About

BotsIQ is a manufacturing workforce development program of the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation whose goal is to provide a pathway for youth to learn about rewarding career options in manufacturing.

Identifying and developing a career plan is a challenge for students. BotsIQ holds a pivotal position as a workforce development program that attracts smart, capable students who love to build things and solve problems — exactly the type of people that will comprise the future manufacturing workforce.

Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Academy (CMRA) develops robotics and STEM education programs that prepare learners for careers in advanced manufacturing and automation.

CMRA's SMART Robotics Technician Pre-apprenticeship Program is a Pennsylvania-registered program that builds the foundational Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs) needed for robotics technicians. Developed with input from industry, SMART includes five stackable micro-certifications: Electrical, Mechanical, Fabrication, Software, and Robotics Integration. Graduates can transition into apprenticeships, earn college credit, or move directly into the workforce.

Building on SMART, CMRA also offers pathways such as Applied AI and Robotics, focused on hands-on experience with robotic systems using AI, and Robot Operations, which uses drones to teach operator-maintainer skills.

Catalyst Connection is a private, nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to advancing manufacturing in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Since 1988, we have empowered small and mid-sized manufacturers with the consulting, training, technology solutions, and workforce development needed to strengthen competitiveness, accelerate growth, and create family-sustaining jobs. As part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and Pennsylvania’s Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Network, we connect manufacturers with resources to fuel innovation, productivity, and workforce development.

Our mission is to serve as a CATALYST for the growth and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and the CONNECTION for communities to high-paying manufacturing jobs.

CCAC conducts Pennsylvania-registered IMT and Mechatronics Apprenticeship programs. These are hybrid programs that include classroom time, online learning modules and on-the-job training assignments. For IMT, the total learning experience consists of 3,000 hours—264 hours of coursework and 2,736 hours of on-the-job training, generally scheduled over an 18-month period. The Mechatronics program includes 510 hours of coursework and 6,000 hours of on-the-job training over a three-year period. Both offer the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician course, with the opportunity to earn a national- and industry-recognized credential.

Since 2015, the GACC Pittsburgh Chapter (German American Chamber of Commerce® Pittsburgh Chapter) has been the first point of contact for German and U.S. companies in Western Pennsylvania. As the official representative of German business, we support transatlantic trade through consulting, networking events, industry insights, and the implementation of the German Dual Apprenticeship System in the region.

Since 1999, New Century Careers has trained and placed hundreds of individuals in entry-level manufacturing careers, helping the manufacturers of the region find passionate manufacturing technicians.

The Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) represents precision custom manufacturers throughout Western Pennsylvania. As part of a national network of manufacturers, the Pittsburgh Chapter provides local companies with opportunities for connection, advocacy, and growth.

Our chapter leads the region’s machinist apprenticeship-related training program, supporting both employers and apprentices through high-quality classroom training and hands-on learning. We’re dedicated to developing a skilled workforce, advancing manufacturing excellence, and strengthening the future of the industry.

Through networking events, training programs, and community partnerships, the Pittsburgh Chapter NTMA helps manufacturers stay competitive, connected, and future-ready.