Manufacturing and Digital Fundamentals

Penn State New Kensington and its Digital Foundry at New Kensington are pleased to introduce a brand new Manufacturing and Digital Fundamentals certificate program. This Level 1 program is for individuals looking to enter the manufacturing field with little to no current experience in traditional or digital manufacturing or those who are looking to grow, strengthen or refresh fundamental future-ready skills needed to be competitive in the field.

Outcomes:

  • Build awareness of the manufacturing field and related topics to set your foundation
  • Understand fundamental design and manufacturing capabilities
  • Strengthen essential skills critical to every work environment, such as critical thinking, communication, problem solving, ideation, teamwork and more
  • Understand quality principles – planning, assurance, control and improvement 
  • Learn about lean manufacturing and concepts for applying it
  • Apply data analysis and visualization to decision making processes
  • Understand various digital design tools and learn the basics of digital twins in a smart manufacturing environment

Participants can complete all four modules or Module III only. Training is provided through weekly, in-person classes over a period of three months. 

Employers interested in enrolling new hires or entry-level employees: View and download our FAQ sheet HERE.

Completing all four modules will earn a Penn State program certificate and 4.5 CEUs. Completion of individual modules will result in certificates of completion and 1.3 CEUs per module completed. 

Online, interactive assignments each week are powered by Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) ToolingU. These assignments are also a step toward a SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) program.

Class Modules

All Modules (Modules 1-4):

  • Dates: October 25 - December 15, 2022 (all modules)
  • Times: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: In-person at the Digital Foundry at New Kensington (855 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068)
  • Cost: $2,100 (for all modules; includes dinner each class)
  • Register online

Module 3 (Digital Manufacturing Building Blocks) Only:

  • Dates: November 29 - December 8, 2022
  • Times: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: In-person at the Digital Foundry at New Kensington (855 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068)
  • Cost: $795 (for Module 3 Only; includes dinner each class)
  • Register online

Local agencies such as CareerLink are also partnering with us to make workforce training funds available to cover the cost of tuition for eligible participants and organizations. For questions about funding eligibility:

  • Alle-Kiski area residents can call 724-334-8600 for the New Kensington office.
  • Thoes in other parts of the Westmoreland County region can call 724-836-2600 for the Westmoreland-Fayette office.