Nearly 25 high school students from Lawrence County were celebrated on June 20 for completing Penn College of Technology’s (PCT) Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a milestone that highlights the power of workforce development in Western Pennsylvania.
A No-Cost Opportunity to Explore High-Demand Careers
Funded through a U.S. Department of Labor grant, the program was offered free to students and organized locally by Forward Lawrence. With additional support from the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC), participants benefited from guest speakers, field trips to local employers and stipends for their time and effort.
Students representing Neshannock, LCCTC, Union, Laurel, Shenango and New Castle schools participated in the program. Thirteen of them earned the Certified Manufacturing-Associate credential from ToolingU, an industry-recognized milestone that adds value to their future resumes.
Industry Leaders Inspire and Invest in Local Youth
The event, held at the Lawrence County Courthouse, featured keynote speaker Judy Shaffer, retired President of ELLWOOD Specialty Metals. Shaffer encouraged students to embrace three essential traits: knowledge, effort and attitude.
“You can have all the knowledge in the world, but without effort and the right attitude, success is going to be a challenge,” she said.
Anna Barensfeld, VP of Strategic Initiatives at ELLWOOD and board president of LMMC, emphasized her ongoing commitment to youth, community and workforce development.
Real-World Career Pathways Take Shape
The impact of the program is already visible. Parent Erin Miller praised LCCTC and shared how her daughter, Jhenavesza, secured an apprenticeship with Veka Plastics and will compete nationally in Atlanta. Another student, Hayden Daviduk, landed a welding job through connections made during hands-on labs.
Nathan Hill, a rising senior at Laurel High School, enrolled in the program to explore his options.
“I’m still figuring things out, but now I’m seriously considering manufacturing,” Hill said. “It really opened my eyes.”
Expanding Opportunities in Manufacturing Education
With about 40 guests in attendance, including family, educators and employers, the event showcased how career-focused pre-apprenticeship programs can shape brighter futures for local students. Plans are underway to expand the initiative to Mercer County, further increasing access to advanced manufacturing education.
This program is proof that when schools, employers, and community organizations work together, students gain more than knowledge. They gain direction.
