A Foundation for Apprenticeship.

Explore the Mechanical Arts

Iron Cross Robotics is a pre-apprenticeship program preparing young adults for careers in robotics, industrial automation, and the skilled trades. Robotics as a mechanical art offers an ideal entry point for discovering your interests and aptitudes through hands-on experience. Through practical application, participants develop lifelong skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity while working with precision tools that cultivate discipline and attention to detail. Through this, students discover how skilled craftsmanship creates meaningful work and reveals potential career pathways.

Build A Strong Foundation

Participants in our pre-apprenticeship program follow Carnegie Mellon's SMART Robotics Technician curriculum across five foundational courses: Mechanical, Electrical, Fabrication, Software, and Robotics Integration. Students progress at their own pace, earning micro-credentials endorsed by the ARM Institute and Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy—building toward full SMART Certification.

Forge a Clear Path

Your pre-apprenticeship foundation opens multiple pathways:

  • Apprenticeship — Connect with regional manufacturers for Registered Apprenticeships in mechatronics, industrial automation, or robotics maintenance.

  • Technical certification — Continue training with specialized credentials in CNC, PLCs, industrial electronics, or emerging fields like IoT and AI.

  • Higher education — Pursue engineering, computer science, or technical degrees with hands-on experience that gives you direction and advantage.