Manufacturing Meaningful Careers

Since 1994, the University of Pittsburgh’s Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) has connected thousands of people with meaningful careers in manufacturing. The MAC trains individuals and professionals in precision manufacturing, CNC programming and CAD/CAM technologies. As a resource of the Industrial Engineering Department of the Swanson School of Engineering, the MAC provides quality training opportunities in an atmosphere where innovation meets advanced technology. The MAC helps students master the technical skills that employers are seeking and has a job placement rate of over 95%.

In 2017, the MAC relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in Homewood and has become a technology engagement center for the community. In addition to technical education, the MAC operates a makerspace for the community, offering educational programming for schools and small business development services through PantherlabWorks, an initiative of the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. The MAC is a true success story of what happens when a university invests in the community and America’s workforce.

The MAC’s facility at 7800 Susquehanna Street in Pittsburgh is 9,000 sq. feet. In addition to formal classroom space, the MAC’s machining lab has lathes, mills, drill presses and precision surface grinders, as well as HAAS and MAZAK CNC machines. The MAC Makerspace and CAD/CAM lab help round out this center for innovation and active learning.

MAC News

Precision Manufacturing Training Programs

Skilled workers are the most critical element of successful companies. Regardless of your prior experience, the MAC offers several training options for individuals interested in a rewarding career in manufacturing. Our full-time training programs run Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm and provide individuals with quality training backed by a world-renowned university. MAC programs are approved for funding under the Workforce Investment Act, the Trade Adjustment Act, and is an approved GI Bill® training provider.

Precision Manufacturing

• The MAC’s precision manufacturing program combines classroom, shop and machine time to develop a graduate with manual machining and tooling skills. Trainees learn how to safely operate drills, mills, lathes, grinders and saws. They learn the proper use of inspection tools as well as applied mathematics.

CNC Operations and Programming

• Students learn the CNC programming and operation skills employers find most difficult to connect with in our region’s job market. Students will learn the theory of G-Code machining language programming, production set-up, tool selection and the care and maintenance of the CNC mill and lathe. Students will gain direct experience on HAAS and MAZAK CNC equipment.

Advanced CNC & Mastercam

• This advanced program provides students with a thorough knowledge of CAD/CAM theory, 2D and 3D CAD drawing, toolpath creation, tooling selection and creation, program verification, NC code generation and program editing.

Please inquire about scholarships and tuition assistance.

Career Assistance

• Resume development
• Job search techniques
• Interviewing workshops
• Lifetime resume and career placement services

Facilities: The MAC's facility at 7800 Susquehanna Street in Pittsburgh is 9,000 sq. ft. In addition to formal classroom space, the MAC's machining lab has lathes, mills, drill presses, precision surface grinders, as well as HAAS and MAZAK CNC machines.

The MAC Makerspace: Located in the Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) in Homewood, the MAC Makerspace offers small business development and courses taught by Swanson School of Engineering staff, Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence and experts in the field. Equipped with a laser, 3D printers, woodworking and a soft textiles area. The MAC Makerspace encourages makers of all ages to be creative and use their hands through new and emerging technology.