Nazareth Prep and Catalyst Connection partner for manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program

A new partnership between Nazareth Prep in Emsworth and Catalyst Connection in Hazelwood offers students at the independent Catholic high school a pathway to careers in manufacturing. Sixty students from the school are currently participating in the nationally-recognized Industrial Manufacturing Technician pre-apprenticeship program.

Sponsored by Catalyst Connection, the IMT apprenticeship is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and equips front-line manufacturing production workers with sought-after skills for settings as diverse as electronics, plastics and bio-medical manufacturing.

According to a news release, the program uses the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council curriculum for Certified Production Technician, an industry-led training, assessment and certification system focused on core skills and knowledge. High school students in the pre-apprenticeship program work on the program’s Safety and Quality modules, building a general knowledge of manufacturing practices, which can be applied to any manufacturing context.

“For many students, the prospect of assuming college debt immediately after high school is daunting, if not prohibitive. And some students are simply not aware of options other than the traditional college route,” said Nazareth Prep executive director and head of school Rita Canton. “The IMT pre-apprenticeship provides another avenue to explore, as well a potential route to a fulfilling and sustainable career. That said, these training modules will benefit students interested in degrees in engineering, technology and logistics as well as those pursuing careers right out of high school.”

Nazareth Prep students receive one-on-one guidance and college and career preparation as they traverse the school’s real-world rigorous academic curriculum. In addition to the IMT pre-apprenticeship, the school also partners with MSA Safety to offer a pre-apprenticeship in mechatronics.

Additionally, all students participate in internships at more than 80 local partner companies and organizations to explore possible future careers and to build workplace experience.

“The students have the opportunity to engage in career-related content, pursue nationally recognized industry credentials, and for those that choose to, begin a journey toward a career in manufacturing,” said Scott Dietz, director of education initiatives at Catalyst Connection.

“Manufacturing in Pittsburgh is a highly advanced, precision, technology-heavy industry that requires students who are problem solvers, independently motivated, and technology savvy. It is a great career pathway with endless possibilities whether direct to work out of high school, trade schools, or four-year degree programs,” he added. “Students in this program are beginning that journey.”