Through the Talent & Innovation Defense Ecosystem (“Rising” TIDE) Project, The Manufacturers’ Association offers NO COST training in CNC Machining and skilled Welding for eligible individuals working in or seeking employment in defense manufacturing. The TIDE Project will train and connect a skilled talent pool with over 80 regional partners and employers supporting our nation’s Maritime and Defense Industrial Bases.
These hands-on courses are taught at our network of training partner schools across Central Pennsylvania and are designed to strengthen the region’s defense manufacturing talent pipeline. If you meet the industry-specific employment eligibility, you can apply and gain valuable skills to support your career and your company’s workforce readiness.
The two courses that we offer:
- Skilled Basic Welder
- CNC Machine Operator
Upcoming Course:
CNC Machine Operator
Prepare your workforce for the demands of modern defense manufacturing with this hands-on, skill-focused training. Participants will learn safety protocols, blueprint reading, metrology, and machining operations- including CNC, GD&T, and tool wear management. The curriculum emphasizes precision, quality, and practical experiences with cutting tools and measuring instruments.
- Eligibility: Qualified individuals, referrals from employers, referrals from partner organizations
- Course: CNC Machine Operator
- Hours: 230 Hours
- Dates: March 16 to June 18 (No class April 9 & 13, May 4 & 25)
- Days: Monday – Thursday (+4 Friday dates included)
- Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology: 599 Chesapeake Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
- Cost: No Cost to qualified individuals or employers (TIDE Grant)
- Register Here!
- Questions: Quentin Moore, TIDE Program Manager, at qmoore@mascpa.orgor call 717-843-3891
Skilled Basic Welder
This program supports the U.S. Maritime and Defense Industrial Base manufacturing through The Manufacturers’ Association’s Talent & Innovation Defense Ecosystem (TIDE) Project, helping build highly capable and innovation-driven talent for our regional defense manufacturers. Whether you are a defense employer looking to skill up your existing workforce, or an individual interested in working in defense manufacturing, this course will deliver hands-on, skill-focused training to help meet the critical demands of modern defense manufacturing in our region
Participants in this entry-level welding basics course will learn:
- Basics in SMAW, Mig, Tig, and Flux Core welding
- Blueprint reading
- Welding safety protocols
- Proper equipment setup and usage
Course Information:
- Eligibility: Qualified individuals, referrals from employers, referrals from partner organizations
- Course: Welding
- Dates: June 1 – July 9, 2026 (6 weeks)
- Days: Monday – Thursday
- Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: York County School of Technology
- Cost: No Cost to qualified individuals or employers (TIDE Grant)
- Register: Here
- Questions: Quentin Moore, TIDE Program Manager, at qmoore@mascpa.org.