NEW CASTLE, Pa. – The Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition will launch the Manufacturing Readiness program next month. The new pre-apprenticeship program, which is designed to prepare individuals for immediate employment with local manufacturers and strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline, is a free, four-week, boot-camp-style program that combines hands-on manufacturing training with career readiness instruction. Technical instruction is led by Butler County Community College and focuses on foundational manufacturing skills such as OSHA 10 safety, measurement tools, manufacturing math, quality control and lockout and tagout. Career readiness training is provided by Goodwill Industries and PA CareerLink and emphasizes employability skills including professionalism, communication, interviewing, digital literacy and financial literacy. CREDIT: Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition.