Inside SkillMill19’s Mechatronics Training with Pittsburgh Public Schools
The three-day training was led by SkillMill19’s Lead Instructor, Shaun Reddick, a former educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. Under Shaun’s guidance, participants worked directly on FESTO MecLab systems, learning how to program and operate mechatronics equipment used in real manufacturing environments.
Throughout the training, students moved beyond theory and into application—connecting circuits, programming systems, and seeing in real time how their work translated into machine function. As one student shared, the experience of “seeing the circuit work on the machine” helped bring the concepts to life in a way that classroom learning alone cannot.
Participants were also introduced to automation and the tools used across modern manufacturing, giving them a clearer understanding of how these technologies are applied in industry and how their own skills can translate into real-world applications.
Industry-Recognized Credential Through NC3
As part of the training, participants worked toward an industry-recognized credential through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), a national network that develops and validates certifications aligned to real-world technical skills.
NC3 credentials are widely recognized by employers and are also embedded into postsecondary pathways. Locally, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) incorporates NC3 credentials into its Mechatronics degree program, creating a direct connection between high school exposure, college training, and career opportunities.
At the conclusion of the training, 25 participants sat for the NC3 certification exam, with 24 successfully earning the credential.
Strong Early Outcomes
Feedback from participants reflected a high level of engagement, particularly around the hands-on nature of the training and the ability to apply what they learned immediately. One student noted the value of “doing hands-on tasks based on what we learned and seeing our hard work translate into machine skills.”
- 100% of participants expressed interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing
- 100% would recommend the training to a classmate
- 24 of 25 participants earned an industry-recognized credential
These outcomes reinforce the value of providing students with meaningful, applied learning experiences that connect directly to industry.
Building a Sustainable Pipeline
This training represents more than a one-time experience. It demonstrates the potential of connecting K–12 education directly to industry-relevant training environments and credentialing systems.
By aligning high school exposure with recognized credentials and postsecondary pathways, SkillMill19 is helping to build a more connected and accessible manufacturing workforce pipeline for southwestern Pennsylvania.
We look forward to continuing this work with Pittsburgh Public Schools and other regional partners as we expand opportunities for students to explore, engage in, and ultimately pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.
