Activities

Learn about manufacturing careers and the skills required via your mobile device!  In partnership with Simcoach Games, Catalyst Connection has created the two games available for download for free from the major cellular platforms. Embedded in each game is information about high-demand careers in manufacturing. Explore below!

Manufacturing Innovation Challenge

The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge (MIC) is our longest running STEM program. This program allows a group of students to go into a local manufacturing company as “outside consultants” in person or virtually and tackle a real-world problem provided by the company. Once the students have reached a solution to the company’s real-world problem, they present their findings. This gives students and teachers a great, project-based learning experience while providing relevant real-world experience.

Mobile Games

Learn about manufacturing careers and the skills required via your mobile device! In partnership with Simcoach Games, Catalyst Connection has created the two games available for download for free from the major cellular platforms. Embedded in each game is information about high-demand careers in manufacturing.

Pre-Apprenticeship

The Industrial Manufacturing Technician Pre-Apprenticeship helps high school students begin a pathway to a career in manufacturing. Due to changing manufacturing technologies, entry-level workers require higher skills than before, and employers are struggling to recruit and retain these types of workers.

WSCAM Middle School Video Contest

The What’s So Cool About Manufacturing Video Contest began in 2014 and has been growing immensely since then! While virtual in 2021 due to the global pandemic, the program typically has four regional contests in Southwestern Pennsylvania and involves over 40 schools and 40 companies. The contest supports Catalyst Connection’s effort to build a strong pipeline of talent and give young people a new perspective on the exciting career opportunities that exist in manufacturing.