Discover modern careers, hands-on training, and real opportunity, right here in Crawford County.
From precision machining to programming and robotics, today’s manufacturing is smart, local, and ready for YOU.
The “Chomp Into Manufacturing” campaign is an innovative, community-wide initiative launching in summer 2025 to raise awareness of manufacturing career opportunities in Meadville and the broader Crawford County region. With fun, interactive “gator” installations and an engaging online presence, this campaign is designed to inspire people of all ages to explore careers in modern manufacturing.
From July through the Crawford County Fair in August, our goal is to make new employer connections, drive greater appreciation for Meadville’s manufacturing heritage and future, and highlight ALIC as a hub for training and education for a career in manufacturing.
We’re inviting you to join in the summer fun.
We are proud to work with organizations supporting learning and career growth.
The Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the NTMA is dedicated to raising awareness of the tooling and machining industry and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals through youth and community outreach. Our members have access to a comprehensive range of educational resources for all levels within their organizations, including industry-specific online training, registered apprenticeship programs, and leadership development for both management and emerging leaders. The NTMA also provides valuable opportunities to connect with peers across the tooling and machining community, fostering collaboration, networking, and the exchange of innovative business strategies.
Leech Industries, founded more than 75 years ago, is a Component Manufacturing company that specializes in Tool & Die, Plastic Molding, Molds, CNC Machining, CNC Turning, EDM, Laser Welding, Stamping, Grinding, Complex Assemblies and Multi-axis Machining. We produce parts that service multiple industries including the Aviation, Military & Defense, Agriculture, Electronics, Automotive and Commerical sectors.
Whether you’re a recent grad, a career-changer, or someone looking to expand your skills, the ALIC’s unique partnership with Acutec offers a powerful launchpad into the world of advanced manufacturing. Begin your journey with Acutec — gain real-world experience with one of the region’s leading manufacturers.
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Let’s build something powerful, together.
Join us for a four-hour interactive workshop where business owners and marketers roll up their sleeves and rethink their digital game plan. Whether you’re boosting posts or building campaigns, you’ll leave with a clearer strategy, stronger tools, and the confidence to grow your reach.
Friday, October 10
ALIC @ Bessemer
12-4pm
Facilitators: Alison Gerlach (Marketing Strategist, Branding Evangelist) & Jeff Lizik (Digital Marketing & Design Expert, CEO Redshift)
Explore the fundamentals of 3D modeling using SolidWorks, including part design, assemblies, and basic engineering drawings. Students gain hands-on experience with parametric modeling and design intent.
Next Cohort Dates TBD
This course is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge of essential mathematical concepts used in manufacturing, including basic geometry, basic algebra, order of operations, and computation of fractions and decimals. Students will also learn how these concepts apply to measurement, machining, and design in a manufacturing environment.
Next Cohort Dates TBD
This course provides a foundational overview of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) used in industrial automation. Students will learn about PLC hardware components, basic programming concepts using ladder logic, input/output configuration, and troubleshooting techniques. Hands-on exercises focus on designing, programming, and testing simple control systems to develop essential skills for manufacturing and process automation.
September 8 – October 1, 2025
Mondays and Wednesdays
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
This course develops the ability to interpret manufacturing blueprints to ensure accurate part production, inspection, and quality control in machining and fabrication settings. Students will learn to read technical drawings, identify symbols and views, and understand dimensional specifications and tolerances critical to part function and inspection. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications in machining, fabrication, and quality control environments.
September 9 – September 18, 2025
Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Discover the principles of 3D printing, materials, and applications in the manufacturing industry. This half-day, introductory course is designed for anyone curious about how 3D printing works and how it’s applied in real-world manufacturing. Participants will explore fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology and gain a high-level understanding of print design, file preparation, and the economics of printing from concept to creation. Students will also prepare, slice, and kick off their own small print projects using state-of-the-art Markforged printers. With live demonstrations, expert tips, and take-home prints, this seminar offers an accessible entry point into the world of additive manufacturing.
Friday, September 12, 2025
12:00 pm – 4:30pm
Learn the basics of CNC programming using Mastercam, including 2D geometry creation, toolpath generation, and code post-processing. Ideal for beginners looking to develop foundational skills.
September 23 – October 16, 2025
Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Found one of our gators around town? Fill out the form to enter for a chance at weekly prizes and the grand prize drawing.
GrandStand Tickets for the Crawford County Fair
All entries between August 18th , 2025 9:00 AM EDT – August 23rd, 2025 12:00 PM EDT will be eligible to win. Winners are selected at random and announced daily. Winners need to claim their prize by 4pm or a redraw for that day’s tickets will be be made.
Grand Prize:
All entries between (per prize period) July 12, 2025 9:00 AM EDT – August 23rd 5:00 PM AM EDT will be eligible to win our Grand Prize 3D PRINTER to be announced August 24th.
The Contest is Now Closed!
Thank you to everyone who entered to win.