Northeast Ohio is similar to the rest of the United States in that there is a rise in the need for the products that advanced manufacturers supply (Center for American Progress, 2013). However, advanced manufacturers in Northeast Ohio are unable to find the technically skilled workers to fill the jobs that are currently available in the workforce. Seven out of 10 executives reported shortages of workers with adequate technology, computer, and technical training skills (Soltesz, Rutkofsky, Kerr & Annunziata, 2016). At this time it is unclear how to best increase the skills of the available workforce, and ensure that they have the skills needed to be successful in apprenticeships in the manufacturing industry. The purpose of this study was twofold, first to identify what manufacturers determined as essential pre-apprenticeship skills. Secondly, to determine the effectiveness of the 30-hour training provided by Early College Early Career program (ECEC) at Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET). To accomplish this task, a partnership among five (5) high schools, three (3) community colleges, eight (8) manufacturers and 63 students were developed. The research design was a quantitative descriptive study. Once manufacturing partners were surveyed to identify specific skills that are essential for a student to be competent entering an apprenticeship, these identified skills were used as the basis for training. A paired sample t-test was conducted. Statistically significant results were found and validated that the ECEC initiative at MAGNET is an effective way to train students to prepare for technically skilled jobs in manufacturing. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]