Gretchen Reinard has joined NWIRC as the Program Coordinator for the Advanced Manufacturing Apprentice Program (AMAP). She will manage and coordinate apprenticeships that connect client Northwest PA manufacturers with regional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) University and technical school students for the purpose of developing or implementing manufacturing technology. Gretchen will act as the liaison between manufacturers and students, will be a regional expert on faculty capabilities and collegiate resources, and will simplify the process for manufacturers in finding high-quality candidates to meet technology, operations, and innovation needs. She will attend upcoming university and college career fairs to promote available Advanced Manufacturing Apprentice positions in the region and expand our database of qualified students for work on new or existing manufacturing technology acceleration projects. Aside from apprenticeship matchmaking services, the Apprentice Program benefits manufacturers with wage savings of up to 40% for qualified apprentice projects lasting 3 to 6 months.
Gretchen was previously the Student Services Director at the Erie Business Center where she was responsible for job and internship placement, as well as maintaining relationships with area employers. She is a graduate of Clarion University.
Please contact Gretchen at 814-898-6887 or greinard@nwirc.org and welcome her to our team.