Manufacturing accounts for 15% of regional employment and the average Machinist I salary in Pennsylvania is $47,188 (salary.com, June 2023). Yet manufacturers continue to seek skilled workers for these high-demand technical 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 6 months! Your donation helps fill the skilled worker gap and support local families, too.