--- title: Building the Next Generation of Technicians description: SkillMill19 partners with Pittsburgh Public Schools to deliver hands-on mechatronics training, giving students real manufacturing experience and earning industry-recognized NC3 credentials. image: https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/pro-HX58KRyG.jpeg --- - [Training & Events](https://www.catalystconnection.org/trainings-events/) [Skip to content](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/building-the-next-generation-of-technicians#content) [![Catalyst Connection Logo](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-2.png)](https://www.catalystconnection.org) - [Home](https://www.catalystconnection.org/) - About Us - [About Us Catalyst Connection contributes to the growth and vibrancy of manufacturing in our region.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/about-us/) - [Careers At Catalyst Connection, we recognize and treat our people as our most important resource.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/careers/) - [Grants & Cost Savings There are a number of grants and tax credits available to manufacturers in the region.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-cost-savings/) - [Executive Committee & Board of Directors Influential professionals who are committed to driving innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/our-people/) - [Staff Dedicated to helping you reach your full potential and thrive in today’s competitive market.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/our-people/#tab_staff) - [Services](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/) - [People Are You Earning The Reputation As An Employer Of Choice?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/people/) - [Process Are you producing your products in the most efficient means and are you meeting quality standards?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/process/) - [Products Do you have the right products for the market – and the right market for the products that you make?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/products/) - [Technology Are you preparing to become a manufacturer for the 21st century?](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/technology/) - Insights - [Blog Our blog is your go-to resource for insightful articles and expert advice on the latest trends shaping the industry.](https://www.catalystconnection.org/blog/) - [Resource Library Curated content covers supply chain, optimization, workforce. 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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.” 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.    ![pro-UfgU2Ste](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pro-UfgU2Ste.jpeg?width=279&height=372&name=pro-UfgU2Ste.jpeg)       ![pro-znMnjvxf](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pro-znMnjvxf.jpeg?width=386&height=290&name=pro-znMnjvxf.jpeg)     ![pro-HX58KRyG](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pro-HX58KRyG.jpeg?width=384&height=288&name=pro-HX58KRyG.jpeg)   [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.catalystconnection.org%2Fbuilding-the-next-generation-of-technicians%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.catalystconnection.org%2Fbuilding-the-next-generation-of-technicians%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.catalystconnection.org%2Fbuilding-the-next-generation-of-technicians%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.catalystconnection.org%2Fbuilding-the-next-generation-of-technicians%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)     [![Catalyst Logo](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/footer_logo_white.svg)](https://www.catalystconnection.org) [info@catalystconnection.org](mailto:info@catalystconnection.org) [412.918.4300](tel:412.918.4300) 4501 Lytle Street, Suite 301 Pittsburgh, PA 15207 - [![Linkedin](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/catalyst-connection/) - [![Facebook](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/CatalystConnection) - [![Twitter](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/madeinswpa) - [![Instagram](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-instagram.png)](https://www.instagram.com/catalyst_workforce/) - [![Youtube](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/blog/icon-youtube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/CatalystConnection) ###### Navigate - [About Us](https://www.catalystconnection.org/about-us/) - [Services](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/) - [Grants & Programs](https://www.catalystconnection.org/grants-programs/) - [Contact Us](https://www.catalystconnection.org/contact-us/) ###### Our Services - [People](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/people) - [Process](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/process) - [Products](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/products) - [Technology](https://www.catalystconnection.org/services/technology) ###### [Newsletter Signup](https://www.catalystconnection.org/newsletter/) © 2026 Catalyst Connection [Privacy Policy](https://www.catalystconnection.org/privacy-policy) | [Sitemap](https://www.catalystconnection.org/sitemap) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.catalystconnection.org/terms-and-conditions) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Mara Peduto", "url" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/author/mara-peduto" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-20T18:03:36.634Z", "datePublished" : "2026-04-20T18:01:06.000Z", "headline" : "Building the Next Generation of Technicians", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/building-the-next-generation-of-technicians", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-2.png" } } } ```