The Pittsburgh Chapter NTMA also has its own foundation, the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation (NTMF). The foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
The mission of the NTMF is to assume a leadership position in the training and development of future generations for the metalworking profession, while continuing to lead southwestern Pennsylvania’s custom manufacturing industry in achieving business success by providing a center of knowledge.
This mission is accomplished through a variety of continuing education opportunities and training programs throughout the year. Perhaps the most visible of the NTMF programs is BotsIQ and the Pittsburgh Chapter NTMA Apprenticeship program. The NTMF is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
The Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation spear-headed efforts to bring a national student robotics program to the Pittsburgh region in 2005. In the first year, local manufacturers and educators joined forces with just 6 schools and launched BotsIQ. Today, BotsIQ encompasses far more than robot battles. Through classroom curriculum, hands-on technical training, and engaging programs like RoboRecharge and MFGexplore, BotsIQ provides students with early exposure to advanced manufacturing and STEM careers. The combat robotics competition remains a cornerstone of the program, where students apply math, science, engineering, and public speaking skills to design, build, and battle their bots in a gladiator-style arena. But whether in the shop, the classroom, or the arena, BotsIQ is creating clear, accessible pathways to high-demand careers. As we like to say: BotsIQ is a workforce development program disguised as a robotics competition—and so much more.
The Foundation is also the driving force behind the Pittsburgh Chapter NTMA Apprenticeship Program, a four-year course of study that offers the classroom portion of a registered apprentice training program. A dedicated group of volunteers continually review, monitor and update the curriculum to make sure that apprentices receive not only thorough, but current training that is practical for their future as tool & die makers and precision manufacturers. This program typically graduates between 30 and 45 apprentices each year.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
The Pittsburgh Chapter NTMF is also pleased to be on the forefront, offering continuing educational opportunities for industry professionals. This training includes not only manufacturing skills, but also management and leadership training that sets businesses and individuals up for success. In addition to offering chapter-driven training, we have paired with the Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh to bring our members a broad scope of seminars, discussions groups and networking opportunities.
For two decades, The NTMF has been hosting an annual golf tournament that serves as the primary funding for Foundation efforts.
All NTMA members are automatically also members of the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation (NTMF). The Pittsburgh Chapter NTMF believes that the manufacturing industry grows stronger with an educated workforce that has access to quality technical training. That’s the mission we support. If your organization’s goals align with that mission, we invite you to join us.
For a copy of the document declaring the foundation’s non-profit status, please click here.
