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Machining and Mechatronics in Pennsylvania
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Pennsylvania CTC students take machining or electromechanical programs with SOAR college credit; any paid shop work needs a work permit and a student-learner training agreement, and grinders are barred otherwise.
State program: CIP 48.0501 Machine Tool Technology/Machinist (SOAR POS 20); CIP 15.0403 Electromechanical Technology (SOAR POS 28)
What a high school can deliver
The PA Skills Certificate on the NOCTI/NIMS assessment, NIMS credentials and SOAR college credit; no state license exists.
Credentials students can earn
NOCTI/NIMS Precision Machining end-of-program assessment for 48.0501 (2026-27 code: Confirm with the agency); 15.0403 assessment (); no industry credentials on PDE program sheets
Age and hour requirements
No license or credential age gate found. Apprentice federal floor 16 (state minimum: Confirm with the agency). 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars minors from emery wheels and metal-forming machines except student learners, apprentices and approved graduates.
Other agencies involved
None.
Who can teach it
Career and Technical Instructional I (8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus a bachelor's; 18 credits; Experience-Based Type 24 while finishing). 48.0501: Machine Shop (2043) or Metalworking (2072) with the Precision Machining competency test; 15.0403: Electromechanical (2109).
Child labor rules for work placements
Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars emery wheels and metal-forming, punching and shearing machines except student learners under a training agreement and plan. Federal HO 7 barred.
College credit after high school
SOAR POS 20 and 28: at least 9 technical credits with 2.75 technical GPA, full task list and Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
Where to go next
- The full Machining and Mechatronics guide, showing Pennsylvania
- The Pennsylvania state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
Machining and Mechatronics in other states
Other pathways in Pennsylvania
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