Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program

Today, young workers can struggle to attain the education and work experience they need to land a good job with a career pathway. Many experienced frontline workers are shut off from career opportunities because they do not have the training or credentials required to advance to more specialized, technical occupations. 

Manufacturing employers report facing skills shortages. Employers need a pipeline of skilled workers, customized skills training for workers, increased retention, increased productivity, and a positive return on their investments.

The Community College of Allegheny County has formed a PA-state approved Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program. This earn-as-you-learn course is a blended learning program that includes classroom time, on-line learning modules and on-the-job training assignments for a total learning experience of 3,000 hours (264 in coursework and 2,736 hours on-the-job training) generally scheduled over an 18 month period.
CCAC IMT Apprenticeship Program: a pathway to grow a competitive business by developing skilled and committed workers while building a culture of learning, safety, and quality throughout your workplace.

For more information, please contact:
MJ Gula, MS
Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program
Program Coordinator
CCAC Workforce
mgula@ccac.edu
412-237-2660

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Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program?

• An Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program combines on-the-job training (2,736 hours) with classroom and on-line instruction (264 hours). The 18-month or 3,000-hour apprenticeship trains workers to: set up, operate, monitor, and control production equipment.
• The IMT hybrid registered apprenticeship prepares production workers for the knowledge and competencies needed in the advanced manufacturing environment.
• The IMT on-the-job training and related instruction and curriculum are relevant in manufacturing settings ranging from food processing or metal fabrication to plastics or bio-medical production, and can be customized to a particular firm’s criteria. Upon completion of training, workers earn nationally recognized manufacturing journey worker credentials.

How does the IMT Apprenticeship program benefit my company?

• The IMT apprenticeship can help your manufacturing firm meet the needs of upgrading the skills of incumbent and entry-level workers. 
• IMT employers develop skilled and committed workers who take responsibility to improve their jobs and contribute to the competiveness of the firm, which helps to grow the business.
• IMT employers invest in the development of all their employees to build a culture of learning, safety, and quality throughout the workplace.
• IMT employers adopt an innovative, long-term HR strategy to help to attract, recruit, and retain highly skilled workers. 
• IMT programs can help improve manufacturing processes and schedules to meet customer requirements.
• IMT apprentices learn to understand manufacturing as a business system that integrates multiple disciplines, processes, and stakeholders

What does my company have to put into the CCAC IMT Apprenticeship Program?

• There will be a fee for the course instruction provided by CCAC. This will include all materials, classroom supplies, and computer access codes.
• You will need to identify an experienced worker to mentor the apprentice(s). 
• The company will provide on-the-job learning instruction and competency assessments. It is necessary to provide a range of work process experiences in accordance with the agreed upon training.
• Each apprentice will also have a Job Book for the mentor to sign off on when competencies are attained.
• Employers must provide time for apprentices to complete their instruction, as well as define pay rates, including wage increments at key points as apprentices become more skilled.
• Your input and review of the program will also be valuable to your company and future participants.

Are there funds available to help me to pay for the program?

• Yes- you may qualify for funds to help support the cost of the classroom instruction for the apprentice and/or wages.
• Your local PA Careerlink ® office and other sources may be available to provide funding supports that may be used for instruction costs and/or wages.

Why should I partner with the CCAC?

• CCAC currently has a PA state-registered Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program.
• CCAC will manage the program, which will greatly reduce the time, effort, and paperwork on your end.
• CCAC will provide the classroom instruction- your primary focus will be providing the on-the-job training.
• Small and medium sized companies do not need to have a full class of students. We will look for other area manufacturing companies to participate in the program with your company’s apprentices. 
• Depending upon the number of apprentices to be trained, and other factors, we may be able to deliver the classroom instruction on your (or, another area company’s) work site.

Who do I contact for more information?

MJ Gula
Community College of Allegheny County
West Hills Center
1000 McKee Road
Oakdale, PA 15071-1099
mgula@ccac.edu
Phone: 412-237-2660