University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Awarded $250,000 to Expand Machining and CNC Pre‑Apprenticeship Pathways

Pictured from left to right - MAC Instructor, Evan Tanner, Workforce Readiness & Recruitment Coordinator, Melanie LaLone, and MAC Instructor, Gary Allio.

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TITUSVILLE, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh at Titusville has been awarded $250,000 through the Commonwealth’s Schools‑to‑Work program to expand its educational programming in machining and CNC pre‑apprenticeship certifications, which align with regional manufacturing workforce needs. 

This investment is part of the Shapiro Administration’s broader $4.1 million commitment supporting 17 programs statewide that strengthen pathways connecting high school students to in‑demand industries and registered apprenticeship opportunities. The Schools‑to‑Work program is designed to bridge classroom learning with real‑world career preparation, ensuring students graduate not only with diplomas but with actionable skills, industry credentials, and direct connections to employment. 

“This investment affirms the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville’s commitment to expanding high‑quality workforce training opportunities across our region,” stated Richard Esch, president of Pitt-Titusville. “By strengthening our workforce development efforts, we are ensuring that students in Northwest Pennsylvania have direct access to the skills and experiences that lead to family‑sustaining careers. We are deeply grateful for the Commonwealth’s continued partnership in building a skilled, job‑ready workforce.”

Pitt–Titusville operates the region’s Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC), a partnership with the Pitt–Swanson School of Engineering, which serves five counties—Crawford, Erie, Forest, Venango, and Warren—and plays a critical role in strengthening rural access to high‑quality workforce training. Through the grant, the MAC will expand hands‑on technical training, including machining, CNC operation, and related manufacturing skills, helping address regional employer demand for talent. 

“These funds will favorably impact high school students who have interest in gaining machining skills before they graduate,” shared Dr. Stephanie Fiely, executive director of the Education & Training Center at Pitt-Titusville, which houses the MAC. “This is another pathway for students to have hands-on training in a high-demand field so that when they graduate high school, they can be job-ready and enter the workforce or continue on to secondary education with this added knowledge.”

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The Education & Training Center at Pitt‑Titusville provides industry‑aligned technical training, workforce development programs, and pre‑apprenticeship opportunities in partnership with employers, school districts, and regional training providers. The Center is committed to removing barriers to education and strengthening the economic vitality of Northwest Pennsylvania through career‑focused learning.