In an effort to combat the growing skills gap, Meadville’s Precision Manufacturing Institute (PMI) and Rosedale Technical Institute, located in Pittsburgh, recently established a management partnership. PMI is a non-profit technical training center that blends knowledge and technology to support advancements in manufacturing. Founded in 1987, manufacturing employers have trusted the value of PMI’s training for their current employees for years. They also turn to PMI to hire those new to the field upon graduation. PMI offers hands on training in the high demand fields of CNC Operator and Machinist, Mechatronics, and Welding. Their students take advantage of state of the art training equipment in a clean and professional environment.
Formed over 60 years ago, Rosedale Technical Institute offers training in Automotive, Diesel, Electrical and HVAC technologies as well as in Truck Driving. Graduates of each of their programs are in extremely high demand as evidenced by their nearly 90% overall job placement rate. Employers consistently hire Rosedale graduates for their extensive experience and base of knowledge upon entering the field.
Leading the new partnership is Dennis Wilke. A 1987 graduate of Meadville High School, Dennis serves as President and Director of Rosedale Tech. “We are looking forward to this joint venture. The opportunity for growth in education and training in the trades is extremely exciting. Students in these fields have chosen to enter high demand careers and this partnership will certainly expand their options,” he said.
As a sister school, Rosedale will help to enhance PMI’s visibility as well as further develop current and new curricula. Students of both schools will benefit from a newly shared cache of resources and facilities. The partnership will help to meet the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople as American manufacturing has returned and continues to grow.
