Labor & Industry Secretary visits career and technology center in Latrobe

Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak toured the Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center (EWCTC) in Latrobe on Feb. 6 and discussed the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and Governor Tom Wolf’s PAsmart program.

“Building a world-class workforce is a priority for Governor Tom Wolf,” Oleksiak said. “Investments in career and technical education programs like these at EWCTC are crucial to providing students with the hands-on skills they need for successful careers, and local employers with a job-ready workforce that will help them thrive.”

Wolf’s recently revealed budget proposal includes continued funding for PAsmart, which invests in skills training, apprenticeships, and science and technology education.

Oleksiak visited some of EWCTC’s job training programs, including the health occupations technology program, the culinary arts program and the machine tool technology program.

“EWCTC is among the highest achieving part-time CTC’s in the state,” Todd Weimer, administrative director of EWCTC, said. “Last year alone, students earned 680 industry certifications. We are extremely proud of our students and appreciative of the support that we receive from our sending districts and industry partners.”

EWCTC is a part-time career and technology center serving more than 575 students from the Greater Latrobe, Derry Area and Ligonier Valley school districts. It offers 15 programs in five career clusters including automotive, construction, communications and information technology, manufacturing and human services.