Butler County Community College and Penn United Technologies will offer a program in September for high school students offering manufacturing credentials.

The nine-month Penn United Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate in Partnership with BC3 expands on what was a Penn United Students Acquiring Technical Skills program. The program is scheduled to debut in September.

“Some students have different career pathways,” said Erin Cioffi, BC3’s assistant director of high school programming. “This is an opportunity for students who are looking to get right into the workforce.”

Sophomores through seniors could can earn National Tooling & Machining Association credentials in basic math, blueprint reading, precision machining technology, and quality control and inspection; and a National Institute for Metalworking Skills credential in measurement, materials and safety.

“It’s an advantage to students because they can progress faster and potentially make more money in a shorter amount of time,” Scott Covert, the training coordinator at the Cabot precision manufacturer.

Penn United funds the noncredit program, which features four online courses. Students are required to attend six six-hour technical training sessions at Penn United’s Learning Institute for the Growth of High Technology Center, and three visits to BC3’s main campus in Butler Township and its STEM Division.