General Carbide Launches Career Academy to Empower Employee Growth

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, businesses need skilled employees who can keep up with technological advancements and industry demands. To support this mission, General Carbide is proud to announce the launch of the General Carbide Career Academy (GCCA), designed to provide team members with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their careers.

What is the General Carbide Career Academy?

The GCCA is an initiative created to enhance the professional and personal growth of both new and established employees. Through a series of in-depth eight-week training courses, team members will gain hands-on experience and essential skills tailored to the needs of the manufacturing industry.

Mona Pappafava-Ray, General Carbide’s President and CEO (center), celebrates the launch of the company’s Career Academy with Pennsylvania State Senator Kim Ward (left) and Jessica Gardner, Human Resource Manager (right).

The Academy’s offerings include:

• 5S Lean Manufacturing
• Use of Calipers & Micrometers
• Math for Manufacturing
• CNC Programming
• Milling & Lathe
• Print Reading

A group of General Carbide’s newest employees gather at the launch of the company’s Career Academy which allows new and established team members alike to hone their existing skills and develop new ones.

Additionally, the GCCA provides ongoing training for experienced employees in areas like Advanced Machining, Training with Live Tooling, G-Code, Leadership, Communication, and Safety—empowering them to grow and excel in their roles.

Why the Career Academy Matters

At General Carbide, we believe that investing in our employees is essential for success. By providing access to high-quality training, the GCCA aims to:

• Accelerate skill development for new hires, including high school graduates joining directly from school.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning for experienced employees, allowing them to hone their existing skills and develop new ones.
• Shorten the learning curve for young professionals entering the workforce, helping them transition smoothly into the manufacturing industry.

President and CEO Mona Pappafava-Ray highlighted the company’s commitment to workforce development, stating:

"We created the GCCA to empower excellence among our employees. We want to give them the resources to be successful and grow in their careers at General Carbide all the way to retirement."

Supporting the Local Community

The launch of the GCCA was celebrated with a special event attended by employees, local government officials, and community leaders, reflecting the broader impact General Carbide aims to have not only within the company but also in the surrounding area. By offering training programs that prepare individuals for high-demand careers, the GCCA is helping to bridge the skills gap in the manufacturing sector.

About General Carbide

With more than 55 years of experience in manufacturing tungsten carbide components, General Carbide is a vertically integrated company known for its high-quality products and strong family-oriented culture. Headquartered in Greensburg, PA, the company operates globally, serving clients across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

As a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC), General Carbide is proud to lead the way in innovation, leadership, and employee development.

For more information about the General Carbide Career Academy or to explore career opportunities, visit generalcarbide.com.