'Industry Day' connects pre-apprenticeship students with manufacturers

Published 05.29.2019

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Encouraged by West Pharmaceutical Services training supervisor Tiffany Loner-Diemer, Jersey Shore student Evan Fink dons the garb required to work in West’s clean manufacturing environment.Dylan Berguson likewise complies with the West dress code – complete with “moon boots” – to the delight of classmates. Modern manufacturing is extolled in a video shown by Michele Edwards (at podium), human resources manager at First Quality Enterprises. Following formal presentations by the companies, students could engage in small meet-and-greet sessions with the representatives. Tina Clark, human resources manager with the Lancaster County-based Conestoga Wood Specialties, tells students that “this is not your grandfather’s woodshop.” Kit Kats and conversation! The Hershey Co.’s Chad Brownell (right), technical assurance manager, discusses opportunities at the company’s Hazleton plant.Four employers met with more than a half-dozen Jersey Shore Area High School juniors and seniors Wednesday as Penn College Workforce Development hosted an "Industry Day" for students in its advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program. Representatives of the Hershey Co., West Pharmaceutical Services, First Quality Enterprises and Conestoga Wood Specialties each provided an overview of their respective operations, corporate culture and career pathways, then networked with members of the group. (Students from Central Mountain High School were unable to attend.) This year is a grant-funded pilot for the college's pre-apprenticeship program, and Christopher P. Ray, Workforce Development’s executive director for business development, said he hopes the 2019-20 program broadens participation by businesses and school districts alike.