Penn College Students Earn Industry Certifications

Pennsylvania College of Technology students representing seven different majors recently proved their mastery of computer aided drafting and design software programs by passing certification exams.

Fifty-two students successfully completed the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam and one student earned Autodesk Inventor Professional certification. SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor are industry-standard 3-D parametric software programs used primarily within the engineering drafting and design profession.

“Two years ago, we completely revised our curriculum to closely align with current industry standards and technology,” said J.D. Mather, assistant professor of engineering design technology. “Our enrollment in the engineering design program has substantially increased since these changes were made. This year, we more than doubled the number of students who successfully completed the exams. I am very pleased with the increase in certified users. The certification is an external validation that our curriculum is meeting industry standards.”



The engineering design technology department administered the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam. The college offers an associate degree in engineering CAD technology and a bachelor’s in engineering design technology. Both degrees provide hands-on learning in drafting and product design using CAD-based software. Most of the students who took the exam are in those two majors or engaged in related CAD coursework.

Five of the successful test-takers are enrolled in Penn College NOW, a dual-enrollment program that allows high school students to earn college credits. Approved teachers at the student’s home high school or career and technology center teach the classes.

Milton Area Senior High School students Morgan L. Hayes, Thomas M. Snyder III and Dylan M. Willow, and Central Mountain High School students Chadd W. Miller and Reed C. Willar passed the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam.

Penn College students who passed the same test are engineering CAD technology majors: Bryan C. Becker, Tafton; Reed C. Bidlack, Ulster; Tyler L. Capece, Catawissa; Colby T. Crissinger, Winfield; John P. Donovan, Warren; Logan J. Finsterbush, Mifflinburg; Cody S. Hackenberry, Yeagertown; Travis V. Hickey, Bedford; Long H. Nguyen, Hughesville; Austin S. Saxer, Rome; Briana L. Sheehan, Windber; Andrew W. Tasker, Corry; and James Wilson, Auburn.

Engineering design technology majors: Jack P. Baylis, Center Valley; Brandon A. Biesecker, Waynesboro; Kevin E. Bowersox, Selinsgrove; Nicholas R. Cassidy, Seymour, Connecticut; Luke E. Clay, Rockwood; Rick A. Day II, Tyrone; Luke M. Gilar, Temple; John M. Good IV, Williamsport; William C. Hayden, Greensburg; Adam C. Hoffman, Williamsport; Denise R. Holland, Montoursville; Gage M. Hoy, Mill Hall; Adam L. King, Aspers; Daniel M. Kulp, Quakertown; Kyle R. Landis, Telford; Francis J. Quigley, Coatesville; Vidur M. Ramlall, Dushore; Brandon T. Russell, Nottingham; Benjamin T. Steimling, Danville; Arley D. Urton, Weedville; and Christopher J. Wolfe, Pottstown.

Industrial and human factors design majors: Jeffrey L. Bennett Jr., Clifton Park, New York; Nicolas J. Krupka, Allentown; Collin J. Mikkelsen, Bristow, Virginia; Michael R. Perkins, Clinton, New Jersey; Benjamin D. Rubinstein, Nanticoke; Anthony D. Sipe, York; and Joshua K. Yelinek, Slatington.

Welding and fabrication engineering technology majors: Scott F. Hutton, Williamsport; Aaron J. Parko, Bloomsburg; and Dylan L. Swank, Elysburg.

Also passing the exam were automated manufacturing technology major Matthew J. Horner, Marion; electronics and computer engineering technology major Brandon L. Lonaberger, Narvon; and manufacturing engineering technology major Taylor W. Lewis, Dunmore.

Engineering design technology major Robert J. Heinrich, Muncy Valley, successfully completed the Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional exam, which was administered by Workforce Development & Continuing Education at Penn College. The college is an Autodesk authorized training and certification center.

For information on the engineering design technology program and other majors offered by the college’s School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

For information about the college’s bachelor’s degree in industrial and human factors design offered by the School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications, call 570-327-4521.

For information regarding Penn College NOW, which offers free tuition for courses in more than 25 career areas, call 570-320-8003.

For more about Penn College, email Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.