New Century Careers

New Century Careers is a nonprofit manufacturer and technical skills development organization serving the Southwestern PA community through inclusive access to technical training opportunities while helping employers find and develop technicians seeking purpose, passion and success in the workplace.

Manufacturing accounts for 15% of regional employment and the average Machinist I salary in Pennsylvania is $24.31/hr., or just under $50,000 a year to start! Yet manufacturers continue to seek skilled workers for these high-demand technical careers and are having challenges finding individuals who can safely do the work, have industry-recognized credentials, and a desire to advance in their careers. That's why, since 1999, New Century Careers has worked to fill this gap through its tuition-free Manufacturing 2000 (M2K) Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Enrollees 18 and older- male or female - may be looking for a sustainable family-wage position with flexible hours. Others may be seeking jobs after high school, have tried college but decided on another career path, or have lost a job due to the pandemic. Trainees learn machining basics through classroom and hands-on experience. A bonus is job placement assistance with one of NCC's 130-plus partner companies -- all in as little as 3-4 months! Your donation helps fill the skilled worker gap for our local partner companies while also supporting local families with family-sustaining wages, today and into tomorrow!

Testimonials

After working as a Lyft driver for two years and as an asbestos removal specialist, Milan was looking for a path to stable and fulfilling career, and that's when she learned of MANUFACTURING 2000 (M2K). Starting her training in December 2024, she quickly learned that, " You can get a skilled trade quickly, for free, in a high-demand field.". In late April 2025, Milan accepted an entry-level machinist position with a local leading global provider of differentiated electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, Ametek.