EARN 3x MORE
Entry-level manufacturing careers can pay nearly three times more per hour than typical minimum-wage jobs.
12.7–12.9 Million Workers
Approximately employed in U.S. manufacturing.
A Leading Regional Industry
Manufacturing is one of Crawford County’s strongest industries, with high demand for skilled workers.
Train Where Industry Leads
Located in the Tool & Die Capital of the World, ALIC @ Bessemer is built alongside the manufacturers driving today’s economy. Our partners help design what you learn, so you gain the skills they’re hiring for.
ALIC @ Bessemer was built in partnership with local manufacturers who:
Shape Our Curriculum
Identify Workforce Needs
Provide Insight into Emerging Technologies
Connect Directly with Students
Train where industry is actively building the future and hiring the next generation.
Three Ways to Start Your Journey
CAREER PATHWAYS
Whether you’re working retail or food service, a Gen Z graduate without a four-year degree, a parent exploring a new direction, or an experienced professional ready to level up, ALIC offers short-term, hands-on courses, hybrid and bootcamp options, direct employer engagement, and a clear pathway to career advancement.
No matter your starting point, ALIC helps you take the next step with hands-on training, flexible formats, and real connections to employers.
our Partners
We are proud to work with organizations supporting learning and career growth. Learn more about our partners and job openings.
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.
Join ALIC as a founding partner today
What Partnership WITH ALIC Looks Like
Campaign Visibility
Partners receive co-branded campaign exposure along with a dedicated presence on the Imagine Yourself website.
Talent Connection
Manufacturers gain direct connections to students and early access to emerging workforce talent.
Programs & Engagement
Partners participate in signature events and gain access to the Tool City Talent Fund scholarship program.
Where Industry and Lifestyle Align
LIFE IN CRAWFORD COUNTY
Crawford County is more than a manufacturing hub, it’s a place to put down roots.
From lakefront summers and fall trails to community events and local history, the region offers a lifestyle grounded in connection and a cost of living that makes it easier to enjoy the life you’re building.
With Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh just a short drive away, you’re never far from major markets, entertainment, or expansion opportunities.
Here, you don’t have to choose between career growth and quality of life.
You can build both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ALIC?
ALIC @ Bessemer is a workforce development and training initiative in Meadville, Pennsylvania. It prepares individuals for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and technology through hands-on courses, industry partnerships, and direct connections to regional employers.
What types of careers does ALIC prepare students for?
ALIC prepares individuals for careers in advanced manufacturing and related technical fields, including areas such as additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, programming & design, leadership development, and emerging technologies. Programs are designed around current employer needs in Northwest Pennsylvania. See our courses here.
Do employers work directly with ALIC?
Yes. ALIC was created in collaboration with regional manufacturers including Acutec, Leech Industries, NTMA members, and others. Industry partners help shape curriculum, identify workforce needs, and connect directly with students.
How much can someone earn in manufacturing?
Average hourly earnings for manufacturing workers are over $36 per hour including benefits. Manufacturing remains one of the strongest industries in the region and continues to seek skilled workers.
How do I get started?
You can explore available courses online, register for short-term programs, stack micro credentials to build specialized skills, or learn more about upcoming initiatives. ALIC also offers opportunities to connect directly with employers through events and workforce initiatives.
