Career Mentoring Programs & Community Events

PartnerUp is a career-readiness program led by PNC and a coalition of regional employers who believe that future talent is found in our own backyards.  When employers PartnerUp with educators and students with the shared goal to help young talent take the first steps towards a secure future, everyone thrives.  The curriculum prepares 12^th graders to launch careers after high school graduation by engaging them in sessions focused on skill assessments, resume building, and interview prep.  The program ends with interviews for positions in our area with competitive pay, health and tuition benefits, and potential career advancement.  Email Mrs. Keller at [email protected] to sign up.

 

Check out these resources for more information.

PartnerUp WQED video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrwycb61-NA

PartnerUp Website: www.pnc.jobs/partnerup

 

 

 

This recorded session offers a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals regarding high-demand career opportunities within our region. Watch to learn about the diverse educational and training pathways available, including programs at various trade and technical institutions, to help students successfully enter these fields. Representatives from leading trade and technical institutions discuss the specific careers they prepare students for, with a focus on current market demands. Video link below.

Pathways to Skilled Careers Video Presentation

 

 

 

Explore careers in precision motion, robotics, and automation at Aerotech’s Machine Shop Open House on Thursday, April 2 from 3:00–8:00 PM in Pittsburgh. Tour a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility, see advanced machining in action, and participate in on-the-spot interviews. Opportunities are available for all experience levels—from entry-level CNC machinist trainees (with paid training) to experienced programmers and specialty roles. Students, educators, and job seekers are encouraged to attend and learn more about high-tech manufacturing careers. RSVPs are appreciated at https://go.aerotech.com/open-house but walk-ins are welcome.

 

 

 

Join CCAC West Hills Center for a Skilled Trades Open House on Wednesday, April 15 from 3:30–6:30 PM in Oakdale, PA. This event offers students and families the opportunity to tour the facility, explore hands-on learning environments, and connect directly with instructors across several high-demand trade programs. Featured areas include Automotive Programs (MOPAR/Stellantis, GM, and Ford partnerships), Welding Technology (including a 16-week fast-track certification), Heating & Air Conditioning, and Mechatronics, with both certificate and associate degree pathways available. Attendees can also receive support with the enrollment process, admissions, and financial aid, making it a great opportunity to plan next steps after high school. In addition to exploring career pathways, guests can enjoy refreshments and enter to win door prizes. This event is ideal for students interested in practical, career-focused training that leads directly to in-demand jobs.

 

 

 

Rosedale Technical College is hosting an Open House on Open House on Saturday, April 18^th from 10-1.  Check out the Informational Flyer for more details and a QR Code to register.  This event will be for any junior or senior.

 

 

 

On April 30 at 9AM, Union Energy be hosting a special live tour of Pennsylvania’s premier union training facilities – where students can discover rewarding career paths in clean energy and skilled trades. What Makes This Opportunity Valuable: Proven Pathways: Our programs lead to stable careers with starting wages of $50,000+ and full benefits. No Barriers: 100% union-funded – no cost to students, families, or taxpayers. Future-Ready Skills: Training for in-demand fields like renewable energy and sustainable construction. This is more than a virtual tour – it’s a window into real, life-changing opportunities for Pennsylvania students. We’ve built these programs to create access to meaningful careers, and we’re eager to connect with your schools. Email Mrs. Keller if you are interested in viewing the tours. Informational Link

 

 

 

Join the Student Space Hackathon on July 18–19 at Point Park University! This in-person event gives students the opportunity to collaborate with NASA and space industry professionals while tackling real-world challenges. Work alongside experts including former NASA Chief Scientist Dr. James Green, Dr. Ray Wheeler, Jim Adams, and astronaut Dr. Soyeon Yi. Participants will engage in hands-on problem solving focused on robotics and automation, sustainable agriculture, and human-centered space exploration. This is a unique chance to build skills, connect with professionals, and explore careers in space and STEM fields. Scan HERE for more information and registration details.

 

 

 

Are you considering engineering or computer science as a career? Do you have questions? We have answers! High school students can sign up for a 30-minute virtual session with a woman engineer or engineering student to discuss anything STEM-career related... preparing for college, resumes, college choices, majors/degrees, types of engineering, what engineers do, etc. Your questions, your choice! Now available! Sign up with a friend if you want to! We know sometimes it's more comfortable to have a friend with you when talking with an engineer.

Note: If signing up for you and a friend, please make sure you have your friend's name, email address, parent's name, and parent's email address before filling out the form.

Sign up here! https://tinyurl.com/TalkEngineer

 

 

 

The Society of Women Engineers is the world's largest advocate for women in engineering and technology with a community of over 47,000 professional and collegiate members. SWENext is a way for students to become a part of the SWE engineering community as a student through the age of 18. Although our program focuses on girls, all students are encouraged to get involved.  What’s available from SWENext…Best practices on applying for scholarships. Advice on what you can do each year in HS to prepare for college success. SWENext awards - be recognized for the awesome STEM things you do. Invitations to STEM events (camps, competitions, networking, etc.). Leadership training and workshops for HS students. Women engineers and engineering students to answer your questions or become your mentor. Monthly newsletters, geared towards HS students. SWENext clubs - you can start one at your school with others STEM-minded students. Any student can become a SWENexter. For those younger than 13, a parent will need to be the primary contact. Click HERE to sign up!

 

 

 

Learn from local leaders in Manufacturing.  Click HERE for the recorded discussion.

 

 

It’s really difficult to imagine what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes. In essence, that’s what students are trying to do when they explore careers. Are they suited to the work? What’s a typical day on the job like? Are they good candidates for the necessary education or training?  To help young people begin answering those questions, the Consortium has launched Career Journeys. This video series is made up of informal conversations that we’re filming with people in a wide array of occupations spanning many industries. The conversations should give students at least a taste of what each career is like and help them know whether they’d like to learn more, perhaps through research, a job-shadow or some other work-based learning experience.  Check back often because we are building a library.  Click HERE to access the complete collection organized by career cluster.

 

 

 

Mascaro Construction Co. began advocating careers in its industry to young people even before partnering with the Consortium several years ago to promote them in K-12 schools. With its proactive stance, it should come as no surprise that the builder now is offering its own career video series as a resource for educators, students, and others to learn about different pathways in the industry.

 

 

 

Catalyst Connection hosts events aimed at promoting careers in manufacturing.  

Manufacturing Career Panel-Fall 2020: Click HERE to view the discussion.

Manufacturing and Robotics Career Panel-Fall 2020: Click HERE to view the discussion.

For more information on the high pay, high demand jobs available in manufacturing in the Pittsburgh Area check out https://makingyourfuture.org/ 

 

Troutwood was established with a dream to bring financial independence to all those willing to work for it. Founded out of Carnegie Mellon University’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, the company designs and develops financial applications and educational tools.  Click HERE to listen in to learn from professionals about the power of investing.  

 

One of the greatest benefits of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is the opportunity for students to interact with many dynamic business leaders, world-class motivational speakers and subject matter experts. The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education proudly offers a Speaker Series which will give viewers a peek into a broad array of viewpoints, subject matter and people, all supporting their vital mission of teaching students about their critical role in the American free enterprise system and society.  They hope that you find these videos useful career exploration tools, and encourage you to connect directly with the presenters for more information as you travel your path to success!  Click HERE for access to the complete Speaker Series.

 

Self-Advocacy may sound simple - but it can be quite challenging skills to master. Chaz Kellem helps us learn about how making decisions about your life and learning how to gather information can be so important for your future. This skill can be a vital addition to success as students transition to post-secondary education and employment.  Click HERE to view the presentation.