Southwestern Pennsylvania’s manufacturing economy is strong—but like many regions across the country, it faces a growing challenge: finding enough skilled workers to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow. From robotics and automation to mechatronics and advanced materials, modern manufacturing careers require hands-on experience, technical skills, and clear pathways into the workforce.
ApprenticeshipHQ, a newly launched regional platform, was built to help solve that challenge.
A Regional Collaboration to Build the Workforce of the Future
ApprenticeshipHQ is a shared initiative designed to empower individuals and support the companies that depend on them. Funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the platform was developed by seven workforce and education leaders who recognize that access—not ability—is often the biggest barrier to opportunity.
Together, these partners united around a simple idea:
Southwestern Pennsylvanians deserve a clear, accessible entry point into apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
The result is a comprehensive digital hub where learners, educators, and employers can explore programs, understand requirements, and take the first step toward meaningful careers.
A One-Stop Resource for Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships
ApprenticeshipHQ was created to streamline and simplify the apprenticeship journey. The platform serves as a centralized starting point for anyone seeking to:
- Explore apprenticeship pathways in advanced manufacturing and related technical fields
- Connect with training providers and employers who offer hands-on learning opportunities
- Learn how apprenticeships work, including wages, credentials, and time commitments
- Access pre-apprenticeship programs that build foundational skills
- Understand how to launch or support an apprenticeship program as an employer or educator
Whether you’re:
- A student trying to understand your options
- A returning adult considering a new career
- An educator guiding learners toward in-demand opportunities
- An employer looking to build a stronger pipeline
ApprenticeshipHQ is designed to make the process clearer, faster, and more impactful.
A Collaboration Rooted in Regional Strength
ApprenticeshipHQ reflects the power of partnership. This platform was created collaboratively by organizations that collectively serve thousands of learners, workers, and employers across the region:
- BotsIQ Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
- Catalyst Connection
- Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)
- German American Chamber of Commerce
- New Century Careers
- Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA)
Each organization brings deep experience in workforce development, career pathways, employer partnerships, and hands-on technical training. ApprenticeshipHQ unites their knowledge to create a stronger, more accessible regional ecosystem for talent development.
Why ApprenticeshipHQ Matters Now
As manufacturing continues to evolve, career pathways must evolve too. Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships are proven, effective ways to help individuals build skills while earning a wage and advancing toward long-term careers. For employers, these programs strengthen retention, close skills gaps, and support succession planning.
Yet too often, the information people need is scattered or unclear.
ApprenticeshipHQ removes those barriers by bringing resources together in one easy-to-use platform.
The site is designed to support exploration, encourage participation, and connect more Southwestern Pennsylvanians to family-sustaining careers—while helping employers grow the talent pipelines they need to compete.
Explore ApprenticeshipHQ Today
ApprenticeshipHQ is now live and ready to support learners, schools, and employers across the region.
Visit the platform: https://apprenticeshiphq.org/
Meet the partners behind the initiative: https://apprenticeshiphq.org/about/
Together, we’re building a stronger workforce—and opening more doors to opportunity in Southwestern Pennsylvania.