--- title: Expanding the Manufacturing Workforce Through Apprenticeships description: Registered apprenticeships are helping SWPA manufacturers build a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent. Learn how Catalyst Connection’s state-registered IMT Apprenticeship Program strengthens retention, upskills workers, and supports the region’s future workforce. image: https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/Create%20a%20realistic%2c%20professional%20image%20that%20represents%20manufacturing%20apprenticeships%20and%20workforce%20development.%20Show%20a%20group%20of%20individuals%E2%80%94men%20and%20women%20of%20different%20ages%E2%80%94working%20hands-on%20with%20advanced%20manufacturi.jpg --- - [Training & Events](https://www.catalystconnection.org/trainings-events/) [Skip to content](https://blog.catalystconnection.org/expanding-the-manufacturing-workforce-through-apprenticeships#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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As experienced workers retire and production demands grow, the need for a sustainable, future-ready workforce has never been greater. Across the region, companies are feeling the pressure to fill essential production and technical roles—positions that require not only skill, but also adaptability and long-term commitment. Registered apprenticeships offer a proven and practical solution. By blending classroom instruction with structured, on-the-job learning, apprenticeships equip individuals with the technical and professional competencies manufacturers need most. They also create a clear career pathway for new and incumbent workers, helping companies attract talent that’s eager to learn, grow, and stay. At Catalyst Connection, the **state-registered [Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program](https://www.catalystconnection.org/imt-apprenticeship-program/)** is helping regional manufacturers strengthen this pipeline. Through close collaboration with employers, Catalyst develops customized pathways that upskill entry-level employees, align with industry standards, and drive measurable improvements in retention and productivity. The result is a more resilient workforce—one that supports growth, innovation, and competitiveness across the manufacturing ecosystem. Apprenticeships aren’t just a workforce strategy—they’re a long-term investment in people, performance, and the future of manufacturing in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Grant Funding: The total cost of the IMT Apprenticeship program is $2,009,000. $1,005,000 (50%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor Work Opportunity for Rural Communities grant . The other $1,004,000 (50%) is funded through other federal and non-Federal resources. Read more on this topic in the Urban Institute’s feature: [How Registered Apprenticeships Could Expand the Manufacturing Labor Force](https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-registered-apprenticeships-could-expand-manufacturing-labor-force) [![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" : "Jennifer Bosack", "url" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/author/jennifer-bosack" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-13T17:04:05.199Z", "datePublished" : "2025-10-31T13:57:51.000Z", "headline" : "Expanding the Manufacturing Workforce Through Apprenticeships", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/expanding-the-manufacturing-workforce-through-apprenticeships", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.catalystconnection.org/hubfs/CatalystConnection_WeGrow_rgb-2.png" } } } ```