‘Built Here’ at Allegheny College’s ALIC @ Bessemer showcased local manufacturers while promoting educational opportunities

Twenty-one local manufacturers and over 200 attendees gathered at Allegheny College's ALIC @ Bessemer on Thursday, May 21, for Built Here, a community showcase celebrating the innovation, technology, and manufacturing expertise driving the region.

Students, families, job seekers and community members attended to learn more about local companies and their career opportunities. Built Here was designed to help attendees imagine themselves in modern manufacturing careers, whether they're entering the workforce, changing careers or building new technical skills.

Byron Rich, executive director of ALIC @ Bessemer, said the event celebrated local manufacturing while highlighting opportunities for individuals to explore future careers and educational pathways

There are hundreds of jobs available in this town, but there aren't necessarily educational opportunities that align with both where potential students are and what employers need," Rich said. "ALIC @ Bessemer is hoping to help fill that gap by listening to our industry partners and creating opportunities that help people build skills, advance their careers, and create the life they want.

Represented industries included aerospace, automotive, biotechnology and precision manufacturing, among others. Participating organizations included:

• ACUTEC Precision Aerospace
• A.W. Miller
• C&J Industries
• CHANNELLOCK
• Common Roots
• Greenleaf
• Haas Automation
• Holbrook Tool & Molding
• James H. Cross
• LEECH Industries
• Lowry Supply
• Meadville Forging
• Me Again Boutique
• Mitutoyo
• NTMA / Foundation
• PA CareerLink
• Pennco Tool & Die
• Sodick
• Synergy Industrial
• Viking Tool & Gage

Built Here furthers ALIC @ Bessemer's mission to provide accessible and affordable entry points into the manufacturing industry. It was hosted less than a month after the announcement of the Tool City Talent Fund, a scholarship program that covers up to 90% of ALIC @ Bessemer course tuition for individuals pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing in select counties within northwestern Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio.