Students' Job Readiness Aided by Donation, Training Recognition

When representatives of Allison Transmission, Division of General Motors, and Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison donated another $7,500 to Pennsylvania College of Technology recently, they also brought along something just as valuable: recognition of the College's Diesel Technology program as a training tool for industry technicians.

"The funds will be used to purchase specialty tools and equipment and to support faculty technical training," explained Dr. Wayne L. Longbrake, dean of the School of Natural Resources Management at Penn College. "This assistance will help develop our students into technicians with the technical skills required to service Allison transmissions."

Tom Pratt, territory manager-Allison Transmission for Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison, added: "Any student successfully completing the Diesel Technology course, which includes an overhaul course on the Allison MD product, will be recognized by Allison Transmission and Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison within Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison's area of responsibility as having 'current' training on the MD product line. In the past, such students who were employed by either Penn DDA or any of their many franchised dealers in Pennsylvania or western New York had to complete additional training for Allison certification."

Pratt said the recognition, based on a thorough curriculum review of Penn College's Allison Transmission course, "enhances the value of your students when they come out of school they're better prepared and more valued because they can go into the Allison market, which produces 350,000-400,000 transmissions each year."

The $7,500 donation was made this year in memory of longtime Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison employee Terry Buck, a branch manager for the firm who died recently. Buck, of Hummelstown, started his career with Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison in 1968, serving as a mechanic/roadman, engine shop foreman and service manager before being promoted to branch manager in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Charlene, and two sons, Jason and Ryan.

The contribution augments previous contributions of $7,500 and $12,500 by Allison Transmission, Division of General Motors, and Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison.

Presenting the check to the College, in addition to Pratt, were Dennis J. Dolan, vice president of engine and transmission sales for Penn Detroit Diesel-Allison; and Tai A. Tran, account manager for the Eastern Region of Allison Transmission.

For more information about the Diesel Program at Penn College, call the School of Natural Resources Management at (570) 320-8038, or access on the Web.