Pennsylvania College of Technology receives $2 million grant for welding program

Pennsylvania College of Technology has received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand its Avco-Lycoming Metal Trades Center.The Economic Development Administration grant, combined with a $3 million match from the college, will approximately double the size of welding instructional space to more than 40,000 sq. ft. and support an additional 60 students annually.

Penn College offers a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology, associate degrees in welding technology and metal fabrication technology, and a certificate in welding. There are currently about 350 welding students at the school.

“For generations, our welding department has produced graduates essential to the manufacturing workforce. Today, the need for skilled technical workers is acute,” said Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost. “The grant ensures that more students will be given the opportunity to earn rewarding careers and fill that void.”

“Our graduates have a nearly 100 percent job-placement rate, and the demand for their skill set is only going to increase in the coming years with an aging welding workforce eyeing retirement,” said David R. Cotner, dean of industrial, computing, and engineering technologies.

The college estimates the construction project will create 23 jobs, including additional faculty and staff to support the new students. Several manufacturers have donated $448,864 worth of equipment in anticipation of the project. The college hopes for more private investment during the expansion.

Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall or early spring, with completion expected in spring 2019.