Empowering Communities: Westmoreland’s Business Partnerships are Driving Workforce Development
January 28, 2025Westmoreland County Community College (Westmoreland) has long been committed to providing educational opportunities that directly benefit both individuals, companies and the community. One of the key ways the college is fulfilling its mission is by collaborating with local businesses and organizations to meet the workforce training needs of the region. These partnerships foster local economic growth while equipping residents with the skills needed to secure family-sustaining jobs and fill vital open positions.
In recent years, Westmoreland has worked closely with a variety of companies to provide customized training programs tailored to the needs of their employees. These partnerships are more than just professional development opportunities—they are key to building a stronger, more skilled workforce that can drive business expansion across the county.
Local companies have expressed their appreciation for the college’s role in improving their workforce capabilities. Many businesses have shared their positive experiences working with Westmoreland to provide high-quality training in a range of areas.
“Westmoreland provided OSHA safety training on First Aid, Fire Extinguishers, Medical Trauma, AED and EPI Pen usage,” stated Dr. Robert Mayfield, Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station. “Following this training, our company received the OSHA VPP Star Award and the PA Governor’s Excellence in Safety Award. We would recommend other companies work with Westmoreland to meet their training needs.”
Westmoreland’s dedication to supporting local businesses also extends beyond traditional training programs. The college has been an invaluable partner for the Fayette County Community Action Agency (FCCAA), an organization that has worked with Westmoreland for more than two decades.
“Since the opening of Westmoreland’s Fayette Education Center, co-located on FCCAA's Campus of Services, the relationship between the two entities has flourished,” said Kimberly Hawk, CEO of FCCAA. “This long-standing collaboration has enabled the FCCAA to provide a wide range of educational resources and opportunities to the residents they serve, strengthening the community as a whole.”
“Over the past year, Westmoreland and FCCAA have teamed up to offer computer basics, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel classes tailored to residents aged 55 and older,” stated Hawk. “These classes have seen great success, with more than 30 participants benefiting from enhanced digital literacy. Participants have not only gained valuable technical skills but have also experienced an increased sense of confidence in their ability to navigate the digital world.”
Westmoreland’s partnerships with local businesses and organizations like FCCAA and Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region. By tailoring educational programs to the specific needs of local companies and communities, Westmoreland County Community College, along with community colleges across the Commonwealth, are helping to build a skilled, adaptable workforce that will drive Pennsylvania’s economic success for years to come.