March 2024 Newsletter

Passport Charter Academy students (L-R) watching a lathe demonstration by John Alexander (NCC)

Passport Charter Academy Participates in the

M2K Next Gen Program

In a bid to broaden their horizons and delve into the world of manufacturing, students from Passport Charter Academy embarked on a four-week journey, attending weekly sessions at New Century Careers. The inaugural session kicked off with a Manufacturing Awareness Pre-Survey to gauge the students' initial understanding of manufacturing. Led by NCC's shop supervisor, John Alexander, students were introduced to the shop floor, weekly shop safety debriefs, machine demonstrations, hands-on operations, and insights into the various career pathways through manufacturing. As the program concluded, students departed with enriched perspectives, newfound skills, and a clearer pathway towards potential careers in the dynamic world of manufacturing.

Pictured are Neil Ashbaugh (NCC), VEKA Precision Tuner Apprentices (L-R) Aaron Kloos, Steven Durr, David Starr, Shane Sedgwick, VEKA Manager Mike Gruber, and VEKA Training Manager Thomas VanDeBunt

VEKA Precision Tuner Apprentices Complete Customized Training at

New Century Careers

New Century Careers (NCC), with partner company VEKA, Inc., are proud to announce the recent completion of four of VEKA's Apprentices working to earn their "Precision Tuner" Journey Worker certificate. Through a mutual effort of VEKA and NCC, VEKA apprentices attend hands-on training one day a week, for approximately six months, as part of VEKA's registered apprenticeship program. Employees focus on receiving training and guidance from NCC instructors so that they can then learn how to safely, efficiently, and correctly, set-up and operate manual mills

"This program has seen our employees start with a great base knowledge in the area of milling, and then rapidly grow and become more confident in the understanding and usage of this precision equipment.", stated VEKA Training Manager, Thomas VanDeBunt. "We are grateful to New Century for the level of expertise and knowledge they share with our guys to help them accomplish this portion of their overall program."

City Charter Intern Assists

in Meeting NCC's Mission

For the past three months, Takiyah M, has been working at NCC to assist in reviewing and organizing pre-apprenticeship files for the MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K) program. This real-world experience not only aids NCC in identifying and strengthening internal processes, but has also given Takiyah a look into what her future may hold with her plans to attend business school in the fall. NCC would like to thank Dr. Miracle Green and the intern team at City Charter High for allowing Takiyah to be our third intern in the past two years. To learn more about their internship program, or to participate and host an intern at your company, please contact City Charter High's Intern Managers Dr. Green or Ms. Drummond at this site.

Watch City Charter's Interview on WPXI

Manufacturing Works

Summit 2024

Catalyst Connection along with other regional stakeholders has developed the MFG Works Summit to elevate promising practices and resources for attendees with workforce responsibilities.

"We invite regional manufacturers, educators, and partners to join us in this highly engaged program to understand these challenges and much more. Together, we can nurture a stronger manufacturing industry that is founded in a strong workforce."

Date/Time: May 22, 2024

@7:45AM - 4:00PM

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh - Cranberry

910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, PA 16046