Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-Apprenticeship
Program

GACC Pre-apprentices typically are high schoolers who are keen to explore a career in manufacturing that is aligned with one of GACC's Registered Apprenticeships.

The Pre-Apprenticeship program is designed to prepare students to enter and succeed in registered Apprenticeship programs. The program gives high school students a paid internship opportunity to get hands-on experience at a company, and receive an industry recognized certificate (e.g. MT1 from the MS Institute).

Pre-apprentices can - upon completion - accelerate into one of our four Registered Apprenticeship programs, or enter the workforce with high-demand technical skills.

The German American Pre-Apprenticeship Program follows the curriculum provided by the Manufacturing Skills Institute. As part of the program High School students aim to receive the MT1 Certification (Manufacturing Technician Level 1).

Classroom instruction includes:

Math and Measurements, Spatial Reasoning
Intro to Electrical Knowledge & their components, wiring
Intro to Mechanical Systems
Intro to Thermodynamics and Fluid Power
Intro to Chemistry
Intro to Business Acumen
Intro to Quality and Process Control

Upon successful completion the Pre-Apprentice will receive the following industry-recognized credentials and certifications:

Manufacturing Technicians Level 1 (by MSI)
6 college credits (depending on community college)
Advanced standing in on four our Apprenticeship Programs
Certification of Completion from the GACC
Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate from the Dept. of Labor & Industry

Testimonials

It helped a lot meeting the people in the workplace and being around and starting to understand so much cool equipment. I will become a full apprentice with this company and I will continue my education here in Pittsburgh because of the quality of the program.

Evan Orienza

Pre-Apprentice

Accutrex

Thanks to the program I have become a better test taker, and overall a better problem solver. The program showed me what a real career could possibly look like, and what I may want to do with my future.

Ben Thomas

Pre-Apprentice

Stellar Precision

I have met so many amazing and talented individuals who have taught me so much about the workforce and life in general. Moreover, I have developed a tremendous amount of soft skills such as communication and collaboration. I have also gained a lot of hard skills and knowledge on the machinery and basic operations of a manufacturing facility.

Melina Vandenberg

Pre-Apprentice

KASTO Inc.

Request More Info

For Employers & Educators

Reach out to the GACC Pittsburgh Chapter team today to discover how your company can participate in our program.

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For Career Seekers

Apply now for our Pre-Apprenticeship program and kickstart your career journey today.