Washington County career center receives state funding

The state’s Manufacturing Training-to-Career program recently awarded the Western Area Career and Technology Center (WACTC) in Washington County with $112,262 in funding.

WACTC plans to use the funding to expand its Machine Shop instruction. It will do this by teaching computer numerical control (CNC) operation to the center’s high school carpentry students and CareerLink intergenerational adult trainees.

“In an effort to ensure ongoing access to state-of-the-art equipment and training, this grant provides Western Area CTC a great opportunity to strengthen its existing programs through the purchase of a CNC machine and accessories that will increase training and employment opportunities for our students and enhance the needs of our community,” Dennis McCarthy WACTC Executive director, said.

Machining students and carpentry students will share the CNC machine. Students will learn how to set up the machine, operate and maintain it, and troubleshooting. They also will learn how the machine applies to their respective industry.

In Southwestern Pennsylvania, positions in the Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operations field are in demand. Statewide, the field is estimated to grow 3.9 percent long term.

The training students receive helps prepare them for post-secondary education and/or employment.

The Manufacturing Training-to-Career program helps companies identify and train a skilled workforce through targeted programs and services.