced Manufacturing Processes
    5. Mechanical Power
    6. Basic Mechanical Elements
    7. Power Efficiency
    8. Hand Tools
    9. Band Saw Operation
    10. Introduction to the Drill Press
    11. Machine Operations 1
    12. Machine Operations 2
    13. Introduction to CNC Machining
    14. CNC Workspace
    15. CNC Programming and Operation
    16. Automated System Operations
    17. Machine Adjustments
    18. Machine Troubleshooting
    19. Manufacturing Metrics
    20. Production Planning and Workflow
    21. Introduction to Lean Manufacturing
    22. Lean Manufacturing Organization
    23. Lean Manufacturing Operations
    24. Inventory Management
    25. Production Control
    26. Material Quality Control
  • Maintenance Awareness
    1. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
    2. Mechanical Power Transmission
    3. Gear Drives
    4. Belt Drives
    5. Chain Drives
    6. Oil Lubrication
    7. Grease Lubrication
    8. Introduction to Fluid Power
    9. Pneumatic Power
    10. Basic Cylinder Circuits
    11. Hydraulic Power
    12. Basic Hydraulic Cylinder Circuits
    13. Fluid Power Speed Control
    14. Hydraulic Filtration
    15. Basic Electrical Circuits
    16. Electrical Voltage and Current Concepts
    17. Electrical Resistance Measurement
    18. Power in Electrical Circuits
    19. Control Logic Circuits
    20. Electrical Control Diagrams
    21. Relay Control Circuits
    22. Automation Sequence Circuits
    23. Introduction to Electronic Sensors
    24. Programmable Controller Operation
    25. Basic PLC Programming
    26. PLC Motor Control
    27. Basic Robot Operation
    28. Introduction to Welding
    29. Welding Operations
    30. Weld Types

 

 

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

 

Contact Us

Resources:

 

Contact Us:
If you would like to know about supporting the pre-apprenticeship program or hiring graduates of the program, contact Jennifer Bosack at jbosack@catalystconnection.org.

 

Sponsors: