PGT Innovations (PGTI) recently announced the first hire from its Pathway to PGTI program. The company says it welcomed Andrew Clark, a Venice High School alumnus, into its four-year apprenticeship program in the Tool and Die department at the company’s Venice facility. Clark is the first person to be hired directly from the program, which aims to build interest and awareness in manufacturing career opportunities. The Pathway to PGTI program is part of a movement to provide local students with a direct pipeline to growth-oriented jobs.

Clark was introduced to PGTI in 2022 as a high school senior. He was enrolled in the Pathway to PGTI program, in which Venice High School students spend two hours of each school day at the company, with part of that time dedicated to classroom training at PGTI’s on-site training center and the rest of the time working alongside a skilled mentor. According to the company, the program provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to develop skilled trade experience while still in school, and students are exposed to a technical education path with guided training, and a viable employment opportunity after graduation.

After completing the Pathway to PGTI program earlier this year, Clark was invited back to PGTI for a full-time paid summer internship opportunity in the Tool and Die department.

Upon completion of his summer internship, Clark was admitted into the four-year apprenticeship program for the Tool and Die Department at PGTI, starting August 1. Clark is working directly with Mike Edmunds, a journeyman tool and die maker with more than 45 years of experience, who will serve as his mentor throughout the apprenticeship.