On December 11th, Catalyst Connection partnered with the Consortium for Public Education and Westmoreland County Community College to host a one-day general session as part of Catalyst Connection’s Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy. The event offered an enriching experience filled with valuable insights for local educators and administrators.
The day began with an engaging and informative panel discussion featuring manufacturing professionals from ZOLL, Siemens Energy, and Intervala. Panelists shared industry perspectives, explored cutting-edge manufacturing trends, and discussed career pathways in advanced technology, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of Industry 4.0’s impact on the workforce.
Participants also toured Westmoreland County Community College’s Advanced Technology Center, where they learned about various program offerings designed to equip students with in-demand technical skills. A highlight of the tour was a visit to the center’s maker space, where the WCCC maker space team and a guest from Made in Johnstown demonstrated hands-on projects and innovative learning tools.
After a day of learning, the Consortium for Public Education facilitated a collaborative session where educators worked together to brainstorm ways to integrate what they learned into the classroom using human-centered design methods.
The day concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of Intervala, offering a firsthand look at real-world applications of advanced manufacturing processes. This immersive experience helped educators and administrators bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.
By fostering meaningful connections between education and industry, Catalyst Connection’s Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy empowers educators to inspire and prepare the next generation for exciting careers in advanced technology and manufacturing. To learn more about this opportunity visit our Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy page. Our next session is in February 2025!
Check out some photos from the day! 📸
Thank you to gracious grant funding from the Grable Foundation and RK Mellon Family Foundation for making this possible.