Free/Paid Training Programs & Apprenticeships for HS Graduates

What Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities FIT for you and your CAREER PLAN?

At QVHS, we want students to be aware of the various post-secondary options available to them in our region. Information on local opportunities is posted below. Additional information will be added as it becomes available. See Mrs. Keller with questions or assistance in getting connected. [email protected]

Apprenticeships

Builder's Guild Apprenticeships

Build Your Career. Build Our Region.

Whether a veteran, high school graduate, college or technical school graduate, or someone who just hasn’t found their career passion – you can build a lifelong, financially rewarding career you can be proud of in the region’s construction trades. The Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania is a unique labor/management initiative of the building and construction trade unions of Western PA and local professional contractor associations. Our mission is to promote quality construction, provide a forum for labor and management to work together on issues of common concern, and to create career opportunities for men and women interested in working in the demanding and challenging construction industry. The Builders Guild is an advocate for the commercial construction industry throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond.

Apprenti PGH: Apprenticeships in Tech (Software Analyst and Cybersecurity Analyst)

Apprenticeship Programs at CCAC

The Local Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JATC) is an affiliated provider of education for the Community College of Allegheny County. We offer seven apprenticeship programs through the JATC:

The CCAC Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Electrical Construction Technology (ECT) Program
Heavy Equipment Operating (HEO) Engineers Apprenticeship Program
Ironworker Apprenticeship Program
Plumber Apprenticeship Program
Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship Program
Stationary Operating Engineer

Click HERE for complete details.

Sales Engineer, Mechatronics Technician, Polymer Technician, CAD/CAM Designer Apprenticeships through German Chamber of Commerce

Click HERE to watch a 30 minute presentation and Q & A with apprentices to learn more.

Click HERE to view the website. German American Chambers of Commerce Apprenticeship Programs are an innovative and industry-led approach to education. Benchmarked on the German Dual Education System, they are the gold standard of a practical educational model developed in conjunction with technology leaders. They generally combine practice, theory and work to train a globally competitive workforce. Companies get a tailored training program, greater employee loyalty and access to a high-quality candidate pool. The German american Chamber's program has now expanded to include four different apprenticeship modules with eighteen companies. Email Mrs. Keller ([email protected]) with any questions.

New Century Careers MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K)

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K), a PA State Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program, offers entry-level machinist training to qualified applicants at no charge. The program supplies area manufacturers with employees to replace their aging workforce and strengthen Southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy. M2K, a program of New Century Careers, has been made possible through the efforts of area manufacturers, educators, foundations, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the US Department of Justice and the US Department of Labor.

M2K classes are offered at New Century Careers’ training space on Pittsburgh’s South Side and at Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in Latrobe. The program provides 3 levels of training up to 600 hours. M2K’s ultimate goal is to place trained students in full-time positions with Southwestern Pennsylvania companies. Students will work with NCC Staff to prepare a resume and work on interview skills. The student will work closely with our staff to search for a job with one of our manufacturing partners. We work closely with each student to find appropriate employment.

Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship through Catalylst Connections

Click HERE for more information. The Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship through Catalyst Connections helps entry-level workers in manufacturing quickly enhance their skills and advance with their current employer. Due to changing manufacturing technologies, entry-level workers require higher skills than before and employers are struggling to recruit and retain these type of workers. The IMT program is a state registered apprenticeship to help meet these employer needs. Email Mrs. Keller ([email protected]) with any questions.

NOW HIRING! SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL UNION #12

Pennsylvania Shell Ethylene Cracker Plant, Potter Township, Beaver County, PA

$50-$85K, Health Care, Daily travel Per-Diem

Full time positions available.

Looking for those with experience in: Sheet Metal Industry / HVAC / Insulation / Industrial Lagging

Must pass: Background Check, Drug Screen, Covid-19 Test.
Must have: Valid Driver’s License, Reliable transportation.
Must be: Physically able to perform all tasks.

Contact: Sheet Metal Workers Local #12 (412) 828-5300 www.smlocal12.org

Chuck Greer, Local #12 Marketing Representative (412) 889-2360 [email protected]

Printing Apprenticeship Tradecraft

Looking for an alternative to college? How about a paid apprenticeship program with a big name company?

Seeking mechanically inclined individuals that are new starting into the work force. Huge opportunities with a national printing company looking to train and develop web press operators. $14 per hour to start -- potential for $16 per hour after 6 months. Professionals in the field earn $19-$26 per hour. This is a PAID program where you will be trained on commercial printing machines and processes. Check out more information on the company RR Donnelley HERE.

The ideal candidate:

likes to tinker with engines, mowers, motorcycles, cars, computers
Is looking to learn a skill for a long term career
Shows initiative
Takes pride doing a good job and is reliable
Good attendance and arrives on time
Easy to manage, has a positive attitude and is a team player

Apprenticeship.gov

Pennsylvania Apprentice Coordinator's Association

On-the Job PAID Training / FREE Training Certificate Programs

Per Scholas—FREE training programs in Pittsburgh (Cybersecurity, IT Support, Software Engineer)

Sewickley Eye Group is HIRING full-time employees with benefits

Graduating seniors, looking for full-time work with benefits right in Sewickley. Sewickley Eye Group is interested in hiring students who would like to enter the work force after graduation and find a career in health care. They provide excellent pay and full-time benefits to our employees including health care, dental, 401k... and they are happy to train. If you would like to explore the opportunities they offer in the roles of Ophthalmic Technician, Optician, or Receptionist, please contact the Practice Manager, Angie Glumac: [email protected]

FREE Gismondi Job Training Program for Telecommunications Careers

Telecommunications is one of the fastest-growing industries with thousands of jobs that go unfilled in southwestern Pennsylvania. Starting wages begin at $20/hour with the likelihood of increases and job promotions. In 8-to-10 weeks through the Gismondi Job Training Program of Catholic Charities, we will teach and certify qualified learners the skills to be successful in the following areas:

TELECOMMUNICATIONS involves building communication networks, installing the systems that 20th-Century communications run on, and maintaining or updating that infrastructure. Jobs include: Telecommunications Technician, Low Voltage Electrician's Assistant, Security & Fire Alarm Installer.

FIBER OPTICS AND BROADBAND is a field that builds and maintains the cabling that provides internet and telephone systems. Jobs include: Fiber Optics Cable Installer, Fiber Optics Splicing, Fiber Optics Production Technician, Fiber Optics Network, Operator.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY is a field that focuses on maintaining the different ways we limit the impact on the environment. This field focuses on reducing our carbon footprint and developing and implementing sustainable plans for the future. Jobs include: Recycling Technician, Green Building Technician, Conservation Technician, Energy Auditor.

Gismondi Job Training Program will: Teach you the basics of Telecommunications Technologies and how they connect us with the world, Provide expert, hand-on experiences to prepare you for your job, Make certain you’ll be work-ready after the training, Offer the opportunity to obtain 5 in-demand certifications to highlight your new real-world skills, Help you find employment and provide additional job skills like resume building or interview practice. Click HERE for complete details. For more information call 412-456-6989 or email [email protected].

Job Corp: Open Enrollment. Open FUTURES.

Are you 16–24 years old? Learn what you can do with FREE, hands-on job training and support. FREE career training that opens doors. 10 different industries. 100+ career possibilities.

Automotive and Machine Repair Construction, Finance and Business, Health Care, Hospitality, Information Technology Manufacturing, Renewable Resources and Energy Security, Transportation. Get started https://www.jobcorps.gov/

UPMC Mercy: Ophthalmology Tech paid training program

As you may have heard, UPMC Mercy is building a new Vision and Rehabilitation pavilion. In this building, staff and physicians will be on the front lines of working to cure blindness! The building is set to open in less than a year and they are at the point where they need to start getting trained staff members ready to support their patients in the clinic. They are looking for 22 individuals to join an Ophthalmology Tech paid training program.

Some of the benefits:

Full time employment
Paid training
Career ladder meaning there are promotional levels to grow both professionally and financially
Monday through Friday daylight shifts
Tons of other benefits that UPMC offers, some of the import ones are full benefits for employee and family, 401 K retirement program, tuition reimbursement for both employee and dependents *(* to some colleges)

For questions and more information about how to apply, Please reach out to Raynice Wrobelewski at [email protected].

Duquesne Light Electrical Distribution Technology Certificate

The Electrical Distribution Technology (EDT) Program is a joint partnership between Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and Duquesne Light Company to provide training in the basic skills, knowledge and abilities applicants would need to apply for skilled craft positions in the electrical utility industry. Upon completion of the 1 year certificate program, potential careers include: LINEWORKER, UNDERGROUND SPLICER, SR. OPERATOR, & OPERATIONS CENTER. Click HERE for more information and the application process.

Bidwell Training Center

Hands-On Career Training. Thriving Educational Environment. All Offered at No Cost.

For over 50 years, Bidwell Training Center has changed lives by providing career training and academic enrichment to adults in transition. At Bidwell Training Center, we know how difficult it can be trying to make ends meet while pursuing your career goals. That’s why all our training programs are offered at no cost. With a strong relationship with industry leaders, Bidwell Training Center helps people just like you gain the skills, knowledge, and experience it takes to get a fulfilling career.

With a variety of expert-taught programs including Culinary Arts, Horticulture Technology, Chemical Laboratory Technician, Medical Assistant, Medical Coder/Biller and Pharmacy Technician training, and more, you can get career ready in as little as 7 months*. Click HERE for more information and to apply!

National Personal Training Institute

National Personal Training Institute is locally owned and operated state-licensed and nationally accredited post-secondary vocational schools offering a five-hundred-hour personal training education and diploma program. They offer educational loans and are approved for military benefits (GI-Bill). NPTI is the longest running personal training school in the country since 2000. Find out more about their program and career opportunities HERE.

BCD Travel - 10-Week Paid Training Program

Are you interested in a career in the Travel Industry? Consider applying for BCD’s 10-Week Paid Training Program. During this training, they will teach them about the airline, car rental, rail and hotel industries. BCD Travel is the 3rd largest Corporate Travel Management in the world. We employ over 13,500 employees around the globe. Upon completion of the 10-Week Paid Training Program, the student will be eligible for benefits (including healthcare, vacation and 401K). If the student is interested or needs more information about the 10-Week Paid Training Program email: [email protected]. For more information click HERE.

Nurse Aide Training Program at Villa St. Joseph in Baden

Training sessions to become a Certified Nurses Aide will begin in June. You will be paid an hourly rate to attend the classes. In addition, the required fees to gain certification will be paid. Once training is complete, students can apply for a CNA position. There is a $2,000 Sign-On Bonus for CNAs! Limited time special for full-time or part-time on the 3-11 p.m. shift! Earn up to $15.70 per hour! Rate will increase with experience. Excellent benefit package includes: health, dental, vision, PTO, retirement savings, pay rate incentives: shift differential, weekend differential, call out incentives, employee referral bonuses, tuition benefits, holiday pay and much, much more! Stop in at 1030 W. State Street, Baden, PA 15005 or Call 724-869-6308 for more information. Learn more about career possibilities HERE.

Dental Assistant Training in August 2025

Do you know a student interested in healthcare careers? Help them enter the workforce in as little as four months after high school by completing a Dental Assistant Certificate with Pitt Dental! The next class starts on August 4th, 2025. Upon program completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to become successful clinical dental assistants and will be prepared for and registered to sit for the state-required Radiation Health and Safety exam. The curriculum pairs interactive online training with clinical experiences entirely within their community and is open to anyone in the tri-state region and beyond! Dental assisting is a high-demand career option with competitive wages and advancement opportunities. Please visit our Website for more information.