Bucks Helps Launch More Careers with Job Training Programs

Bucks County Community College recently recognized the fourth class to complete its Industrial Maintenance Training Program. Celebrating their achievements are (back row, left-right) Tim Rosica of Doylestown, Kevin Howell of Bristol, Sean Carroll of Levittown, Sean Killeen of Warminster, Sean Kurtz of Langhorne, Kameron Edwards of Bristol, and instructor Robert Viviano; (front row, left-right) David Neithercott of Churchville, instructor Donna Cubberly, Robert Hambrecht of Doylestown, Ian Hill of Red Hill, and Joseph Martin of Langhorne (not pictured: Aiden Sina of Warminster). The students completed the 12-week certificate program funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. For more information, call the Center for Workforce Development at 215-968-8364.

Bucks County Community College, whose Center for Workforce Development supports the economic development of both individuals and businesses, has recognized 11 students who graduated from the fourth session of its Industrial Maintenance Training Program.

The students were honored at a December 1, 2017 ceremony at the college’s Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks in Bristol Township. Since the program’s inception a year ago, all graduates have received offers for employment, according to Susan Herring, interim executive director of workforce development.

“Our job-training programs have been life-changing for so many people,” said Herring.

“For example, one of our students had recently been laid off after his position had become automated. After going through our grant-funded Industrial Maintenance Training Program, he was able to secure a new job, while maintaining his previous wage.”

Another success story is Kameron Edwards of Bristol, Pa., a former police officer from Arizona who had been working part-time as a security guard.

“Kameron has already accepted a position with a local employer,” said Herring. “He’s very excited about having a new career and the future he will now be able to provide for his young family.”

In addition to industrial maintenance training, the Center for Workforce Development offers metalwork training. With a 94% job-placement rate across both programs, graduates are qualified for well-paying entry-level jobs in manufacturing and maintenance.

Both programs were developed by the college in partnership with local manufacturers in an effort to address the shortage of skilled labor. The free training is provided by the college through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

Bucks is now seeking students for the metalwork training program that begins February 5. Although the training is free, students must first meet certain criteria to qualify. To learn more about the program, contact Stephanie Wenger at 215-968-8478 or stephanie.wenger@bucks.edu.

To learn more about Bucks County Community College’s Center for Workforce Development, visit www.bucks.edu/cwd.

Here's a list of some local graduates from Industrial Maintenance Training: