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Workforce development grants awarded to Penn College

The tour group stops by the videoconferencing facilities in the Workforce Development Center ...
The tour group stops by the videoconferencing facilities in the Workforce Development Center …
... and visits with Bambi A. Hawkins, learning laboratory coordinator in the paramedic program.
… and visits with Bambi A. Hawkins, learning laboratory coordinator in the paramedic program.
Workforce Development personnel welcome officials from the state Department of Labor & Industry. From left are Bruce Jones, assistant regional director, PA CareerLink Lycoming County; Thomas Fry, industrial technology specialist; Shannon Munro, vice president for workforce development; Chris Ray, executive director, business development; Eric Ramsay, director of the state Apprenticeship and Training Office; Beth Bittenbender, director, operations/special projects; Gerry Pena, industrial technology specialist; and Jason Zielewicz, director, workforce development at Wellsboro.
Workforce Development personnel welcome officials from the state Department of Labor & Industry. From left are Bruce Jones, assistant regional director, PA CareerLink Lycoming County; Thomas Fry, industrial technology specialist; Shannon Munro, vice president for workforce development; Chris Ray, executive director, business development; Eric Ramsay, director of the state Apprenticeship and Training Office; Beth Bittenbender, director, operations/special projects; Gerry Pena, industrial technology specialist; and Jason Zielewicz, director, workforce development at Wellsboro.
Ramsay discusses the collaboration among government, industry and education in meeting regional workforce needs.
Ramsay discusses the collaboration among government, industry and education in meeting regional workforce needs.

Representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry announced the award of PAsmart grants for the north-central region of the state on Friday during a visit to Penn College’s Workforce Development Center. Eric Ramsay, director of L&I’s Apprenticeship and Training Office, revealed that nine grant applications totaling more than $850,000 were to be funded. Two of those applications, one for apprenticeships and another for pre-apprenticeship programs, were awarded to the college. PAsmart was launched last year with one of the goals to increase job training to prepare workers with skills that growing businesses need. Chris Ray, executive director in workforce development, spoke on behalf of the college, noting, “Programs expanded and created as a result of these grants will upskill workers in the vital sectors of advanced manufacturing and health care, while building an increased pool of future workers through pre-apprenticeship.” News of the grants was posted by Labor & Industry late Friday afternoon.

General Information Workforce Development

Penn College, DBi Services collaborate on new apprenticeship

DBi ServicesPennsylvania College of Technology and DBi Services have joined to produce the first Infrastructure Maintenance Technician registered apprenticeship program of its kind in the United States.

The multistate program will provide critical training and a professional career path for motivated people seeking careers in saving lives while protecting and enhancing the nation’s infrastructure.

DBi Services provides a full suite of quality infrastructure maintenance, operations and management services. It just celebrated its 40th year in business and continues to be a key leader in the industry.

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General Information Workforce Development

Microsoft Office courses scheduled at Penn College

For those looking to sharpen their computer skills while learning something new, Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Pennsylvania College of Technology is offering several easy-to-learn computer courses.

The Microsoft Office courses are taught by qualified instructors at a comfortable pace for all levels of adult learners. The classes are held in a relaxed computer-classroom environment, allowing participants to learn, experiment and ask questions. Courses are hands-on, with each participant working at a computer station.

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Faculty & Staff Workforce Development

Volunteer recognized by YWCA for passionate service to area food bank

Marianne E. DePasqua

Marianne E. DePasqua, client development specialist for Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Pennsylvania College of Technology, is among the eight newest inductees into the YWCA Northcentral Pennsylvania’s Women of Excellence program.

“Marianne lends her talent, heart and hands to improve the lives of families who are suffering the despair of limited or no access to reliable food sources,” said Shannon M. Munro, the college’s vice president for workforce development, in nominating her co-worker for the Class of 2018. “Because of her extensive social media network, she’s been able to bring a new level of awareness to the serious issue of hunger and to the programs available through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.”

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Alumni Automotive Aviation Baking, Pastry & Culinary Arts Business & Hospitality Business & Hospitality Management Collision Repair & Restoration Dental Hygiene General Information Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Nursing & Health Sciences PIRC Plastics & Polymer Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies Welding Workforce Development

State Senate Appropriations Committee chair tours campus

Always engaged and advocating for the college, Yaw (right) converses with Browne in the atrium of the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center.

State Sen. Patrick M. Browne, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited Pennsylvania College of Technology on Thursday.

Browne, who represents the 16th District – which includes Allentown and other municipalities within Lehigh County – came to campus after presenting an election and legislative update at a breakfast sponsored by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

He was invited by fellow Appropriations Committee member Sen. Gene Yaw, who also serves as chairman of the Penn College Board of Directors. Yaw also hosted the Chamber legislative update event, held at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport.

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General Information Penn College at Wellsboro Workforce Development

Practical nursing information session to be held in Northern Tier

Excellent career opportunities for licensed practical nurses exist in area hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, personal-care facilities and human-service organizations.

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Outreach Practical Nursing Program, based in the Wellsboro Area School District, will host an information session for those interested in nursing as a career. The session will be at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, in the former music room of the district’s administration building.

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Lycoming Engines’ instructional support lauded at sign dedication

From left, Michael Kraft, senior vice president and general manager for Lycoming Engines; Pennsylvania College of Technology President Davie Jane Gilmour; and aviation technology student Warren K. Bitterman, of Zieglerville, Montgomery County, all spoke at a dedication ceremony honoring Lycoming Engines’ ongoing support for the college.

Lycoming Engines’ longtime support of Pennsylvania College of Technology and its academic programs was celebrated on campus recently with the unveiling of new signage at the college’s Metal Trades Center.

Members of the Penn College community and representatives of Lycoming Engines – including alumni of the college employed by the company – gathered on Oct. 2 to dedicate the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center sign on the front lawn of the facility.

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Alumni Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies PIRC Plastics & Polymer Workforce Development

Dream Matches Real-World Need Addressed by Penn College

For a class assignment, 9-year-old Trevin Allen described his dream of working in plastics at SEKISUI SPI with his father, Lucas, a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology. Trevin’s mature goals prompted an invitation from the college, where he experienced various facets of applied technology. From left are Shannon M. Munro, vice president for workforce development; Tom F. Gregory, associate vice president for instruction; and Trevin and Lucas Allen.

The dreams of many 9-year-olds transform them into adult superstars. What kid hasn’t dreamed of making the pivotal play to win the big game, belting out a tune to adoring fans or basking under the bright lights of Hollywood?

Trevin Allen.

No disrespect to athletes, rock stars and actors, but the fourth-grader’s dream – described for a class assignment – actually matches reality’s need: a need addressed by Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Trevin’s aspirations connect applied technology education to rewarding careers in the skilled workforce, which is grappling with a shortage of qualified professionals. His words are timely and impactful beyond his classroom at Bloomsburg Memorial Elementary School.

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Child’s Dream Matches Penn College’s Mission

A school assignment required 9-year-old Trevin Allen to write about his dream. Rather than being a famous athlete, musician or movie star, the youngster expressed a desire to work as a computer designer in the plastics industry for SEKISUI SPI, which employs his father, Lucas L., a 2001 Penn College graduate in building construction technology. Trevin’s “essay” sparked a visit to main campus, where he experienced CAD, the new makerspace and various plastics labs. Trevin’s wish for applied technology education – offered by the likes of Penn College – matches the needs of the workforce, which is grappling with a shortage of skilled professionals. Many Penn College students, especially plastics majors, have jobs lined up well before graduation. The college has a 96 percent graduate placement rate. Trevin’s word to describe his visit? “Cool!”

General Information Workforce Development

Penn College Course to Help Prepare Students for SATs

Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Pennsylvania College of Technology is offering a course to help high school students prepare for the standardized test used as an admissions tool by many institutions of higher learning.

The course will help students better prepare for success on the exam through live instruction, self-paced learning and individual interaction with a professional instructor. The focus will be on math, English and reading, with an optional writing session available for those who wish to practice their college-ready skills and review with a Penn College faculty member.

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General Information Penn College at Wellsboro Workforce Development

Practical Nursing Information Session to Be Held in Potter County

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Outreach Practical Nursing Program, based in the Wellsboro Area School District, will host a free information session for those interested in nursing as a career.

The session will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, in the Potter County Education Council building, 5 Water St., Coudersport. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation.

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