Manufacturing students in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, receive a broad education in metalworking and fabrication. They learn measurement tools and systems, blueprint reading, safety, hand tools, manual machines, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, welding, and all the associated mathematics involved in becoming well-rounded metalworking technicians.
This program was initially funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, in collaboration with the Bucks County Workforce Investment Board, and supported by local industrial manufacturers. Bucks County Community College (BCCC) offers the Metalwork Training program, teaching in-demand skills in accelerated, 12-week cohorts. It is impossible to learn all that there is to learn in 12 weeks. But BCCC students exit the program prepared to learn on the job, in a manufacturing facility, under the tutelage of experienced and skilled metalworkers.
A local manufacturing committee was formed to determine the strengths and challenges of the current workforce. And this committee drives the curriculum of the program. Mateen Afzal, former president and chief transformation officer at PDC Machines, Inc., stated, “We employed six students from the metalworking and industrial maintenance programs at Bucks County Community College. Their programs provide a solid foundation of skills.”
Competitive advantage
Kirk Palermo, vice president at Vacu Braze, got involved in the process after the first cohort graduated. “I saw the article in the local newspaper about the program and about the placement process of the students and I knew I just had to be involved.” He feels that the BCCC program gives learners an edge over the competition. “This is exactly what we need. It can be a struggle to get young people into manufacturing, and this program addresses that need.”
I asked Palermo what he looks for in the candidates that he hires, and he had this to say: “We look for candidates who like to work with their hands and minds and who possess all of those employability skills.” Employability skills include reliability, responsibility, collaboration, leadership, communication, and respect.
There are two instructors to cover all aspects of metalworking and fabrication, Joe Coates and Ed Wenclewicz. The instructors both have impressive education and experience in their fields. They are passionate about what they know, and they teach with enthusiasm, which carries over to student learning.
“I grew up in a do-it-yourself household; I was always learning and working with my hands and my mind. Previously, I was working two jobs trying to provide for me and my loved ones. Then I got a message about this program! And I wanted to move on to improved opportunities.
“Over the course of 12 weeks, I learned more than I thought I would. I passed my first certification exam, and I couldn’t be happier about my future.” –Antonio L.
A period of transition
“Our skilled workforce is graying,” said Palermo. “Manufacturing employers want to foster a perfect blend of experienced and new employees. This balance allows for a smoother transition as people retire.”
The program may also benefit recent secondary career and technical education pathway graduates. CTE completers of programs like welding and metal fabrication already have a significant foundation in their craft, and an extra 12 weeks of more broad and rigorous training can increase their wage-earning potential. Also, being able to say they have “some college experience” will make them more marketable to employers.
Learners in the BCCC Metalwork Training program may earn 12 college credits in 12 weeks to prepare for entry-level positions in manufacturing. Training is free for individuals who meet eligibility requirements. And one-on-one job placement assistance is given to all who complete the program, resulting in a placement rate over 90%. Students may also earn stackable credentials that include:
- Intro to Manufacturing, OSHA 10, Forklift and Public Safety
- Hand Tool Use
- Shop Math and Measurement
- Blueprint Reading and AutoCAD
- Machining
- Welding
- Workplace and Employability Skills
- Personal Finance
“I went the college route but I could not find a path that suited my interests, and I always loved making things with my hands. So, I decided to start the metalworking program. In that class, I learned many new skills, such as precision measurement, and how to work with many manual machines. I am confident that the new skills I picked up will help me in my career.” –Josh F.
Thomas Viviano, Ph.D., is an educator and a frequent Techniques contributor.
