Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) and the German American Chamber of Commerce - Pittsburgh Chapter (GACC) have formed a strong partnership in apprenticeship training. Specifically, the organizations have partnered for an apprenticeship in mechatronics and have helped around a dozen students complete the program.
Presently, GACC is the apprenticeship program sponsor, and NPRC serves as the education provider. Coursework takes place at the Education and Training Center at Pitt-Titusville in a dedicated lab location. The program includes 11 courses, each 60 hours in length, for a total of 660 hours of classroom instruction. Courses meet one day per week over six weeks before students move on to the next course. Additionally, independent work is assigned, and lessons are reinforced through hands-on experience at students' place of employment.
Courses include:
- Fundamentals of Electricity AC/DC
- Applied Industrial Motor Controls
- Fundamentals of Fluid Power: Pneumatics/Hydraulics
- Fundamentals and Applied PLCs
- Fundamentals and Applied Robotics
- Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems
- Fundamentals of Industry 4.0
- Mechatronics Automation Design
- Process Control
- Electrical Wiring Systems
- Synergy in Manufacturing OR Final Project: Applied Technologies in the Workplace
Currently, Betts Industries, Inc and Kronospan are sponsoring students to complete this apprenticeship, but more employers are welcome to inquire about sending team members through the program. In total, the program takes around two years to complete and combines on-the-job training, independent learning, and classroom instruction.
“Employers across our region are turning to the mechatronics apprenticeship program as a proven solution to workforce challenges,” noted NPRC Director of Apprenticeships and Customized Training Nicole Zaun. “It’s a meaningful way to invest in your team while addressing real business needs, whether that’s building technical skills, strengthening your current workforce, or preparing for future growth. Through this practical, hands-on approach, companies can close skill gaps, build confidence across their teams, and position their workforce for long-term success.”
NPRC’s instructors bring many decades of experience in industry and take pride in educating the next generation. “Frank O’Connell and Brandon Olson exemplify NPRC’s commitment to excellence in instruction, bringing a shared passion for teaching and making a meaningful difference that is evident throughout the mechatronics apprenticeship program,” Zaun shared about her colleagues. “They are dedicated to helping students develop new skills, build confidence, and continue growing both personally and professionally. Students consistently highlight how personable and supportive they are, and together they foster a collaborative, engaging learning environment. Their strong partnership and unwavering commitment to serving our local communities and employers make a lasting impact.”
While completing this apprenticeship program or after its’ conclusion, students are eligible to enroll in NPRC’s industrial technology associate degree. Mechatronics technicians may be able to work their way into leadership, project management, and operations roles after gaining experience in the field. Mechatronic technician is a fast-growing job, with impressive growth rates of up to 10 percent through the year 2032, and this apprenticeship and associate degree can each support students in their progression towards leadership roles and higher-paying roles.
Companies interested in registering students for the apprenticeship can contact President of the GACC Pittsburgh Chapter Rachel Mauer by email at rmauer@gaccpit.com and phone at (724)-799-6660.
NPRC acknowledges that the information contained in this content is complete and accurate at time of publication. It is descriptive in nature and the College reserves the right to make any adjustments it deems necessary or desirable. Updates to programs, tuition, or other academic-related items will be reflected in the online College Catalog or on the respective College web pages. Questions regarding accuracy of content may be emailed to marketing@nprc.edu.