He has since spent two years as an entry-level machinist at Kurt J. Lesker Co.'s machine shop in West Mifflin. He said he was drawn to the program by the chance to increase his earnings. He said he enjoys working with metal and solving problems. But the pay hasn't matched his expectations, he said. Mr. Anselmo said it is a challenge to make prospective students understand that there is good money to be made if they stick with their work for five to 10 years.
Opportunities also go beyond entry level.
Many Manufacturing 2000 graduates are enrolled in the local chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association apprenticeship program. Others, including one Lesker hire, are building on their training at the university level, working toward engineering degrees. Lesker has hired nine Manufacturing 2000 graduates. Most recently, it grabbed Joel Goode of McKeesport. Mr. Goode graduated March 21 and started March 27 in the same shop with Mr. Standich.