Pittsburgh, PA – March 10, 2022 — News Century Careers, a nonprofit manufacturer and technical skills development organization serving the Southwestern Pennsylvania, today announced the release of its 2021 Impact Report. New Century Careers offers technical training opportunities, some tuition-free, while helping employers find and develop technicians for the region’s advanced manufacturing workforce.
“The progress documented in this report recounts how New Century Careers responsibly reentered a world forever altered by the COVID 19 pandemic, said Neil Ashbaugh, NCC’s president and CEO. “With the adaptability of the NCC staff and trainees who performed admirably, our daily routine eased back to a new normal and gained momentum throughout the year,” he added.
Highlights of 2021 were the creation of substantive new industry and community partnerships and the launch of NCC’s Certified Robotics Technician Apprenticeship Program.
NCC expanded its recruitment reach for its tuition-free core program Manufacturing 2000 (M2K) through relationships with the federal Operation Next, the state’s School to Work and the Pittsburgh Public School’s Career and Technical Education programs, connecting early on with middle and high school students making career decisions.
As more and more companies in the Pittsburgh region invest in and deploy robotics and automation solutions to meet their customers’ demands, highly skilled technicians to operate and maintain these systems are critical to the long-term success of both existing companies and recent startups. This prompted New Century Careers to launch its two-year Certified Robotics Technician Apprenticeship Program in June to focus on automation and robotics for the job role of robotics technician. “Candidates trained to fill these advanced manufacturing positions can secure jobs with significant growth potential. The installation of a Haas ST-10Y with FANUC robotic arm at NCC’s Anselmo Training Innovation Center is transforming NCC’s already robust capabilities to prepare trainees for these positions,” Ashbaugh explained.
With pandemic restrictions lifting, NCC reached a total of 74 schools, community based organizations and companies through tours, in-person visits, virtual presentations, and career events, including an estimated 700 students at 26 schools.
Throughout the year, 55 trainees enrolled, trainees earned 81 NIMS credentials, a recognized industry standard, and NCC assisted with 19 job placements.
“NCC gratefully acknowledges the strong support of foundations and other funders, its partner companies and community based and professional organizations,” said Ashbaugh. The New Century Careers 2021 Impact Report is accessible online at https://www.ncsquared.com/impact-report-2021/
