Southwestern Pennsylvania’s manufacturers are facing a defining moment. 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 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.
Read more on this topic in the Urban Institute’s feature: How Registered Apprenticeships Could Expand the Manufacturing Labor Force